They took it as the latter, and turned to the door.
"Stop!" I cried; "I shoot the first man who opens the door." In wonder they turned on me.

I stood facing them, revolver in hand.
They waited huddled together for an instant, then made a rush at me; I fired, but missed.

I had a vision of a poised decanter; a second later, the missile caught me in the chest and hurled me back against the wall.

As I fell I dropped my weapon, and they were upon me.

I thought it was all over; but as they surged round, in the madness of drink and anger, I, looking through their ranks, saw the door open and a crowd of men rush in.