“We’re always thinking of that, Mrs. Butler,” interrupted Ned.  “And we couldn’t think of a trip without thinking of Tad.  A trip without Tad would be like---like-----”

“A dog’s tail wagging down the street without the dog,” interjected the solemn voice of Chunky Brown from his new headquarters.

“I move we throw Chunky out in the wood house,” exploded Ned.  “Will you excuse us while we get rid of the encumbrance, Mrs. Butler?”

“Sit down and make your peace.  I know you boys have some things to talk over.  I can see it in your faces.  Go on with your conference.  I’ll bring you some lemonade in a few moments,” said Mrs. Butler, as she left the room.

“Well, fellows, is this just a friendly call or have you really something in mind?” asked Tad after all had seated themselves.

“I’m the only one with a mind that will hold anything.  And I’ve got plenty in it, too,” piped Chunky.

Ned Rector sighed helplessly.  The other boys grinned, passing hands across their faces that Stacy might not observe their amusement.

“We want to pow-wow with you,” said Walter.

“That means you’ve something ahead—–­another trip?”

“Yes, we’re going to the-----” began young Brown.

“Silence!  Children should be seen, but not heard,” commanded Ned.

Chunky promptly hitched his chair out, joining the circle.

“I’m seen,” he nodded, with a grimace.

“Then see that you’re not heard.  Some things not even a Pony Rider boy can stand.  You’re one of them.”

“Yes, I’m a Pony Rider,” answered Chunky, misapplying Ned Rector’s withering remark.

“Another trip, eh?”

“That’s it, Tad.  Walt’s father has planned it out for us.  And what do you think?”

“Yes, what d’ye think?   He’s going-----”

“Look here, Chunky, are you telling this or am I?” demanded Ned angrily.

“You’re trying to, but you’re making an awful mess of the whole business.  Better let me tell it.  I know how and you don’t.”

“Give Ned a chance, can’t you, Chunky?” rebuked Tad, frowning.

“All right, I’ll give him a chance, of course, if you say so.  I always have to take a back seat for everybody.  I’m nothing but just a roly-poly fat boy, handy to draw water, pitch and strike camp, gather firewood, wash the dishes, cook the meals, save the lives of my companions when they get into scrapes, and-----”

This was too much for the gravity of the Pony Rider Boys.  They burst out into a hearty laugh, which served to put all in good humor again.  Chunky, having relieved his mind, now settled down in his chair to listen.

“Now, Ned, proceed,” said Tad.

“Well, Mr. Perkins thinks it would be fine for us to visit the Grand Canyon.”

“Of the Colorado?”

“Yes.”

“Tad knows more’n the rest of you.  You didn’t know where the place was.  Walt thought it was some kind of a gun that they shot off at sunrise, or-----”