"Or the hawk flops," added the fat boy, who, by this time, under the influence of the hot sun and the hotter victuals, was perspiring freely.
Tad regarded Stacy quizzically.
"Chunky, you look like a steamed pudding," he laughed.
"Yes, an underdone one," suggested Ned.
"That may be," agreed Stacy solemnly. "But I can keep on baking till I am done, while you are so tough on the outside that the inside of you never would get done."
"Ned, I guess that one reached the spot," chuckled Walter.
"Never touched me," grinned Rector.
"There! What did I tell you?" demanded Stacy triumphantly. "His outside shell is so thick that you couldn't break through it with a mall."
"Did Father send any word to me?" asked Walter, for the time being putting an end to the argument.
"Oh, yes, I forgot. I have a letter for you in my pocket," replied Tad, flushing. "How careless of me."