ever, there was a serious side to this trio of radio boys. They were
not known chiefly for their frivolity, which probably would have
characterized them if they had got into any bad scrapes. Their deportment
was really above reproach, so that their parents reposed a good deal of
confidence in them and allowed them to do pretty much as they wished in
the matter of their recreation and sports. On the occasion with which the
narrative opens we find them very serious minded over a very important
problem, although it seemed well nigh impossible for them, even under
such circumstances, to bar severely all manner of gaieties.

"I don't see where there's anything new for us to do this summer," said
Bud after the merriment over the "static repartee" with Cub had subsided.
"We c'n go camping or fishin', or we c'n stay at home and listen in."

"Oh, you haven't got any invention in that head o' yours, Bud," declared
Cub with tone of disgust. "Tee-hee, take your turn and see if you can't
hand us somethin'."

"Aw, why don't you furnish some brains for us, Cub," Bud objected with
spirit. "I never knew you to yet. You just razz us till we turn up the
thing all of us wants, and then you act as if you'd done all the work."

"Well, what do I pay you for?" Cub demanded, with an air of final
judgment.

Of course, Cub did not pay them anything; that was just a little evidence
of his exasperating domination. Bud saw, as usual, that there was no use
of trying to carry his protest further, so he gave way to Hal, who looked
as if eager to take his turn.

"I tell you what let's do," proposed the latter. "Let's go campin' and
take one of our radio sets with us."

Cub leaped to his feet enthusiastically, bringing his feet down on the
floor with a force that seemed to jar the whole house. Fortunately there
was a substantial rug between his descending number 8's and the floor.

"That's what I call brains, Tee-hee," he declared, reaching over and
planting a hearty slap on the author of this ingenuity. "You deserve a
bonus. The scheme is hereby adopted."

"Without consulting me?" demanded Bud with very good simulation of
hurt dignity.

"Absolutely, Bud, you fell asleep and let Tee-hee get ahead of you."

"And meanwhile, what did you do?" Bud inquired pointedly.

"I sat in judgment over your suggestions," Cub replied readily. "You
fellows needed somebody to decide what your suggestions were worth.
That's my function--get me?--my function."