Ralph made an impatient gesture.
"We can talk till doomsday, Helen, and you can answer and tell us nothing, if you choose. You know we are not gossips, and you know that we are Elijah's friends."
"Why didn't you say that to start with?" Helen flashed back. "You began asking me questions and I answered your questions truthfully."
Uncle Sid noted the strained situation.
"She's laid you broadside on there, Ralph; that gun is out o' action. You'll have to limber up another battery."
Winston and Helen both turned to Uncle Sid; then, smiling, their eyes met and the threatened storm passed by.
"Just what is it, Ralph?"
"We want to know the whole business, Helen, so far as you know."
Uncle Sid again broke in.
"When a bell rattles, we want to know whether its cracked, or whether there's just something on it that can be got off."