xt minute all doubt was at an end, for one of the men nearest the
door uttered a sharp ejaculation which resulted in the occupants of the
_padre's_ dwelling springing to their feet. Swords leapt from their
scabbards, and some of the men drew their cloaks about their left arms,
while others snatched pistols from their belts, and there followed the
sharp clicking of their locks.

It was evident they were on the alert for anticipated danger, and Pen's
eyes glistened, for he could hear no sound. But he noted one thing, and
that was that the booted and spurred individual in the cloak did not
stir from where he was seated upon the priest's stool by the fire.

Then, with a gesture of impatience, Pen saw him throw back his cloak and
put his hand to his belt to draw forth a pistol which refused to come.
Then with an angry word he gave a fierce tug, with the result that the
weapon came out so suddenly that its holder's arm flew up, the pistol
exploded with a loud crash, the bullet with which it was loaded passed
upward through the boarded ceiling, and Pen started and made a snatch at
the spot where his musket was propped up against the wall, while Punch
leaped from where he had crouched and came down again upon the
ill-fitting boards, which cracked loudly as if the boy were going
through.

CHAPTER THIRTY.

AN AWKWARD POSITION.

There was a burst of excitement, hurried ejaculations, and half-a-dozen
pistols were rapidly discharged by their holders at the ceiling; while
directly after, in obedience to a command uttered by one of the party, a
dash was made for the corner door, which was dragged open, and, sword in
hand, several of the men climbed to the loft. The boards creaked, there
was a hurried scuffle, and first Punch and then Pen were compelled to
descend into the room below, dragged before the leader, forced upon
their knees, and surrounded by a circle of sword-points, whose bearers
gazed at their leader, awaiting his command to strike.

The leader sank back in his seat, nursing the pistol he had accidentally
discharged. Then with his eyes half-closed he slowly raised it to take
aim at Pen, who gazed at him firmly and without seeming to blench, while
Punch uttered a low, growling ejaculation full of rage as he made a
struggle to escape, but was forced back upon his knees, to start and
wince as he felt the point of a sword touch his neck. Then he cried
aloud, "Never mind, comrade! Let 'em see we are Bri'sh sold