"Oh, that's too bad," groaned the lads. "That's a burning shame," added Stacy. "I'm hot all over. That's why I know it's a burning shame."
"Leave off joking," commanded Ned savagely. "This isn't anything to laugh about. What appears to be the matter with your mother, Tad?"
"I—I think it's her lungs," replied the boy a bit unsteadily.
"What she needs is mountain air," declared Chunky. "I know. She ought to go to the mountains."
"I agree with you," said Tad. "It is my idea that I can get her to go with me, for part of the summer at least, and then—"
"What's the matter with taking her along with us?" interrupted Rector.
"No, that wouldn't do," answered Tad. "She couldn't stand it."
"Of course she couldn't. That shows how much you know, Ned Rector," scoffed Stacy Brown.
"What do you propose to do all summer, Tad?" asked Ned thoughtfully.
"Oh, I shall work at something. I'm not going to be idle. Perhaps Mr. Perkins will have something to do that will keep me out of mischief for the summer after I get back," answered Butler with a faint smile.