CHAPTER III

COUNTING THE COST


Bart had quickly moved to one side of the cannon after lighting the
fuse, and was about twenty feet away when the explosion came.

The alarming echoes, the shock, flare and smoke combined to give him a
terrific sensation.

The crowd that had retreated down the hill in delightful trepidation now
came trooping back filled with a bolder excitement.

They had indeed "waked the natives," for gazing downhill against the
lights of the street and stores at its base they could see people
rushing outdoors in palpable agitation.

Some were staring up the hill in wonder and terror, others were starting
for its summit, among them two village officials, as demonstrated by the
silver stars they wore.

"They heard it--it woke 'em up, right enough!" shrieked little Sawyer
in a frenzy of happiness.

"Look yonder!" piped a second breathless voice. "Say, I thought I heard