"Oh," Ralph laughed. "I'm being bossed."
Uncle Sid looked sharply at Ralph.
"If I was on the quarter deck as I used to be, an' saw you afore the mast, I'd think over my orders before I handed 'em to you. If 'Lige has any sense with his dreamin', he'll do the same."
"Helen's helping 'Lige to boss me. When he isn't around, she does it alone."
Uncle Sid looked at Helen. The humorous wrinkles returned to his face.
"What's the matter with you? You swallowed your tongue?"
"No; I'm holding it." She answered Uncle Sid's look as well as his words.
The lumbering wagon drew up in front of the Rio Vista. Before Ralph could dispose of the reins, Helen was on the ground and ascending the steps of the hotel. At the top she paused, speaking to Ralph.
"I'm going to take Uncle Sid out to the works before long." Then she entered the door.
Uncle Sid turned to Ralph.