Either they were still crouching against the wall, or had slipped back to the forest.

But he saw enough to tell him that the night was growing cloudy, and that the air was damp.
Presently rain fell in a slow drizzle, but Henry still watched at the loophole, and soon he caught a glimpse of two parallel rows of men bearing something heavy, and approaching the cabin.

They had secured a tree trunk, and would batter down the door; but they must come within range, and Henry smiled to himself.

Then he beckoned to Paul to come to his side.
"Bring me your two rifles," he whispered.

"This is the only place from which we can reach them now, and I want you to pass me the loaded guns as fast as I can fire them." Paul came and stood ready, although his mind rebelled once more at the need to shoot.