belching of white smoke.

Through the center of this cloud was hurled a human figure. A
man struck the ground and lay there, senseless or lifeless, a
pool of blood quickly forming on the ground beside him.




Chapter II

THE VANISHING MAN


For the first few seconds the Grammar School boys stood as if
chained to the ground, their eyes staring with alarm and horror.

They stared at the man, apparently of middle age, who lay there,
and they beheld the blood.

What on earth could have happened?

Boom! It was a lesser explosion that now sounded inside, yet
it was enough to galvanize the boys into action.

"Come on!" cried Tom Reade, setting off in the lead. "We don't
know nor care what's in there!"

"The house may blow up next," added Greg, following him.