“Wood on the fire, boys–get a lot of it,” commanded Dave. “And get our blankets and let’s put up a makeshift tent for Bess to use. She must get off her wet duds and wring them out and dry them. Hi! wake up that Tubby Blaisdell. We want his help.”
Ferd proceeded to walk right over the fat youth on his way for more fuel and that effectually aroused the lad.
“Hey–you! what are you about?” yawned Tubby. “Can’t you find another place to walk on but me, Ferd Roberts?”
“I’ve got to walk somewhere,” quoth Ferd.
“Why! you’re all wet,” gasped Tubby. “And so are you, Dave! And those other fellows–I declare!”
“Wake up and do something, Tubby,” commanded Dave. “We want to get a tent up, There’s been an accident, and Bessie Lavine is wetter than any of us. Let’s have your knife.”
“My–my knife?” yawned Tubby, rolling over slowly to reach into his breeches pocket.
This was too good a chance for Ferd to resist. Tubby was rolling near the edge of the bank as Ferd came back with his arms full of broken branches. Ferd put his foot against Tubby’s back and pushed with all his might.
“Hi! Stop that! Ugh!”
Tubby rolled over once–he rolled over twice; then, with many ejaculations and bumps rolled completely down the slope, amid the laughter of the boys and girls above him.