uld hear the
senora weeping, but for at least three hours this was all he
heard.

Then he heard a distinct "S-s-s-s," which was the signal agreed
upon between him and the senora if she heard anything unusual.

In an instant he was on the alert. Yes, he was sure he heard
footsteps near the gate, without. Then there were some minutes of
silence, then the hiss of a fuse and a moment later an explosion
which blew the gate from its hinges.

CHAPTER XII.

A NIGHT ATTACK.

Realizing in an instant that the hiss of the fuse, like the
rattle of the snake, betokened danger, Donald drew hastily back
into the patio in time to be out of reach of the explosion which
splintered the gate and tore it from its hinges.

Then, with finger on trigger, he awaited the coming of the foe.

It was a tense moment and the boy's heart beat fast. He had been
in many trying situations, but never in one where the safety of
so many others seemed to depend upon him.

He heard the sound of oncoming feet and intuitively threw himself
upon the ground behind a little stone paling which surrounded a
dismantled fountain.

The act undoubtedly saved his life, for an instant later there
was a scattering volley and he could hear the bullets hit against
the stone wall of the house behind him.

In an instant he pressed the trigger and a yell which followed
gave evidence that the bullet found a mark.

He fired again, but evidently without effect, and a minute later
a light at one side of the patio told him that the enemy, or a
part of them at least, were inside the gate.

As the light flared up Donald fired again, but again without
avail; but a moment later the cannon on the roof spoke.

"So," he thought, "Billie and Mr. Black are at last awake."

At the report of the cannon the light went out and there was the
rush of scurrying feet, followed by a shout.

The shout indicated that those within the patio had withdrawn to
the other side of the gate.

Feeling sure that the patio was now free of the enemy for a time
at least, Donald retreated in the dark to the house and was soon
inside. At the first landing he encountered Josie, sitting on a
step with a ready revolver. He was able to see her by the dim
light of an oil lamp which hung from the ceiling.

"Where are the others?" he asked.

"On the roof. They are trying to locate the enemy."

Donald ascended to the roof.

"I have a plan," he said, "which will enable us to get in another