Then Lydia dipped the mould in a bucket of water, removed it and knocked it on the floor.

A small, shiny lead bullet rolled out.

She rubbed it with a greasy rag and then dropped it in a jar.

For nearly forty hours, without sleep or rest, almost without food, those brave girls had been at their post.
Silas Zane came running into the room.

His face was ghastly, even his lips were white and drawn.
"Sullivan, in God's name, what can we do?
The powder is gone!" he cried in a strident voice.
"Gone ?" repeated several voices.
"Gone ?" echoed Sullivan.