"Stacy!" rebuked the professor sternly. Tad recalled that he had discovered thousands of insects crawling over the burlap sack when he came out in the morning. The lad's mind began to unravel the mystery. He thought he understood Chunky's references now, but Tad only smiled. He made no effort to explain, but instead, changed the subject.
"Do we start, or do we remain here, Professor?" he asked.
"It shall be as you boys wish. All in favor of going on will say 'aye.'"
"Aye!" howled the Pony Rider Boys, a shout that caused the browsing ponies to look up in mild surprise.
"Then we move. I will say, however, that I don't exactly approve of the situation."
"What situation, Professor?" questioned Butler.
"There are too many rough men in these parts. I had no idea we were going to meet with any such condition of affairs in this enlightened state."
"That's nothing. We have had some experience. Experience is what we are looking for."
"But the Rangers were not," asserted Stacy thickly, his mouth full of biscuit. "They got it, though."
"I feel sorry for you," said Tad leaning over to Stacy.