It was intolerable that these outlaws should attack people in their own homes.

Lying almost flat on the floor of the portico he reloaded his rifle and pistols.

As he raised his head to seek a new shot, a bullet tipped his ear, burning it like a streak of fire, and flattened against the wall behind him.

He fired instantly at the base of the flash and a cry of pain showed that the bullet had struck a human target.
Harry, in his excitement, raised himself a little for another shot, and a second bullet cut dangerously near.

A warning command came from his father, veteran warrior of the plains, to keep down, and he obeyed promptly.