The Pony Rider Boys in the Grand Canyon | Page 2

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-----"
No one gave any heed to Chunky's further interruption this time.
"The Grand Canyon of the Colorado?" repeated Tad, his eyes sparkling.
"Isn't that fine? Do you know, I have always wanted to go there, but I
hardly thought we should get that far away from home again. But what
plans has Mr. Perkins made?"

"Well, he has been writing to arrange for guides and so forth. He knows
a good man at Flagstaff with whom Mr. Perkins hunted a few years ago.
What did he say the name was, Walt?"
"Nance. Jim Nance, one of the best men in that part of the country.
Everybody knows Jim Nance."
"I don't," declared Chunky, suddenly coming to life again.
"There are a lot of other things you don't know," retorted Ned Rector
witheringly.
"If there are you can't teach them to me," returned Stacy promptly.
"As I was saying when that interrupted me, Mr. Perkins wrote to this
man, Nance, and engaged him for June first, to remain with us as long
as we require his services."
"Does Mr. Perkins think we had better take our ponies with us?"
"No."
"Then we shall have to buy others. I hardly think I can afford that
outlay," said Tad, with a shake of the head.
"That is all arranged, Tad," interrupted Walter. "Father has directed Mr.
Nance to get five good horses or ponies."
"Then Professor Zepplin is to accompany us?"
"Yes."
"Poor Professor! His troubles certainly are not over yet," laughed Tad.
"We must try not to annoy him so much this trip. We are older now and
ought to use better judgment."
"That's what I've been telling Ned," spoke up Stacy. "He's old enough
to-----"

"To---what?" demanded Ned.
Chunky quailed under the threatening gaze of Ned Rector. He mumbled
some unintelligible words, settled back in his chair and made himself as
inconspicuous as possible.
"Pooh! Professor Zepplin enjoys our pranks