He had taken less than a dozen steps when there came a Chinese yell and the crack of a rifle, and poor Gory pitched headlong. A rush to the forecastle followed.
"Back, Dan, it's our only chance," I cried. "They won't grant us any mercy if they catch us!" and we flew back into the passageway and to the cabin, locking the second door and barricading it like the first.
The Chinamen followed us along the passage and we heard them pounding on the doors for several seconds. But then came a call from the deck and the dull booming of the cannon we had before heard.
"That shooting means something," said Dan. "Oh if only the Concord has arrived!"
"With Tom Dawson and the rest of our friends on board!" I added.
The rush of footsteps on the deck continued, and we heard several Celestials in earnest consultation.
"They are up to something," whispered Dan. "Poor Brown! I wonder if he and Matt Gory are dead?"
"Captain Kenny will have much to answer for," I answered. "He is responsible for the whole muss."
We waited for a few minutes more. Then came another rush of footsteps and we heard the
