One of the men carrying the beam fell, as did an officer who was leading them; but instantly another caught up the end of the timber, and in a moment a crowd were clustered round the door.

Several caught hold of the beam, and swung it as though they meant to use it as a battering ram.
Two more puffs of smoke spurted out from the loopholes, and again two of the men fell.

The others, however, swung it forward with a crash against the door.

The end of the beam went right through the rotten woodwork.

Dick and Surajah fired their last musket shots with as deadly effect as before.