“First, we’ll see what’s inside,” Jack insisted.
The lid of the kettle had been wired down. With the aid of a Scout knife, he was able to untwist it. As the other Explorers huddled expectantly about the hole, he slowly and ceremoniously raised the cover.
A sudden silence ensued, to be followed by a howl of disappointment.
The kettle contained several pint milk bottles filled with a colorless liquid.
“Gold! Emeralds!” Willie warbled. “Yeah!”
“Nothing but water,” War added in disgust. “All that work for nothing! Jack, you and Ken certainly were taken for a ride this time!”
Ken had bent down again to sniff at the liquid in one of the bottles. Straightening, he gazed wide-eyed at his chums.
“This stuff isn’t water,” he told them tersely. “It’s too heavy. Furthermore, it has a peculiar odor.”
“What is it, if it isn’t water?” asked War. He started to pick up one of the containers. Ken seized his arm, shoving him back.
“Hey, what’s the idea?” War demanded indignantly.