The "Note to Readers" comments that the mill explosion happened in May of 1878. A trial was held to determine if the fire or the explosion was first & if the insurance companies would have to pay out for this incident! Sounds like something that would happen today!

The story begins with Sherman O'Reily daring Walter Fisk to slide down the sluice. Jack joined Sherman when he laughed at Walter. St. Anthony's falls were huge and if something went wrong, Walter could end up in the Mississippi! It seemed to Walter that Jack was letting Sherman think for him. Walter had started a baseball team, and since Sherman & his friends joined, Walter had a lot of new friends. Anton Olson was excited about going down the sluice, despite his father's warnings. After Sherman & Jack went down, Walter went down in the cold water. He was at the bottom very quickly, hitting the water with a splash! He swam toward Sherman & Jack waiting on a rock. After Sherman & Jack went home, Walter & Anton wandered through the riverside. This part of the river had several different types of mills. Walter had been in Minneapolis for 2 years, and it finally felt like home. They walked between the two towers that led to the bridge, where they met Walter's cousin, Polly Stevenson & her friend, Brita Swenson. Polly was looking forward to wearing long skirts, but Brita & Walter thought they looked hot. Polly thought they looked elegant, especially when women would promenade. Walter made fun of her, acting very proper. Anton was Scandinavian, his family had come to Minneapolis to find work like many others from that country. Others went to land for farming in Minnesota & the Dakotas, either by train or wagon train. Polly noticed Walter's wet shirt when there was a loud BOOM! The bridge started rocking and Walter couldn't hear his own voice yelling! ( )