The magazine was formed in what had formerly been an old castle, but which was now used for another purpose, that of a store, its thick walls affording protection against any but very heavy missiles.

On entering what had been the courtyard, Desmond saw that the greater portion of it was occupied by storehouses, massively built, and covered by some five or six feet of earth.
"The first of these on the right contains musketry ammunition," Colonel Mendez said, "the next two contain cannonballs; powder is stored in the three houses at the farther end, and the three on the left side contain hand grenades, fuses for mines, signal rockets, and other miscellanies, such as brimstone." "We will examine number one first," Desmond said.

"Which is the officer in charge ?" One of the officials stepped forward, with a key.

Desmond saw that his face was pale, and that he had a sullen look.
"I will ask you, before we enter," he said, "how often do you take stock of your stores?
I suppose when the governor sends in his half-yearly report ?" "We do not do it that way at all," the man said.

"I have a book.
It was given to me by the officer I succeeded.