Treasure Chest of Fun and Fact #15 [261]

In "Part V Into New Peril!", Colonel Martin, Jean Martin, Tom Pratt, Dr. Ney, Cufocr, and Gecher face a desperate challenge: their spaceship needs metal to repair, but the planet they're stranded on has none—only synthetic materials that won’t suffice. When Tom and Cufocr fly to the ruins of ancient cities with no luck, Cufocr recalls a tale from his grandfather about a great flood that buried entire regions beneath the seas, leaving only mountain peaks above. As they land and explore, eerie howling echoes through the ruins, and in the morning, they discover a dead animal pierced by a metal spear—then, suddenly, a storm of metal spears rains down from unseen attackers.

Terry Brennan shares the ins and outs of track and field with his friend Billy, breaking down the skills behind pole vaulting, the high jump, the broad jump, the discus, and the shot put in a lively, informative chat.

In a quiet town where the weight of choices lingers, Eddy Gunther and his friend Sonny are injured in a homemade rocket explosion that shatters a garage and blows out windows. With Eddy needing a blood transfusion and Chuck White the only match, the act of saving a life becomes a quiet catalyst for reflection. As Chuck steps in to help, he pushes Slim Gunther to share a past he’s long buried—his dream of being an engineer, the road he took instead, and the cost of walking away. Meanwhile, the search for the source of the dangerous explosives begins, pulling together old friends, regrets, and the fragile hope of second chances.

In a quiet 1959 conversation, Tom West and his father sit with Mr. Johnson to learn the realities of a life in carpentry. Through his insights, they discover the path of apprenticeship, the skills involved—from drafting to installing soundproofing—and the possibility of becoming a journeyman or even opening one’s own shop. Mr. Johnson’s account offers a clear-eyed look at the craft, its structure, and the union that supports it.

In the third century, Bishop St. Quirinus stood firm against Roman persecution, choosing martyrdom over renouncing his faith when offered life in exchange for worshipping Roman gods. His defiance led to his execution by being tied to a stone and cast into a river, a sacrifice that would echo through centuries. Centuries later, his relics were carried to Rome, marking a quiet but enduring legacy.