Ned Wilding's Disappearance; or, The Darewell Chums in the City

A quiet afternoon in the Keene household erupts into chaos when Bart’s new gun misfires, grazing his fingers and sending him stumbling around on one leg. His sister Alice, eager to prove herself as a budding nurse, rushes to his side with a first‑aid manual, trying to staunch the bleeding while the room fills with smoke and shouted warnings. Their fast‑paced, witty exchange reveals a close, if teasing, sibling bond and sets a lively tone for the story.

As Alice consults the medical guide, she balances textbook knowledge with improvised care, determined to keep her brother from fainting. Their banter hints at a larger circle of friends—known as the Darewell Chums—who will soon drag the brothers into the bustling city’s unexpected adventures. The opening promises a mix of humor, youthful ambition, and the kind of small‑town mishap that spirals into larger, city‑wide escapades.