Later in the day the guide decided that it was time to start for the
surface again. But the boys begged to be allowed to remain in the
Canyon over night. It was an experience that they felt sure would be
worth while. For a wonder, Professor Zepplin sided with them in this
request.

"Well, I'll go up and water the stock, then if you want to stay here,
why, all right," decided Dad.

"I will go with you," said Tad.

"Professor, I'll leave the rest of the boys in your charge. Don't let
them monkey with the river. I don't want to lose anybody this trip.
Fall in there, and you'll bring up in the Pacific Ocean---what's left
of you will. Nothing ever'll stop you till you've hit the Sandwich
Islands or some other heathen country."

The boys promised and so did the Professor, and both men knew the lads
would keep their word, for by this time they held that stream in
wholesome respect.

Chunky, after the guide and Tad had left, perched himself on the point
of a rock where he lifted up his voice in "Where the Silvery Colorado
Wends Its Way," Ned Rector occupying his time by shying rocks at the
singer, but Chunky finished his song and had gotten half way through it
a second time before one of Ned's missiles reached him. That put an
end to the song and brought on a rough and tumble fight in which Ned
and Stacy were the sole participants. Chunky, of course, got the worst
of it. The two combatants locked arms and strolled away down the river
bank after Chunky had been sufficiently punished for trying to sing.