"What's that group of houses yonder ?" "Thet's the Junction." "Any hotel ?" "Sure." "And a livery stable ?" "'Course there is." "Then we'll get along," said Uncle John, assuming a sudden brisk manner.
"Just keep your eye on our baggage till we get back, my good fellow.
There are no people to interfere with it, but some bears or tigers might come out of the hills and eat it up.

Now, girls, away we go!" Uncle John's nieces were not so greatly dismayed at this experience as might have been expected.

They had recently accompanied their erratic relative on a European trip and had learned to be patient under difficulties.
A quarter of a mile down the dusty road they came to the hotel, a dismal, unclean looking place that smelled of stale beer.

Uncle John routed out the proprietor.
"Folks up ?" he inquired.
"Long ago," said the man.
"Get us some boiled eggs, bread and butter and plenty of fresh milk--right away," ordered Mr.Merrick.

"The quicker it comes the more I'll pay you.