No one laughed at Ned's silly jest. Their situation was too serious for joking.
"Charlie, how far are we from a town?" asked Tad.
"Mebby twenty, mebby thirty miles," answered the Indian, counting up on his fingers.
"What town is it?"
"Matungamook."
"That's a funny name," chuckled Stacy.
"Your name will be more funny if we don't get something to eat pretty soon," returned Tad, at which Chunky's face grew solemn. When it came to a question of food, the fat boy was deeply interested.
"That's so," nodded Rector.
"Professor, it is my opinion that we should send Charlie to—to—the place with the unpronounceable name for fresh supplies," said Tad, turning to Professor Zepplin.
"How long will it take?"