"I suppose we shall have to put up with it, boys," said the Professor reflectively, "though I can't understand why you ever thought of such an outfit. Go put on another tie."
"All right, if you insist," promised the fat boy, rising and stumbling from the parlor. Stacy took plenty of time. They called him twenty minutes later, with the information that Major Clowney's colored man was waiting for them. "I will be there in a minute," answered Stacy. "My collar button is two sizes larger than the button hole."
When the fat boy finally made his appearance a groan went up from the entire party. From the liver-colored tie Chunky had changed to one of the brightest red they had ever seen. Instinctively the boys held their hands over their eyes.
"Oh, oh!" groaned Ned. "This is too much."
"I agree with you. Take that thing off instantly!" commanded the Professor.
"Can't I please you folks at all?" wailed the fat boy.
"You can if you will put on a respectable tie," answered Professor Zepplin.
"I—I haven't any others."
"I think I have a tie in my trunk," said Tad.
"Please get it for him, then," directed the Professor.