Darkness followed--a blank, thick, enveloping mantle.

Then red flashes of guns emphasized the blackness.

Inside the store there broke loose a pandemonium of shots, yells, curses, and thudding boots.

Jean shoved his rifle barrel inside the door and, holding it low down, he moved it to and fro while he worked lever and trigger until the magazine was empty.

Then, drawing his six-shooter, he emptied that.