Jimmy carried a torch, and as torch bearer he was a rank failure, for he had a careless way of turning it and flashing it into people's faces that compelled them to jump to save themselves.

Where the track lay clear and straight ahead the torch seemed to light it like day; but in dark places it was suddenly lowered or wavering somewhere else.

It was through this carelessness of Jimmy's that at the first cattle-guard north of the village the torch flickered backward, ostensibly to locate Dannie, and the Thread Man went crashing down between the iron bars, and across the gun.

Instantly Jimmy sprawled on top of him, and the next two men followed suit.

The torch plowed into the snow and went out, and the yells of Jimmy alarmed the adjoining village.
He was hurt the worst of all, and the busiest getting in marching order again.