There was silence for an instant, and then a chorus of shrieks and yells.
The powder barrels borne by the two first men had exploded, their heads having been knocked in previously to admit of their ignition.

Some thirty of the peasants were killed or terribly mutilated by the explosion, and the rest took to their heels in terror, leaving their wounded comrades on the ground.
The echoes of the explosion had scarce died away when a shout of terror broke from the main body of peasants, and Malcolm saw them flying in all directions.

An instant afterwards the ringing sound of the Swedish trumpets was heard, and a squadron of horse galloped down full speed.
The peasants attempted no resistance, but fled in all directions, hotly pursued by the Swedes, who broke up into small parties and followed the fugitives cross the country cutting down great numbers of them.

The Swedish leader at once rode up to the foot of the tower, where Malcolm had already sallied out.
"I am glad indeed I am in time, Captain Graheme; we have ridden without drawing rein since your messenger arrived at four o'clock this morning." "Thanks indeed, Captain Burgh," Malcolm replied.

"Your coming is most welcome; though I think we have given the peasants so hot a lesson that they would not have attacked us again, and by tightening our waistbelts we could have held on for another three or four days." "I see that you have punished them heavily," the Swedish officer said, looking round at the bodies; "but what was the explosion I heard ?" "You will see its signs behind the tower," Malcolm said as he led the way there.