"Chunky ought to get about twenty years for causing us all this trouble," declared Ned during the halt.
"You wouldn't think so, perhaps, were you in Chunky's place," rebuked Tad.
"But I wouldn't be."
"You can't tell. You may be some time; then you will be mighty glad to have your friends hurry to your assistance."
"Yes, but what are you going to do when you get there?" insisted Ned.
"We can tell better when we get there."
"If he has done something very bad he will be punished for it, that's all."
"Stacy hasn't done anything so terrible. Take my word for that," answered Butler sharply. "You will find that he has unwittingly got himself into difficulties. Chunky isn't bad. He is imprudent and he likes to talk and glorify himself and exaggerate things. I shouldn't be surprised if that were where the trouble lies in this instance."
"Ah! I have an idea," cried Ned.
"I thought you would get something through your head after a while," chuckled Tad.