Don't fire till they reach the foot of the stair.' 'I cannot hear you,' said he, for the din beneath, where they battered at the door, was now deafening.
'They'll be in in another moment--there, the lock has fallen off--the door has given way,' whispered she; 'be steady now, no hurry--steady and calm.' As she spoke, the heavy oak door fell to the ground, and a perfect silence succeeded to the late din.

After an instant, muttering whispers could be heard, and it seemed as if they doubted how far it was safe to enter, for all was dark within.

Something was said in a tone of command, and at the moment one of the party flung forward a bundle of lighted straw and tow, which fell at the foot of the stairs, and for a few seconds lit up the place with a red lurid gleam, showing the steep stair and the iron bars of the little gate that crossed it.
'There's the iron wicket they spoke of,' cried one.

'All right, come on!' And the speaker led the way, cautiously, however, and slowly, the others after him.
'No, not yet,' whispered Kate, as she pressed her hand upon Walpole's.
'I hear voices up there,' cried the leader from below.

'We'll make them leave that, anyhow.' And he fired off his gun in the direction of the upper part of the stair; a quantity of plaster came clattering down as the ball struck the ceiling.
'Now,' said she.