Then with iron chains and bars, which they took from Reihart's blacksmith shop, they bound and securely fastened the sides together.

They dragged the improvised cannon nearer to the Fort, placed it on two logs and weighted it down with stones.

A heavy charge of powder and ball was then rammed into the wooden gun.

The soldiers, though much interested in the manoeuvre, moved back to a safe distance, while many of the Indians crowded round the new weapon.

The torch was applied; there was a red flash--boom! The hillside was shaken by the tremendous explosion, and when the smoke lifted from the scene the naked forms of the Indians could be seen writhing in agony on the ground.