like that, isn't it?"

"Great! Wish I could go along."

"Why don't you?" asked Walter, turning quickly to his companion. "That
would be just the idea. What great times we three could have, riding
off into the open country! And we could go on exploring expeditions,
too, and make believe we were cowboys and--and all that sort of
thing."

Chunky shook his head dubiously. "I haven't a pony. But I wish I
had. I should like to go so much," replied the boy wistfully.

"Then, why not ask your uncle to get one for you? He will do it, I
know," urged Walter brightly, brimming over with his new plan. "Why,
I'll ask him myself."

"I did."

"Wouldn't he do it?"

"No. Uncle said I was too young, and that the first thing I would be
doing would be to break my neck. If father was here and gave his
permission, why, that would be different. Uncle said it would take my
mind off my school, besides."

"School? Why, school will not last much longer. It is May, now, and
school will be over early in June. That isn't long to wait. You go
right home, Chunky, and tell your uncle you must have a pony. Tell him
I said so. If he refuses, I'll have my father go ask him. He won't