"This explosive works differently from any other," he explained. "When the charge is fired there is not instantly a detonation and a bursting. The powder burns slowly and generates an immense amount of gas. It is this gas, accumulating in the cracks and crevices of the rock, that I hope will burst and disintegrate it. Of course, an explosion eventually follows, as you will see. Here she goes!"
Tom pressed the switch and, as he did so, there was a cry of alarm from Mr. Damon.
"Bless my safety match, Tom!" cried the old man. "Look! Koku!"
For, as the charge was fired, the giant emerged from the woods and calmly took a seat on the rock that was about to be broken up into fragments by Tom's new explosive.
Chapter XXII
The Fight
"Get off there, Koku!"
"Stand up!"
"Run!"