The Mule Gun

The Brothers of Santo Marcas have acquired a cannon. The brothers are normally armed with sticks and cudgels but they feel that in light of the troubled times, something more is required in the way of fire power. Consequently they have renovated an old Spanish cannon, found on the island. The Brothers call it their Mule Gun, as their mule, Muffin does all the hard work transporting the gun, powder and ball around the island, escorting the monks on their travels. Brother-Gunner Graham has been given the job of firing the cannon but in actual fact all the gunnery knowledge comes from Hercules, an escaped slave adopted by the monks. Hercules understands the science of gunnery after a short stint on a pirate ship. Brother-Gunner Graham seems to be holding his hat on, expecting a rather large blast but I don't think he has too much to worry about with that pea-shooter. It could give attacking pirates something to think about though.