Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/118

94 the value of this powder. If it could do no more than flash like the lightning, and go off in smoke—it might serve to make peasants stare and run, but could do little else. If it is thus left free, as I showed just now, it does but flash harmlessly. Now, let me show you something of its power when imprisoned. Lend me your knife, good Hugh."

Hugh handed the Friar his hunting-knife, which was always at his girdle, and the Franciscan again going to the fireplace brought back a thick stick as large round as a man's wrist. This he split into two halves lengthwise, and then carefully hollowed each piece as if it were a little boat.

Edgar and Hugh watched him with keen curiosity, without the slightest idea of what he meant to do, and were surprised to see him open the jar of powder once more, and fill the hollowed pieces of wood with the black substance. Then the Friar placed the stick together again, and put a bit of tarred yarn in between, cutting a little channel for it.

"Now, said the Friar, holding the sticks firmly together. "tie these as tightly as you can, Hugh, with a strong wrapping of cord, making all secure and firm."

Hugh obeyed and when it was done handed it