CHAPTER II .-- THE ERUPTION.
Demdike went a little further down the hill, stopping when he came to the green patch.

He then plunged his staff into the sod at the first point where he had cast a tuft of heather, and with such force that it sank more than three feet.

The next moment he plucked it forth, as if with a great effort, and a jet of black water spouted into the air; but, heedless of this, he went to the next marked spot, and again plunged the sharp point of the implement into the ground.

Again it sank to the same depth, and, on being drawn out, a second black jet sprung forth.
Meanwhile the hostile party continued to advance up the dry channel before mentioned, and shouted on beholding these strange preparations, but they did not relax their speed.

Once more the staff sank into the ground, and a third black fountain followed its extraction.