He rushed out of the room, just as his mother, alarmed by the sound, was running upstairs.
'They will carry him off before the funeral,' he cried, as his mother asked what was the matter.
Ashamed of his cowardice, he made an effort to return to the room, followed by his mother.

There was such a strong smell of sulphur that both recoiled.
'What fools we are!' exclaimed Howel, forcing himself to enter.

He stooped to examine the floor, and to his amusement and disgust, found the remains of a cracker, which had burst beneath his foot-tread.

There were several others scattered about, that had been unnoticed, because they looked simply like bits of paper.

These had evidently been placed by his father amongst the gold, in the hope of frightening any one who might wish to finger it, and had rolled out with the treasure they were intended to protect.
Mother and son again left the room, the latter locking the door as he did so, and putting the key in his pocket.