“He and Mary went up on the top floor to call on a little girl who lives there,” answered Mrs. Dexter.
“Are you sure he’s there?” asked Larry, in such a peculiar tone that Mrs. Dexter was startled.
“Of course, Larry. What makes you ask such a question? Do you want to see him?”
“Oh, nothing special,” replied the reporter. “I was just wondering where he was.” He did not dare to tell the real reason for his inquiry, which was prompted by a fear lest the kidnappers should have been at work.
But his mind was soon set at rest, for Jimmy came downstairs all excited over a new game he had learned. He came in on the jump, but stopped when he saw Larry propped up in his chair.
“Are you dead?” he asked, solemnly.
“Not quite,” replied Larry, with a laugh. “I was in an accident, that’s all.”
“Tell me about it; every word,” demanded the little fellow.
So Larry had to go over it all again for the benefit of his brother, whose eyes grew big, as Larry told of the crash of the big stack and the smashing of the shanty.
In the evening Mr. Newton called, and congratulated Larry on his escape from possible injury, if not death.