Tad whirled his own horse about and started for Stacy, with Billy Lilly not far behind.
At this juncture the fat boy's belt gave way, and he disappeared under the horse. The boys groaned, fully expecting to see Chunky trampled to death. But the horse was far too active to tread on its fallen rider, and cleared the boy's body in a swerving leap.
"Catch the horse!" cried Tad, dashing toward the fallen Chunky and throwing himself from his saddle, at the same time slipping the bridle rein over his animal's neck so that his own mount would not run away.
"Are you hurt, Chunky?" cried Tad, gathering the fat boy up in his arms.
"Hurt? Hurt?" answered Stacy somewhat dazedly, blinking rapidly and passing a trembling hand slowly over his face. "No, I reckon I'm not hurt. I scratched that race."
"But, but, what happened to you?" demanded Professor Zepplin excitedly.
"Ha—ha—happened?"
"Yes, yes."
"Why nothing happened to me. I—I was just trying out a new stunt," answered the fat boy, a smile rippling over his countenance.
"Oh, fudge!" grunted Ned. "What's the use bothering with him? He won't tell on himself."