He rushed on, keeping his bead low in case the roof should lower again, and after a few paces entered a large cabin.

It was dimly illuminated by two torches stuck against the wall.

In a moment a number of figures rushed toward him with loud shouts; but before they reached him two of the soldiers stood by his side.
"Fire!" he shouted as he discharged his pistol, and at the same moment the soldiers beside him discharged their muskets.
A moment later he was engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand conflict.
Several firearms had flashed off almost in his face.

One of the soldiers fell with a sharp cry, but those who were following rushed forward.

Ralph narrowly escaped having his brains dashed out by a clubbed rifle, but springing back just in time he ran his opponent through before he could recover his guard.
Just at this moment a big man with a shock of red hair and a huge beard leveled a blunderbuss at him.