A DEAFENING EXPLOSION. 223 



across the fire ; an' we'll see how yer likes that per- 

 fumery." 



Suiting the action to the word, Jake seized the savage 

 by the arm ; when, quick as light, the latter sprang 

 from his sitting posture, flung the large horn into the 

 fire, and rushed towards the canoe, into which he leaped, 

 and with the impetus of his motion sent the light craft 

 skimming out into the stream. 



At the same instant a deafening explosion took place, 

 and flaming logs and sparks shot into the air, while 

 clouds of smoke and ashes hung above the spot, con- 

 cealing within their thick wreaths the figures of the 

 trappers, and indeed the whole camp. 



From witihin their dun folds could be heard the wild 

 exclamations of old Jake. 



"The all-fired skunk has blown my daylights out 

 clur through my neck. Plumcentre, my leetle 

 woman, whur ar yer ? Ef I'd only my claws on that 

 bit o' iron, I'd make fire streak through that varmint's 

 brain-pan." 



As the smoke and ashes subsided, both Pierre and 

 Gaultier were visible rubbing their eyes, and each in 

 his own fashion expressing his feelings. 



" It is astonishing," said Pierre, " that we have 

 escaped so well as we have done. There must have 

 been at least a pound of powder in that horn, and I 

 can hardly conceive how we escaped being blown to 

 pieces." 



"It had too much room to bust up in," said Jake, 



