I gave a dozen swift orders, and Miles instantly took command.

The imprisoned bodies were dragged out from underneath the door, the heavy log taken into the hall, the door itself torn from its remaining hinges and forced back into position, the log, one end resting against the stairs, being utilized as a brace.

If anything it was now stronger than before for purposes of defence.

We had barely completed this work when Mahoney came out into the hall, his head bound up with a blood-soaked rag.
"A foine, lively shindy, Leftenant," he said, grinning amiably.

"Bedad, but Oi thought they had us that last toime--Oi did that." He glanced about curiously.