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NED WILDING'S DISAPPEARANCE
CHAPTER I
THE NEW GUN
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?"
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