Stranleigh, exercising a care that seemed unnecessary with so big a target, fired out the cartridges of his magazine, then immediately restocked it, and shot away the second charge. Putting in a third load, he sat there with his customary nonchalance, awaiting the turn of events. In that clear atmosphere, and with his sharp vision, he saw that he had accomplished his intention, and had punctured the letter "S" on the panel of the open door.
Meanwhile, there was commotion in the bunk house. The first sharp report, accompanied by Jim's yell, woke every man within. The subsequent fusilade engendered a belief that the enemy was in possession of a Maxim gun, and brought every man to the floor, thankful that he was under better cover than if he stood behind the door, through the panel of which all the bullets had penetrated.
"How did he escape?" demanded one, addressing Jim, who was holding his left hand to his ear.
"I don't know," said the wounded man ruefully. "You can search me."
"Seems from that shooting that we'd better search outside. What in the fiend's name made him batter the door?"
"Sorry he left us, I suppose," muttered Dean, grimly. "Knocking because he wanted to come in again."
"Hanged if I know," said the questioned man, impatiently.
"But you were on guard. You ought to know something about it."
"Look here," said Jim. "There's no use in talking. He got out some way, and he's got his gun some way. He's holding us up, and we must make terms with him."
"I tell you I don't know! The bullet came from the direction of the mine. Now, one of you boys throw up your hands, and go outside and hail him."
At this command, Jim met the first rebellion against his authority.
"Go outside yourself. It is you who have brought all this upon us. You shot him through the shoulder; you proposed capturing him, and it was you who fell asleep last night and let him escape."
"All right," he said. "I'll go out, and you sit here and shiver while I enjoy a little conversation with him."
Raising his hands above his head, Dean stepped across the threshold into the open, and stood like an oriental about to begin his prayers. He saw at once the wall that had been built during the night, and then caught sight of Stranleigh standing behind it. Pulling out a white handkerchief, and waving it, Dean proceeded towards the mine.