A policeman informed the Scouts that an out-of-town explosives expert would be called in to set off a controlled explosion.
“We’ve talked to Blackie, and there’s no question the stuff is active,” he told Jack. “Too dangerous to move. It seems he stole it seven months ago from an explosives plant. Once he got his hands on it, he realized he had more than he could use in twenty years. So he had to get rid of it.”
The Scouts were on hand the following day when a nitro-glycerin expert arrived to inspect the kettle of fluid. He told police the explosive could not be safely moved and that it must be detonated. Preparations went forward for the big blast.
Under the direction of Bradley Graham, an expert, sod and screenings were placed atop the cache to control the explosion. A two-pound dynamite charge, activated by a battery-powered switch, then was set up.
When all was in readiness, great crowds jammed the streets, approaching as close as police would allow. Only newspaper reporters and Scouts were permitted within the roped off area. All were warned to hit the ground face downward at the moment of the explosion.
The signal was given. Mr. Graham pulled a switch. But for a moment, nothing happened.
“It’s a dud—” War muttered.
His words were drowned by a mighty explosion which rocked the earth. Dirt and crushed stone flew high into the air.
“A dud, eh?” said Jack laughing, wiping dust from his clothes as he got quickly to his feet.
After an interval, the Scouts were permitted to inspect the great crater which had been made. The hole was fully fifteen feet across and nearly five feet deep.