At the foot of the post he placed a cask holding about a hundred pounds of powder.
"And here is the charge," he added.
"But," asked Hatteras, "sha'n't we blow ourselves up at the same time?"
"No, we are far enough off from the explosion; besides, our house is solid; and if it is hurt a little we can easily repair it."
"Well," continued Altamont; "but how are you going to set it off?"
"This way. By pulling this cord we pull over the post which holds up the ice above the powder; the fox's body will suddenly be seen on the slope, and you must confess that the starving animals will rush upon this unexpected prey."
"Certainly."
"Well, at that moment I shall explode the mine, and blow up guest and dinner."
"Well, well!" exclaimed Johnson, who was listening eagerly.