“Nay, mester, I—”

“Tell me directly,” cried Uncle Jack, giving the chain a drag and making Gentles yell out; “tell me directly, or I’ll pitch you into the dam.”

Uncle Jack’s manner was so fierce that the man moaned out feebly:

“If I tell’ee wilt tek off the trap?”

“Perhaps I will. Speak out. Where did you mean to put the powder can?”

“Under big watter-wheel, mester.”

“And fire the fuse?”

“Yes, mester.”

“How long would it have burned?”

“Twenty minutes, mester.”