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.

Both nearly upset in the collision. At first Bart fancied it might be
one of the burglars, but peering closer he recognized the friendly
roustabout.

"Told you so!" gasped the latter in a desperate fluster. "Fire--I'll
help you."

"Yes, quick! run," breathed Bart, rushing ahead, "My father's in that
burning building!"

Bart was thrilled. The main room of the express shed was one bright blur
of brilliancy and colored smoke.

It rolled and whirled, obliterating all outlines within the room.

"Father! father!" shouted Bart, dashing recklessly in at the open
doorway.

He could not make out a single object in that chaos, but he knew the
location of every familiar article in the place, and made for the chair