It had flared out one broad spiteful breath, sending a shower of sparks among the big mass of fireworks in the storage room, and amid a thousand hissing, snapping explosions the express shed was in flames.
CHAPTER IV
BLIND FOR LIFE
Bart's first thought was of his father. He instantly leaped from the platform.
As he did so there was a violent explosion in the storage room, the sashes were blown from place outright, and Bart dodged to escape a shower of glass.
He was fairly appalled at the suddenness with which the flames enveloped the interior, for they shot up in every direction, and the partition dividing the shed appeared blown from place.
Rockets were fizzing, giant crackers exploding by the pack, and colored chemicals sending out a varied glow.
Bart dashed for the front—a muffled cry caused him to hurry his speed. His father had uttered the cry.
Dazed by the light, his eyes filled with smarting particles of burned powder, Bart suddenly came in violent contact with a human form just as he turned the corner of the shed.