Ned had now reached the front door of the shop. He had a
glimpse of the burning auto--a small express truck, well loaded
with various packages. And, through the smoke, which from the
odor must have been caused by burning gasoline, Ned could see
several boxes marked in red letters:


DANGEROUS EXPLOSIVE


KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE


"Keep away from fire!" murmured the panting lad. "If they can
get any nearer fire I don't see how."

"Oh, mah golly!" gasped Eradicate, who had lumbered on behind
Ned. "Oh, mah golly! Oh, good land ob massy! Look at Massa Tom!"

"I've got to help him!" cried Ned, for he saw that his chum had
rushed to the rear of the auto, and was endeavoring to drag one
of the powder boxes across the lowered tail-board. Tom was
straining and tugging at it, but did not seem able to move the
case. It was heavy, as Ned learned later, and was also held down
by the weight of other express packages on top of it.

"Oh, mah golly!" cried Eradicate. "Git some watah, somebody,
an' put out dat fire!"