"I—I don't know unless you fellows threw in some cartridges," replied Chunky.
"Cartridges!" exploded Ned. "Don't you think we have better use for our ammunition?"
"Guide, what is the meaning of this?" questioned the Professor.
"We will find out. I am somewhat curious myself. Ah!"
"What have you found?" asked Tad, springing into the tent where Lilly was pawing over some sticks that had fallen inside.
Lilly handed a stick of cane to Tad, who observed that the stalk had been blown out as if from an interior explosion.
"I don't understand, Mr. Lilly."
"Some of that cane got in the fire and blew up."
"Why, I never heard of such a thing," wondered Tad.
"Yes, it is quite common. This stuff is very combustible when dry. When in that condition, and the hot air is confined in the hollow sections, there is sure to be an explosion and loud one, too. That is what happened here tonight."