"Isn't there anything to eat in the camp?"
"Coffee and about enough other stuff to take care of Charlie John. He mustn't know what a predicament we are in."
"How—how long have we got to fast?" stammered Walter.
"I should say about a week, perhaps a little longer," answered Tad Butler, with a mirthless smile.
A groan went up from the Pony Rider Boys.
"That means we shall all starve to death," growled Ned Rector. "We can't stand it. I'm going to look for a job."
"A fine mess you have gotten us into, Stacy Brown," complained Walter.
The Professor cleared his throat. His opportunity was at hand.
"Stacy, I wish you to come here—in fact, I wish you boys to listen to what I have to say."
The Professor's face wore a grave expression as the boys gathered about him.