Part 43 (1/2)
”We must have done some damage,” said Hal quietly.
Colonel Anderson did not reply; but stepping forward behind the improvised barricade, again levelled his revolver and fired twice.
”Think I got a couple that trip,” he remarked.
He glanced around the room quickly.
”Back in the corners,” he instructed. ”They'll probably try to rush us this time.”
He had predicted correctly.
For a moment there was silence without; but suddenly there came a wild yell and a score of Austrians dashed forward to force an entrance to the shack.
”Make every shot count!” cried Hal.
The occupants of the cabin waited until the foe was in plain sight and then four revolvers spoke once. As many men dropped in their tracks--for at that distance a miss was practically impossible; but the other Austrians came on.
Again four revolvers spoke; and this time only three men dropped. A third volley from the occupants of the cabin accounted for two. The Austrians hesitated.
”We're wasting bullets,” declared Hal. ”One is enough for each man. Uncle John, you take the man on the far left, Chester, you the one next to him, Colonel Anderson, the third is for you. I'll take the man on this side.”
”A good idea,” replied the colonel. ”One bullet for one Austrian. That's all each is worth.”
As the Austrians, after a moment of hesitation, pressed forward once more, the weapons of the four friends spoke twice in rapid succession with greater effect.
This was enough for the enemy--for the time being, at least. They drew off and the occupants of the shack had time for a breathing spell and an opportunity to reload their weapons.
”They'll be back in a few minutes,” declared Colonel Anderson. ”Their officers will not let them give up as long as we are here.”
”Well, we'll be ready for them,” said Chester grimly.
”So we will, Chester,” declared Hal. He turned to Uncle John. ”Well, what do you think of this kind of a life, sir?” he asked.
Uncle John smiled faintly.
”It's not so bad,” he replied. ”It's a little strange to me, but you notice I have been able to fire a gun. I guess I'll get used to it in time.”
”You are a brave and cool-headed man, sir,” declared Colonel Anderson. ”I do not believe I was half so cool my first time under fire.”
”If you really knew how scared I was, you wouldn't say that,” was Uncle John's reply.
A hail from outside interrupted further talk.
”What do you suppose they want now?” asked Hal.
”Don't know,” replied the colonel briefly. ”We'll see.” He raised his voice in a shout.
”What do you want?” he demanded in German.
”Want to have a talk with you,” was the reply.