The four covered practically the whole front of the ledge save where Mir Jan cleared a little space on the level.
The sailor was standing now, with the crowbar clenched in both hands.
The firing in the valley slackened and died away.

A Dyak face, grinning like a Japanese demon, appeared at the top of the ladder nearest to Iris.
"Don't fire!" shouted Jenks, and the iron bar crushed downwards.

Two others pitched themselves half on to the ledge.

Now both crowbar and revolver were needed.

Three ladders were thus cumbered somewhat for those beneath, and Jenks sprang towards the fourth and most distant.
Men were crowding it like ants.