“Fell in?” asked the professor in an astonished tone.
“I went hunting for botanical specimens at the bottom of a ravine, professor,” said Tubby gravely.
“For botanical specimens? Most interesting. Pray did you find any?”
“Nothing but a Bumpibus Immenseibus,” replied Tubby with perfect gravity. The other boys had to turn aside and stuff their fists in their mouths to keep from laughing outright.
Even the major’s lip quivered. But the professor displayed immense interest. As for Jumbo, he was lost in admiration.
“Dat suttinly am de mos’ persuasive word I’ve done hearn in a long time,” he exclaimed. “Blumpibusibus Commenceibus. What am dat, fish, flesh or des corned beef?”
“It’s a pain,” rejoined Tubby, “and usually follows a fall. But not a fall in temperature, or——”
“Ah, Hopkins, I fear you are making merry at my expense,” exclaimed the professor, good-naturedly.
“Well, I took a tumble, anyhow,” said Tubby.
“About time you did,” came in Merritt’s voice.