"That is it," said Ruth. "Begin at the beginning. Tell us how the chief came to leave you, and how you got mixed up with this Dakota Joe. I have a very small opinion of that man," added the girl of the Red Mill, "and I do not think you should remain in his care."
CHAPTER V
INSPIRATION
It was on the verge of evening, and a keen and searching wind was blowing across the ruffled Lumano, when Helen Cameron's car and its three occupants came in sight of the old Red Mill. Mercy Curtis had been dropped at the Cheslow railway station, where she had the "second trick" as telegraph operator.
For the last few miles of the journey from the Wild West Show there had been a good-natured, wordy battle between Ruth and Helen as to which of the twain was to have Jennie Stone for the night.
"Her trunk is at my house," Helen declared. "So now!"
"But her toilet bag is at the farmhouse. And, anyway, I could easily lend her pajamas."
"She could never get into a suit of yours, you know very well, Ruth Fielding!" exclaimed Helen.
"I'd get one of Uncle Jabez's long flannel nightgowns for her, then," giggled Ruth.