Humphrey immediately
called Holdfast and opened the door of the room, for he thought that a
man forcing his way in would be driven back or held by the dog, and he
and Pablo dared not leave the two doors. Watch, the other dog,
followed Holdfast into the bedroom; and oaths and curses, mingled with
the savage yells of the dogs, told them that a conflict was going on.
Both doors were now battered with heavy pieces of timber at the same
time, and Pablo said,
"Great many robbers here."
A moment or more had passed, during which Pablo and Humphrey had both
again fired their guns through the door, when, of a sudden, other
sounds were heard--shots were fired outside, loud cries, and angry
oaths and exclamations.
"The intendant's people are come," said Humphrey, "I am sure of it."
Shortly afterward Humphrey heard his name called by Edward, and he
replied, and went to the door and undid the barricades.
"Get a light, Alice, dear," said Humphrey, "we are all safe now. I
will open the door directly, Edward, but in the dark I can not see the
fastenings."
"Are you all safe, Humphrey?"
"Yes, all safe, Edward. Wait till Alice brings a light,"
Alice soon brought one, and then the door was unfastened. Edward
stepped over the body of a man which lay at the threshold, saying--
"You have settled somebody there, at all events," and then caught
Edith and Alice in his arms.
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