Some of the men had carried off the warders' swords as well as their muskets, and now used them for chopping wood.
As soon as a small pile of dried leaves was gathered the Captain broke a cartridge and sprinkled half its contents among them, and then dropped the remainder into his musket.

He flashed this off among the leaves, and a bright flame at once shot up, and in five minutes a fire was burning.
One of the sheep was soon cut up, the meat hacked in slices from the bones, a ramrod was thrust through the pieces, and, supported by four sticks, was laid across the fire.

Three other similarly laden spits were soon placed beside it, and in a short time the meat was ready for eating.

Until a hearty meal had been made there was but little talking.
"That is first rate," one of the men said, as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Now one only wants a pipe and bacca and a glass of grog, to feel comfortable." "Well, Captain, are you satisfied with the day's work ?" "It would have been a grand day had it not been for the soldiers passing just at the time.