By this time we were out on the street and stalking after the rascally quartette, who moved on close to the low, overhanging buildings.
There was an electric light on the corner, but instead of burning brightly it fizzed and spluttered as such lights often do. The authorities had great trouble in keeping them lit at all, as many reckless men tried to turn the whole of Manila in darkness, that they might plunder the houses and stores with impunity.
"There are our offices!" whispered Dan, pointing to them. "See, the four men are moving through the alleyway."
"Let us kape 'em out of the buildin'!" whispered Matt Gory. "Come on, we'll knock 'em out at the first round, so we will!"
He started on a run, and before either Dan or I could stop him, had tackled the first of the would-be plunderers. Crash! down came the heavy club, and the Spaniard sank down, almost overcome.
The others turned in surprise and set up a low shout. Then, with several vile exclamations, they hurled themselves on Matt Gory and bore him to earth.
This was more than Dan or I could stand, and we leaped in, and blows from our sticks rained down thickly. I hit one Spaniard over the head and another on the shoulder, and then slipped
