“Bennie’s feeling awful good,” Spider told the rest. “Says he’s not getting exercise enough.”
“The wood-pile is rather low,” the doctor remarked quietly.
Bennie saluted. “Yes, sir, thank you, sir!” he said, and picked up his ax.
CHAPTER XII
Bennie Climbs the Mast of the Phantom Ship and Knows He Has Done Something
“Seeing that Bennie is such a glutton for exercise,” said Uncle Billy at breakfast the next morning, “what do you say we give him some, Stone?”
“We want to keep him well and happy, surely,” Mr. Stone answered, solemnly.
“Yes, we mustn’t let the little darling pine,” put in Dumplin’.
“Or his mighty muscles get flabby,” added Spider.
“You all think you’re having a great time, don’t you?” Bennie retorted. “Well, I’m all ready. I guess I’ll keep in the procession as long as the band plays.”
“All right,” said his uncle. “Let’s get cleared up here, and we’ll beat it down the trail and row out to the Phantom Ship. Bennie can row us out and back, and climb the mast between whiles, and then tote your camera, Stone, up the trail again home. Maybe that will restore his lost appetite.”