They lay flat, protected in every possible way, and each man had an extra gun beside him, and a pile of cartridges.

Mahoney was in the parlor, and Miles in the hall, watchful of each movement without.

I gave them the instructions about withholding their fire, and, grasping a carbine myself, pushed forward to where I could see outside.

The troopers were already moving, advancing slowly in open order, but came to a halt just within carbine range.

At sharp command their guns came up, and they poured a volley into the house.