Ned Wilding's Disappearance; or, The Darewell Chums in the City

The Darewell Chums in the City
ALLEN CHAPMAN
AUTHOR OF “BART STIRLING’S ROAD TO SUCCESS,” “WORKING HARD TO WIN,” “BOUND TO SUCCEED,” “THE YOUNG STOREKEEPER,” “NAT BORDEN’S FIND,” ETC.
Copyright, 1908, by Cupples & Leon Company

The Keene household was suddenly aroused from peacefulness, one quiet afternoon, by a loud thud as if something had fallen. It was followed by a report like an explosion. Then, from Bart’s room, sounded a series of yells.
“Wow! Ouch! Jimminities!”
“He’s hurt!” exclaimed his sister Alice, as she ran toward her brother’s room. As she entered she saw him running about the apartment, which was filled with smoke, holding one hand in the other. Drops of blood were coming from his fingers.
“What’s the matter? Are you hurt?” asked Alice. “Oh, Bart, are you really hurt?”
“Am I hurt? Do you think I’m doing this for fun? Where’s mother?”
“She’s gone out. I’m the only one home.”
“Get a rag or something, will you please Alice?” and Bart danced around on one leg, holding the other limb out so stiffly that he knocked over several chairs.