A shadow appeared against the copper sky, and ran towards them down the hill.
For a moment nobody seemed to realise what was boding. Then they heard a shout that sounded like "Wait for me!" Naomi felt something rise in her throat and sear the roof of her mouth like a hot cinder. She tried to scream, but her parched tongue would not move. She staggered forward, but Reuben flung her back.
"Stop!" he shouted.
Harry did not seem to hear.
"Stop!" yelled Reuben again. Then he cried, "Stand back!" to the crowd, and ran towards his brother.
But it was too late. There was a sudden roar, a sheet of flame, a crash, a dreadful scream, and then a far more dreadful silence.
One or two flames sang out of a hole in the ground, but scarcely anything could be seen for the pall of smoke that hung over Boarzell, black, and evil-smelling. The fumes made men choke, then they shuddered and drew together, for through the smell of smoke and gunpowder came the horrible smell of burnt flesh.
Reuben was lying on his face a few yards in front of the others. For some seconds nobody moved. Then Backfield slowly raised himself on his arms.
"I'm not hurt," he said in a shaking voice.
"Harry!" cried Naomi, as if someone were strangling her.