endwise down upon the roof of the cat, striking it squarely upon its ridge-pole.

Through turf, hides, and timber crashed the great hammering weight, and then it was hastily raised again by re-winding the chain upon the windlass. Down came the timber once more, and again ascended, only to fall like a giant's pestle. The front of the cat was smashed to splinters, and then great bundles of tow, dipped in pitch and set ablaze, fell upon the splintered ruin.