shot. Load with shrapnel and I will see if I can't make some sort
of a light outside the gate. Be ready on the instant."

He ran downstairs and again crept out into the dark patio. He had
noticed in the afternoon that there were several bundles of straw
in the stable.

Taking one of these under his arm, he approached the angle in the
wall near the outer gate. He lighted a match and as the flame
caught the straw he flung the bundle over the wall, at the same
time darting inside the stable.

He had hardly found a safe position when the cannon spoke again
and evidently with telling effect.

But before those inside the walls had time to think, the enemy
rushed in, determined to capture the place.

In the dark they rushed to the house, but once under the gallery
which extended all around the inside of the patio, they produced
a light which enabled them to find the doors.

The light also enabled Donald to see those at the door and he
fired from the stable.

For a moment the fire in the rear disconcerted the enemy and
several fled, but others took possession of the doorway and
forced their way in.

The first one who entered fell by a bullet from Josie's revolver;
but realizing her weakness she jumped and fled to the floor
above, where she met her father coming down.

"They have gained possession of the house," Mr. Black told Billie
as he and the senora also descended from the roof. "We must now
guard the stairway. We should be able to hold it indefinitely."

This prediction seemed correct, as the first four or five men who
attempted to reach the second story never got more than their
heads above the floor.

After several trials of this sort, they withdrew and held a
council of war. The result was that a few minutes later a voice
called out from below:

"If you will surrender, your lives will be spared."

In reply Mr. Black shouted: "If you do not withdraw and leave us
in peace you will meet a fearful punishment."

His reply was greeted with jeers.

"I wonder how many of them there are?" queried Billie.

"Quite a bunch from the sound." Then, a moment later, "They seem
to be going out."

"Maybe they think we will come down," said Josie.

"But we must not," exclaimed the senora. "They would kill us.
Surely our friend must bring us aid soon."

"Let us hope so," was Mr. Black's reply.

And hope was the best they could do.

There was no further attack, although they could hear the sound
of voices in the