Handgun in the underground 'den' or hideout: The handgun was designed to shoot small pieces of wire - worked on the principle of a slingshot. See the elastic bands tied to the top of the barrel (front tip of the gun). The 'scout hideout' or 'den' (dugout) created by us as young children (primary/secondary school). See the detailed diagrams and description below, for more details. Credit: The Author.
THE 'DEN' OR HIDEOUT:
Allow me to tell you a little about this magical, mysterious children's world ... In the dark, mouldy dungeon flickers a short candle; the wax is dripping monotonous – and continuous – on the damp ground floor. A code, a secret scout- code, is read in the dim candle light.
"I wonder how they created this secret cave?"
"Let's investigate."
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 'DEN' OR HIDEOUT.
The den was ingeniously crafted by digging a large trench, either in a secluded field or sometimes in the backyard. The trench measured approximately 3 meters in length, 1.5 meters in width, and 1.2 meters in depth, comfortably accommodating four small scouts. Once the trench was dug, the excavated soil was discreetly scattered around to avoid detection. The trench was then covered with timber support beams made from salvaged wood, topped with rusted corrugated sheeting to form a roof. A thin layer of loose soil was spread over the sheeting, and grass and vegetation were planted to blend seamlessly with the surroundings, providing perfect camouflage for the secret den.
A round hole was cut into the roof, and a rubbish bin lid with a diameter of 750 mm served as a door. Inside the trench, small alcoves were carved into the walls to hold candles, illuminating the dark, mysterious space. On the ground lay an elastic-powered timber rifle or gun for protection. Next to the gun, the secret code of the Scout members, known as the 'bende kode,' was carefully placed.
Outside the trench, children's bicycles were often found abandoned and hidden among the tall grass and wildflowers. One could only wonder what secrets the code held. The rifle, depicted in the sketch, appeared quite sophisticated. Could it be powered by slingshot principles to launch wire bullets? Perhaps. The gun could send wire bullets swooshing through the air, ready to scare off any intruders.
Intruders beware!
AUTHOR'S PROFILE
The author had a fascinating and unique upbringing. Instead of traveling abroad, he spent his time exploring the fields, bushes, tool sheds, and mysterious underground passages in his neighborhood. He still finds joy in experimenting with concepts, science, and new possibilities. Often, while cycling, he gets inspired with new ideas, quickly capturing the unexpected, distinctive, and creative on a page or in a drawing. He continues to dream of adventurous battles and cutting-edge weapons, reminiscent of a young child's scout cave. Always on the lookout for new enigmas to decode and encode, he enjoys working with graphs, timelines, cross-sections, sketches, and details of extravagant and hidden concepts and ideas.
He delves into these extravagant thoughts, incorporating them into children's books and stories. He loves to include philosophers' perspectives, articles, intriguing stories, and poetry. Academic and research work are also his forte. He always provides simple yet practical explanations within an engaging context. Not your ordinary thinker, he is a lifelong scholar and teacher.
Sketches of the Hideout:
Sketch of the hideout (sectional view in 3-D). Pen, pencil, watercoulor pencils. Credit: W Van Zyl (Nov 2018).
Inside the hideout. See the 'hand gun' constructed of timber. Powered by an elastic band. Based on a typical slingshot mechanism. W Van Zyl -November 2018.
Entrance to the hideout. A bin lid (metal) was used as the secret 'door.' W Van Zyl - Nov 2018.
Self portrait.William Van Zyl. Ink wash with watercolours(Aug 2021).
A treasure in a field, a pearl (ring), a tree, and flying birds? Triangular hair? Weird looking ear? Extravagant thoughts? Is this a self-portrait? Yes, it is a self-portrait of the author with so much behind it. Can you decipher it?
