Keeping together, the Cubs returned to the creek, the banks of which had dissolved into a dark, murky, ever-spreading lake.
On the log jam, endeavoring to place the charge of dynamite, were Dobbs, Sam Hatfield and Mr. Silverton. Seeing the Cubs, Mr. Hatfield shouted to Brad to come and hold the lighted lantern. The others, he warned to keep far away.
Carefully Dobbs placed the dynamite charge, having trouble in keeping it dry until the fuse could be lighted.
“Now everyone get out of here quick!” he ordered. “I’m sticking until the last minute.”
As the long fuse began to burn, Mr. Silverton, Brad, and Sam Hatfield, quickly waded back to the waiting Cubs. Together, all retreated a safe distance.
“Come on, Dobbs!” Mr. Silverton shouted to the workman. “Better get out. That fuse will burn fast!”
Thus urged, Dobbs leaped off the logs and started at a run through the water. Gasping for breath, he reached the Cubs.
With increasing tenseness, everyone waited for the explosion. Minutes passed and it did not come.
“The fuse has damped out,” Dobbs muttered. “I’ll go back and see what’s happened.”
“No, wait!” Mr. Silverton commanded, placing a restraining hand on the man’s arm.