And I have a very particular desire to be even with that fellow, who is, I doubt not, at the bottom of all this." Soon the flames were rushing out in great sheets from the mill, and even in the wheel the heat of the atmosphere was considerable.
Presently a great crash was heard inside.
"There is a floor fallen," Rupert said.

"I think we may move now; those fellows will have made off secure that-- "Hullo! What's that ?" The exclamation was caused by a sudden creaking noise, and the great wheel began slowly to revolve.

The fall of the floor had broken its connection with the machinery in the mill, and left free, it at once yielded to the weight of the water in its buckets.
The supply of water coming down was small, and the wheel stiff from long disuse, therefore it moved but slowly.

The motion, however, threw both lads from their feet, and once down, the rotatory motion rendered it impossible for them to regain their feet.
After the first cry of surprise, neither spoke; across both their minds rushed the certainty of death.
How long the terrible time that followed lasted, neither of them ever knew.

The sensation was that of being pounded to death.