The very trees were parched by the long-continued drought. Thus
favoured in his design, Tristram scattered the contents of one of the
bags in a thick line among the fern and brushwood, depositing here and
there among the roots of a tree, several pounds of powder, and
covering the heaps over with dried sticks and leaves.
While he was thus employed, Fenwolf appeared with two more bags of
powder, and descended again for a fresh supply. When he returned,
laden as before, the old forester had already described a large portion
of the circle he intended to take.
Judging that there was now powder sufficient, Tristram explained to
his companion how to proceed; and the other commenced laying a train
on the left of the secret entrance, carefully observing the instructions
given him. In less than an hour, they met together at a particular tree,
and the formidable circle was complete.
"So far, well I" said Tristram, emptying the contents of his bag beneath
the tree, and covering it with leaves and sticks, as before; "and now to
connect this with the cavern."
With this, he opened another bag, and drew a wide train towards the
centre of the space. At length, he paused at the foot of a large hollow
tree.
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