Harper's Young People, May 30, 1882 An Illustrated Weekly

In a bustling late‑19th‑century town, the doors of Prome Centre Academy close on a bright May afternoon, releasing Felix McCue and his two companions into the warm air. Their teacher, Miss Eccles, watches the eager boy with a mixture of amusement and concern, while Felix clutches a secret he’s been keeping about his uncle’s work at the nearby stone quarry. He promises his friends a spectacle unlike any they have seen—a massive blast that will shake the very ground beneath them.

The trio quickly enlists the help of a local blacksmith, who offers his sturdy boat for the venture, turning the plan into a modest river expedition. As they imagine the thunderous explosion—rumored to be powered by a new, astonishingly potent powder—their excitement mingles with a hint of apprehension about the unknown forces they will witness. Listeners are invited to share the boys’ anticipation, feeling the pull of youthful curiosity and the promise of an unforgettable day on the water.