lence all believed the men had made their escape, but yet it
would not be wise to take that for granted.

Harvey raised his weapon, looked around to make certain his companions
were ready to join in the assault, and then whispered:

"Now! Strike together, and keep it up till something gives way."

The words had hardly been spoken when the heavy sticks of wood were
launched against the door, and before a second blow could be given the
report of a revolver rang out sharp and angry on the night air.

"We have got them!" the detective shouted triumphantly, for there was
no reason why they should remain silent. "Work quickly, boys!"

Again and again were the blows delivered, causing the barrier to
splinter and creak on its hinges, and the fusillade of shots was kept
up during this portion of the task.

The assaulting party were so near within the shadow of the building
that those inside, who appeared to be in the upper story, could not
take good aim without exposing themselves, and the bullets fled wide of
their mark.

Crash! Crash!

With each blow portions of the door were splintered off, until, before
one hardly had time to count twelve from the beginning of the assault,
the besiegers had free access to the building.

"Let one stay here and the others follow me!" Harvey cried, as he drew
his revolver and rushed at full speed up the ladder.

Jet was close at his heels. He intended to take a man's part in the
capture, and for the time being all thought of danger was forgotten.

The firing had come from the front room, and there Harvey ran after
gaining the upper floor.

"Stand back, Jet, they're bound to shoot when the door is opened," he
said as he halted before the second barrier.

"I'll take my share of it," the boy replied, and he pressed forward for
the honor of entering first, but Harvey pushed him back quickly as he
laid his hand on the wooden latch.

To the surprise of both the door yielded readily to the hand, instead
of being locked, as was supposed.

Harvey sprang in and Jet stepped so close behind as almost to tread on
his leader's heels.

One man stood in the center of the apartment brandishing a revolver,
which he discharged full at the detective.

The latter had stooped suddenly on entering, and the bullet buried
itself in the woodwork above his head.

Quick as thought Harvey threw himself forward, overturning the defender
of the house and causing him to lose his weapon.

"Stand gua