"Let's go see if we can shut them.

Otherwise we shan't hold this place long." So we ran across to the further doors that were similar to those through which we had just fired, only larger, and as we met nobody to interfere with our efforts, found that the united strength of the three of us was just, only just, sufficient to turn first one and then the other of them upon its hinges and work the various bolts and bars into their respective places.

Two men could never have done the job, but being three and fairly desperate we managed it.

Then we retreated to our archway and, as nothing happened, took the opportunity to eat and drink a few mouthfuls, Quick remarking sagely that we might as well die upon full as upon empty stomachs.
When we had crossed the square the fog was thinning rapidly, but as the sun rose, sucking the vapours from the rain-soaked earth, it thickened again for awhile.
"Sergeant," said Orme presently, "these black men are bound to attack us soon.

Now is the time to lay a mine while they can't see what we are after." "I was just thinking the same thing, Captain; the sooner the better," replied Quick.