fireworks known as Serpent's Eggs, or Pharoah's Serpents, know, the "worms" or "serpents" are very fragile and go to dust at the slightest touch. Consequently when Ricks placed his finger rudely on those at the end of the cigar they were knocked off, and falling to the floor, were completely shattered to dust At this the station master started in amazement.
"Where are the worms?" asked Tom. "I don't see them?"
"Why—I—er—that is—they were here!" stammered Ricks.
"Where?"
"On the end o' the cigar."
"Then where are they now?" demanded Tom. "Give me one, till I examine it."
"Why they—they are—er—gone now."
"Gone?"
"Yes. Say, I don't know about this!" And the old station master commenced to scratch his head. He looked at the cigar wonderingly. But no more "worms" were forthcoming, for the reason that the pellets Tom had placed within had burnt themselves out.
"You certainly ought to see a doctor—or else give up smoking cigars," said Tom, as soberly as ever.
"Tom, Rover, ain't this no trick o' yours?"
