Page:Ned Wilding's Disappearance.djvu/88

78 "I guess you're all just as anxious to see it as I am," said Stumpy. "Come on."

A fine, calm day, though cold, had succeeded the blustery one. As Fenn had said, the streets were filled with a large throng hastening to see the wreck of the tower. The falling of it had created more excitement than had been known in Darewell for some years.

"Say, you fellows are all right," called Jim Nelson, as the four chums passed him. "That was a fine yell you gave. I'd a joined in, only—"

"Too much work, eh?" asked Frank, for Jim had the reputation, not altogether undeserved, of being the laziest boy in town.

"No, it wasn't that exactly," Jim replied, "but I couldn't remember the words."

"Why didn't you come in on the tune?" asked Ned.

"Um," was all Jim said. It was his usual reply when he did not want to take the trouble to answer in words. "Say," he called a moment later, as the chums kept on, "are you going to the tower?"

"Yes; are you?" inquired Fenn.

"I was, but if you're going that way would you do me a favor?"

"What is it?" asked Ned.