“He doesn’t know which is his left and which is his right,” jeered Chunky.  “He’s usually left, though.”

“I refer to the person who was sitting at my left at the time I began speaking.  I had no intention of casting any aspersion on Mr. Walter Perkins.  As I was about to say, we are planning another trip, Mrs. Butler.”

“Where away this time, Ned?”

“To the Grand Canyon-----”

“With the accent on the yon,” added Stacy.

“The Grand Canyon of the Colorado?”

“Yes, ma’am.   Mr. Perkins has arranged it for us.   Everything is fixed. 
Professor Zepplin is going along and-----”

“That will be fine, indeed,” glowed Tad’s mother.

“Yes, we think so, and we’re glad to know that you do.  Tad didn’t know whether you would approve of the proposed trip or not.  We are—–­ahem—–­delighted to learn that you do approve of it and that you are willing that Tad should go.”

“Oh, but I haven’t said so,” laughed Mrs. Butler.

“Of course she hasn’t.  You see how little one can depend upon what Ned Rector says,” interjected Stacy.

Ned gave him a warning look.

“I should say that you approve of his going.  Of course we couldn’t think of taking this trip without Tad.  I don’t believe Mr. Perkins would let Walt go if Tad weren’t along.  You see, Tad’s a handy man to have around.  I know Chunky’s people never would trust him to go without Tad to look after him.  You see, Chunky’s such an irresponsible mortal-----”

“Oh, I don’t know,” interrupted the fat boy.

“One never knows what he’s going to do next.  He needs some one to watch him constantly.  We think it is the fault of his bringing up.”

“Or the company I’ve been keeping,” finished Chunky.

“At any rate, we need Tad with us.”

“Then I shall have to say ‘yes,’” replied Mrs. Butler, nodding and smiling.  “Of course Tad may go.  I am glad, indeed, that he has such splendid opportunities.”

“But, mother, I ought to be at work,” protested Tad.  “It is time I were doing something.  Besides, I think you need me at home.”

“Never mind, Tad.  When you have finished with these trips you will be all the better for them.  You will have erected a foundation of health that will last you all your life.  Furthermore, you will have gained many things by the experience, When you get at the real serious purpose of your life, you will accomplish what you set yourself to do, with better results.”

“That—–­that’s what I say,” began Chunky.   “Haven’t I always told
you-----”

“Stacy is wise beyond his years,” smiled Mrs. Butler.  “When he is grown up I look for him to be a very clever young man.”

The eyes of the boys still twinkled merrily, for Chunky, unable to guess whether he were being teased, was still scowling somewhat.  However, he kept still for the time being.