"Somewhat," admitted Tad.
"We might be more so if we had a chance to think about it," added Ned.
"I've got a package of chewing gum here. Help yourself," offered
Mr. Phipps.
The lads were not slow to do so, and in a moment were chewing industriously, laughing and talking at the same time.
"Beats all what a little thing will make a fellow forget his troubles," said Ned. "Now, I remember—"
"Hello, boy!"
"Who said that?" demanded Tad Butler springing up from the pile of rocks on which he had been sitting for some time.
"Said what?" snapped Ned. "I was talking when you interrupted me."
"I thought I heard somebody say 'hello,'" confirmed Mr. Phipps.
"So did I," added Walter.