"Yes," admitted Stacy Brown, assuming the air of a man of the world. "I've had so much trouble that I've grown old in it."
Then, as the other boys began to laugh, Stacy saw the drift of the guide's remarks.
"But not trouble that my tongue got me into," he made haste to add. "I'm a silent, thoughtful sort of fellow. If you haven't seen enough of me to know that, then just ask these fellows."
"Yes, Cale," cried Ned. "Chunky's deaf and dumb when he's asleep or eating."
Cale nodded and smiled.
"Young man, the next time you get into difficulties, just hold an honest, searching experience meeting with yourself," suggested Cale dryly, "and see if you can't find the mean part your tongue has played in your affairs. That's all."
"I'm sorry we missed the bull moose incident," sighed Ned Rector. "I knew that if Stacy stayed behind something surely would happen, but I never dreamed that it would be anything that I'd hate to miss."
"It wasn't much fun at the time—take my word for that," Tad uttered grimly.
"No, but it is going to be a great event one of these days," suggested Ned innocently, stealing a glance at the fat boy.
"When?" Walter wanted to know.