There was a quick hissing sound of a burning fuse, and then a great puff.

Brown threw himself on his face and waited, but there was nothing more.

His two friends rushed to him and lifted him up.
"What, in Heaven's name, is it, Brown ?" cried French.
"Come away!" gasped Brown, stumbling down the ravine and dragging them with him.
Meantime, the whole hillside was in flames.

In the clear light of the blazing trees the Sergeant was seen riding his splendid horse at a hard gallop.

Soon after his appearing came Portnoff.
"What does all this mean ?" said French, looking around from one to the other with a dazed face.
Before they could answer, a voice clear and sonorous drew their eyes across the ravine towards Rosenblatt's cabin.