"We'll wind up the snipers!" What a yell went up from two score of throats as the sailormen piled after their officers and thronged the stairs! It was a free-for-all race to the top of the second flight of stairs.

Over the skylight opening lay a wooden covering tightly secured in place.
"Come on, my hearties! Smash it!" yelled Trent, heaving his own broad shoulders against the obstruction.
After the skylight cover was smashed the Mexican soldiers would once more have the advantage.

Only a man at a time could reach the roof.

It ought not to be difficult for the defenders to pick off a Navy man at a time as the Americans sprang up.
At last the covering gave way.
"Pile up, all hands, as rapidly as you can come!" yelled Lieutenant Trent.

"Officers first!" "Officers first!" echoed Dave and Dan in a breath, all the military longing in their hearts leaping to the surface.
Then up they went, into the jaws of massacre!.