"Think I'm a trout?" growled Ned.
"No, you're a clam."
Ned started for Stacy, really angry now, but he was halted by the stern voice of the Professor.
"Young gentlemen, this thing has gone far enough. You will lose your tempers, then there will be trouble."
"Lose our tempers?" demanded Stacy. "Why, I'm so mad now that I'm speechless. Look out for me. Somebody hold me!"
"We miss Tad Butler. He was the one who held you in check, as I see the matter now," nodded the Professor.
"I wasn't aware, Professor, that Chunky had ever been in check," smiled Walter.
"That's what I say," agreed Ned. "It is high time something were done to curb him. There is no telling what he may not do now that Tad isn't here. I wish he were."
Stacy did not answer for the moment. He was gazing off over the rugged landscape with wondering eyes. Finally he turned, thrusting both hands in his trousers pockets, his chest swelling with importance.
"You win," he said.