Even if this should not be the case, there is little fear of the powder coming in contact with the candles in these lanterns; and besides, as the powder is in cartridges, it would not leak out even if one of the barrels were to burst." The soldiers had set to work at four points, chosen at hazard by Desmond.

The barrels, as they were taken down, were ranged along on each side of the central path.

When three lines had been cleared out, one of the soldiers gave an exclamation.
"This is lighter than the one I carried out last!" he said.
"Carry it out into the courtyard," Desmond said.

"I should like to look at the contents." It was taken out to the courtyard, and one end carefully taken out.
"You see, Colonel," Desmond said, as he looked at its contents, "you would have been reduced to great straits, long before you expected it." The colonel, who belonged to the artillery, looked into the barrel, which was full of earth.
"Empty it out!" Desmond ordered.
They did so.

There was not a single cartridge in it.
"This is scandalous!" the colonel exclaimed.