an' wrong to say what I did aboot Jorth." No one had any chance to reply to Isbel, for the Jorth gang, as if to make up for lost time and surcharged feelings of shame, renewed the attack with such a persistent and furious volleying that the defenders did not risk a return shot.

They all had to lie flat next to the lowest log in order to keep from being hit.

Bullets rained in through the window.

And all the clay between the logs low down was shot away.
This fusillade lasted for more than an hour, then gradually the fire diminished on one side and then on the other until it became desultory and finally ceased.
"Ahuh! Shore they've shot their bolt," declared Gaston Isbel.
"Wal, I doon't know aboot that," returned Blaisdell, "but they've shot a hell of a lot of shells." "Listen," suddenly called Jean.

"Somebody's yellin'." "Hey, Isbel!" came in loud, hoarse voice.