Paul wound this string firmly
and tightly around the Chinese cracker until it had assumed
considerable proportions. He argued on the principle that, if paper
resisted the force of the explosion, the additional binding of string
would cause a much louder one. The bomb was at last completed and
Stockie received a hint to keep his ears open for music that night. The
little iron bed of the doomed talebearer was not far distant from
Paul's, and between them was a stove in which burned a brisk fire every
night to drive out the chill mountain air. When all were asleep, Paul
slipped from his bed, and touched the fuse to the red hot side of the
stove. Then he placed the ignited bomb under the tell-tales bed and
hastily scrambled back to his own. He had just time to roll himself up
in the blankets, when there was a flash and terrible explosion. The
bed of the tell-tale turned a complete somersault, while the entire
building trembled with the concussion and a shower of broken glass
was scattered around. No serious damage was done; but Paul was horrified
and frightened half to death at the result of his first essay with
explosives. The boys in the dormitory were only too glad of an excuse
for excitement. They immediately began the usual battle with pillows
accompanied with the wildest yells and whoops, until they were suddenly
quieted by the entrance of the officials.
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