The flame was extinguished the
instant it entered. Though bundles of blazing grass were thrown in, no
difference was made.*
* What actually happens is that the oxygen supply becomes
low. If there is sufficient oxygen to maintain a flame, the
action of the flame increases air circulation, which then
brings in more oxygen. The flame goes out if the oxygen
supply is insufficient for its supply; in this case, it
takes the fireworks to create adequate circulation. The next
torch is able to blaze not because the air is purified, but
because the oxygen is now sufficient to feed the fire.
I saw that we must apply some more efficacious remedy, and sent the
boys for a chest of signal-rockets we had brought from the wreck. We
let fly some dozens of these fiery serpents, which went whizzing in and
disappeared at apparently a vast distance from us. Some flew like
radiant meteors round, lighted up the mighty circumference and
displayed, as by a magician's wand, a sparkling glittering roof. They
looked like avenging dragons driving a foul malignant fiend out of a
beauteous palace.
We waited for a little while after these experiments, and I then again
threw in lighted hay. It burned clearly; the air was purified.
Fritz and I enlarged the opening, while Jack, springing on his
buffalo, thundered away to Falconhurst to bear the great and
astonishing news to his mother.
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