“That is better than having the place looking for me,” retorted Chunky.
After luncheon the afternoon was spent in visiting other wonders of the Park, and shortly before sundown the Overlanders turned their horses homeward. As they passed the Springs Hotel, Stacy called out that he was going to stop there to buy a package of gum.
“Look sharp that you don’t get into trouble,” warned Lieutenant Wingate. “If you do, remember you will have to get out of it as best you can.”
“I reckon I know how to take care of myself without any of your assistance,” flung back the fat boy as he headed his pony around the rear of the hotel and passed out of sight of his companions.
That was the last the Overland Riders saw of Stacy Brown that night. Stacy purchased his gum and stood about chewing it for some time. It did not occur to him that he would be too late for dinner at the camp until darkness had settled over the Park. When thus reminded, Stacy started at a trot for his pony.
In the meantime the Overlanders were wondering what had become of him. They delayed dinner for an hour before they sat down to eat. Dinner finally finished and still no Chunky, his companions wondered still more.
“Perhaps Chunky decided to take dinner at the hotel,” suggested Miss Briggs.
“Not unless someone invited him to dinner,” spoke up Nora. “Chunky never spends any money unless he has to.”
“I cannot permit you to so disparage that boy, Nora Wingate,” rebuked Emma. “Did he not leave us to buy five cents’ worth of gum at the hotel?”
“You win,” laughed Grace. “Tom, should Stacy not return soon, do you not think it would be advisable for someone to go to the hotel in search of him?”