powder train

Prī′mer; Prī′ming; Prī′ming-pow′der, detonating powder: train of powder connecting a fuse with a charge.

So, with gathered forces, with flashing eyes and voice that rang like a trumpet, he figuratively fired the powder train.

His reply seemed to fire the powder train of the Prince's passionate emotion.

The frequent obstructions of the track, the continued cutting of the telegraph, and especially the cool assumption of the leader of the adventurers in calling himself a Confederate officer of high rank in charge of an impressed powder train, all conspired to deepen their conviction that some desperate scheme was on foot.

The usual explanations about the powder train were repeated to credulous ears.