Selected students from every department performed rare feats of learning. A portable forge and anvil were rolled upon the stage and mules were shod, cows were milked, dresses stitched, pies baked, poetry recited; and there were weighty discussions in the fields of science and history. It had a circus aspect and there were always thrills and laughter. Though dedicated to the parents, everyone attended. The Taylor children were chosen to make explosives. Their mother was torn between pride and anxiety. “Explosives!” she exclaimed. “And right up on the stage. Why can’t they do something less dangerous?” “They’re not going to throw a bomb into the audience, honey,” Professor Taylor reassured her. “My students’ll have a live forge going and that’ll be more dangerous than anything.” “But explosives? What will the parents think you’re teaching them at the college?” Professor Taylor chuckled.
