diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 19171-8.txt | 6597 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 19171-8.zip | bin | 0 -> 98114 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 19171-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 220970 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 19171-h/19171-h.htm | 6647 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 19171-h/images/frontispiece.jpg | bin | 0 -> 115927 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 19171.txt | 6597 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 19171.zip | bin | 0 -> 98091 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
10 files changed, 19857 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/19171-8.txt b/19171-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c000c6d --- /dev/null +++ b/19171-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6597 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Moving Picture Girls, by Laura Lee Hope + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Moving Picture Girls + First Appearances in Photo Dramas + +Author: Laura Lee Hope + +Release Date: September 4, 2006 [EBook #19171] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Cori Samuel and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + +The + +Moving Picture Girls + +OR + +First Appearances in Photo Dramas + +BY + +LAURA LEE HOPE + + +AUTHOR OF THE BOBBSEY TWINS, THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY, +THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE, THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE, +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE, ETC. + + +_ILLUSTRATED_ + +[Illustration: IN ONE SCENE ALICE AND RUTH HOLD THE STAGE ALONE. +_The Moving Picture Girls.--Page 157._] + + + THE WORLD SYNDICATE PUBLISHING CO. + + CLEVELAND NEW YORK + Made in U. S. A. + +COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY GROSSET & DUNLAP + +PRESS OF THE COMMERCIAL BOOKBINDING CO. CLEVELAND + + + CONTENTS + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I AN UNCEREMONIOUS DEPARTURE 1 + + II RUSS DALWOOD APOLOGIZES 11 + + III THE OLD TROUBLE 20 + + IV DESPONDENCY 33 + + V REPLACED 43 + + VI A NEW PROPOSITION 51 + + VII ALICE CHANGES HER MIND 60 + + VIII "PAY YOUR RENT, OR----" 70 + + IX MR. DEVERE DECIDES 78 + + X THE MAN IN THE KITCHEN 87 + + XI RUSS IS WORRIED 96 + + XII THE PHOTO DRAMA 106 + + XIII MR. DEVERE'S SUCCESS 113 + + XIV AN EMERGENCY 124 + + XV JEALOUSIES 132 + + XVI THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS 140 + + XVII A PROMISE 151 + + XVIII A HIT 159 + + XIX A BIT OF OUTDOORS 170 + + XX FARMER SANDY APGAR 181 + + XXI OVERHEARD 189 + + XXII THE WARNING 197 + + XXIII THE MISSING MODEL 205 + + XXIV THE PURSUIT 214 + + XXV THE CAPTURE 221 + + + + +CHAPTER I + +AN UNCEREMONIOUS DEPARTURE + + +"Oh, isn't it just splendid, Ruth? Don't you feel like singing and +dancing? Come on, let's have a two-step! I'll whistle!" + +"Alice! How can you be so--so boisterous?" expostulated the taller of +two girls, who stood in the middle of their small and rather shabby +parlor. + +"Boisterous! Weren't you going to say--rude?" laughingly asked the +one who had first spoken. "Come, now, 'fess up! Weren't you?" and the +shorter of the twain, a girl rather plump and pretty, with merry +brown eyes, put her arm about the waist of her sister and endeavored +to lead her through the maze of chairs in the whirl of a dance, +whistling, meanwhile, a joyous strain from one of the latest Broadway +successes. + +"Oh, Alice!" came in rather fretful tones. "I don't--" + +"You don't know what to make of me? That's it; isn't it, sister mine? +Oh, I can read you like a book. But, Ruth, why aren't you jolly once +in a while? Why always that 'maiden all forlorn' look on your face? +Why that far-away, distant look in your eyes--'Anne, Sister Anne, +dost see anyone approaching?' Talk about Bluebeard! Come on, do one +turn with me. I'm learning the one-step, you know, and it's lovely! + +"Come on, laugh and sing! Really, aren't you glad that dad has an +engagement at last? A real engagement that will bring in some real +money! Aren't you glad? It will mean so much to us! Money! Why, I +haven't seen enough real money of late to have a speaking +acquaintance with it. We've been trusted for everything, except +carfare, and it would have come to that pretty soon. Say you're glad, +Ruth!" + +The younger girl gave up the attempt to entice her sister into a +dance, and stood facing her, arm still about her waist, the laughing +brown eyes gazing mischievously up into the rather sad blue ones of +the taller girl. + +"Glad? Of course I'm glad, Alice DeVere, and you know it. I'm just as +glad as you are that daddy has an engagement. He's waited long enough +for one, goodness knows!" + +"You have a queer way of showing your gladness," commented the other +drily, shrugging her shapely shoulders. "Why, I can hardly keep +still. La-la-la-la! La-la-la-la! La-la-la!" She hummed the air of a +Viennese waltz song, meanwhile whirling gracefully about with +extended arms, her dress floating about her balloonwise. + +"Oh, Alice! Don't!" objected her sister. + +"Can't help it, Ruth. I've just got to dance. La-la!" + +She stopped suddenly as a vase crashed to the floor from a table, +shattering into many pieces. + +"Oh!" cried Alice, aghast, as she stood looking at the ruin she had +unwittingly wrought. "Oh, dear, and daddy was so fond of that vase!" + +"There, you see what you've done!" exclaimed Ruth, who, though only +seventeen, and but two years older than her sister, was of a much +more sedate disposition. "I told you not to dance!" + +"You did nothing of the sort, Ruth DeVere. You just stood and looked +at me, and you wouldn't join in, and maybe if you had this wouldn't +have happened--and--and--" + +She did not finish, her voice trailing off rather dismally as she +stooped to pick up the pieces of the vase. + +"It can't be mended, either," she went on, and when she looked up the +merry brown eyes were veiled in a mist of tears. Ruth's heart +softened at once. + +"There, dear!" she said in consoling tones. "Of course you couldn't +help it. Don't worry. Daddy won't mind when you tell him you were +just doing a little waltz of happiness because he has an engagement +at last." + +She, too, stooped and her light hair mingled with the dark brown +tresses of her sister as they gathered up the fragments. + +"I don't care!" announced Alice, finally, as she sank into a chair. +"I'll tell dad myself. I'm glad, anyhow, even if the vase is broken. +I never liked it. I don't see why dad set such store by the old +thing." + +"You forget, Alice, that it was one of--" + +"Mother's--yes, I know," and she sighed. "Father gave it to her when +they were married, but really, mother was like me--she never cared +for it." + +"Yes, Alice, you are much as mother was," returned Ruth, with gentle +dignity. "You are growing more like her every day." + +"Am I, really?" and in delight the younger girl sprang up, her grief +over the vase for the moment forgotten. "Am I really like her, Ruth? +I'm so glad! Tell me more of her. I scarcely remember her. I was only +seven when she died, Ruth." + +"Eight, my dear. You were eight years old, but such a tiny little +thing! I could hold you in my arms." + +"You couldn't do it now!" laughed Alice, with a downward glance at +her plump figure. Yet she was not over-plump, but with the rounding +curves and graces of coming womanhood. + +"Well, I couldn't hold you long," laughed Ruth. "But I wonder what is +keeping daddy? He telephoned that he would come right home. I'm so +anxious to have him tell us all about it!" + +"So am I. Probably he had to stay to arrange about rehearsals," +replied Alice. "What theater did he say he was going to open at?" + +"The New Columbia. It's one of the nicest in New York, too." + +"Oh, I'm so glad. Now we can go to a play once in a while--I'm almost +starved for the sight of the footlights, and to hear the orchestra +tuning up. And you know, while he had no engagement dad wouldn't let +us take advantage of his professional privilege, and present his card +at the box office." + +"Yes, I know he is peculiar that way. But I shall be glad, too, to +attend a play now and again. I'm getting quite rusty. I did so want +to see Maude Adams when she was here. But--" + +"I'd never have gone in the dress I had!" broke in Alice. "I want +something pretty to wear; don't you?" + +"Of course I do, dear. But with things the way they were--" + +"We had to eat our prospective dresses," laughed Alice. "It was like +being shipwrecked, when the sailors have to cut their boots into +lengths and make a stew of them." + +"Alice!" cried Ruth, rather shocked. + +"It was so!" affirmed the other. "Why, you must have read of it +dozens of times in those novels you're always poring over. The hero +and heroine on a raft--she looks up into his eyes and sighs. 'Have +another morsel of boot soup, darling!' Why, the time dad had to use +the money he had half promised me for that charmeuse, and we bought +the supper at the delicatessen--you know, when Mr. Blake stopped and +you asked him to stay to tea, when there wasn't a thing in the house +to eat--do you remember that?" + +"Yes, but I don't see what it has to do with shipwrecked sailors +eating their boots. Really, Alice--" + +"Of course it was just the same," explained the younger girl, +merrily. "There was nothing fit to give Mr. Blake, and I took the +money that was to have been paid for my charmeuse, and slipped out to +Mr. Dinkelspatcher's--or whatever his name is--and bought a meal. +Well, we ate my dress, that's all, Ruth." + +"Why, Alice!" + +"And I wish we had it to eat over again," went on the other, with a +half sigh. "I don't know what we are going to do for supper. How much +have we in the purse?" + +"Only a few dollars." + +"And we must save that, I suppose, until dad gets some salary, which +won't be for a time yet. And we really ought to celebrate in some +way, now that he's had this bit of good luck! Oh, isn't it just awful +to be poor!" + +"Hush, Alice! The neighbors will hear you. The walls of this +apartment house are so terribly thin!" + +"I don't care if they do hear. They all know dad hasn't had a +theatrical engagement for ever so long. And they know we haven't any +what you might call--resources--or we wouldn't live here. Of course +they know we're poor--that's no news!" + +"I know, my dear. But you are so--so out-spoken." + +"I'm glad of it. Oh, Ruth, when will you ever give up trying to +pretend we are what we are not? You're a dear, nice, sweet, romantic +sister, and some day I hope the Fairy Prince will come riding past on +his milk-white steed--and, say, Ruth, why should a prince always ride +a milk-white steed? There's something that's never been explained. + +"All the novels and fairy stories have milk-white steeds for the hero +to prance up on when he rescues the doleful maiden. And if there's +any color that gets dirtier sooner, and makes a horse look most like +a lost hope, it's white. Of course I know they can keep a circus +horse milk-white, but it isn't practical for princes or heroes. The +first mud puddle he splashed through--And, oh, say! If the prince +should fail in his fortunes later, and have to hire out to drive a +coal wagon! Wouldn't his milk-white steed look sweet then? There goes +one now," and she pointed out of the window to the street below. + +"Do, Ruth, if your prince comes, insist on his changing his steed for +one of sober brown. It will wear better." + +"Don't be silly, Alice!" + +"Oh, I can't help it. Hark, is that dad's step?" + +The two girls listened, turning their heads toward the hall entrance +door. + +"No, it's someone over at the Dalwoods'--across the corridor." + +The noise in the hallway increased. There were hasty footsteps, and +then rather loud voices. + +"I tell you I won't have anything to do with you, and you needn't +come sneaking around here any more. I'm done with you!" + +"That's Russ," whispered Alice. + +"Yes," agreed Ruth, and her sister noted a slight flush on her fair +cheeks. + +Then came a voice in expostulation: + +"But I tell you I can market it for you, and get you something for +it. If you try to go it alone--" + +"Well, that's just what I'm going to do--go it alone, and I don't +want to hear any more from you. Now you get out!" + +"But look here--" + +There was a sound of a scuffle, and a body crashed up against the +door of the DeVere apartment. + +"Oh!" cried Ruth and Alice together. + +Their door swung open, for someone had seemingly caught at the knob +to save himself from falling. The girls had a glimpse of their +neighbor across the hall, Russ Dalwood by name, pushing a strange man +toward the head of the stairs. + +"Now you get out!" cried Russ, and the man left rather +unceremoniously, slipping down two or three steps before he could +recover his balance and grasp the railing. + +"Oh, shut the door, quickly, Alice!" gasped Ruth. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +RUSS DALWOOD APOLOGIZES + + +The portal was closed with a bang--so closed because Alice in a mad +rush threw herself against it and turned the key in the lock. Then +she gained a place by her sister's side, and slipped an arm about her +waist. + +"He--he won't come in," Alice whispered. "I saw him going down the +stairs." + +"Who--who was it?" faltered Ruth. She was very pale. + +"I don't know," Alice made answer. "I don't believe he meant to come +in here. It was--was just an accident. But the door is locked now. +Maybe it was some collector--like those horrid men who have been to +see us lately. The Dalwoods may be short of money, too." + +"I don't think so, Alice. Russ makes good wages at the moving picture +place. Oh, are you sure the door is locked?" + +"Positive. Don't worry." + +"Let's slip down the back stairs to Mrs. Reilley's flat. She has a +telephone, and we can call the police," suggested the taller girl, in +a hoarse whisper, her eyes never leaving the hall door that had been +so unceremoniously thrust open. + +"Silly!" returned Alice. "There's no danger now. That man has gone. I +tell you I saw him hurrying down the stairs. Russ sent him about his +business, all right--whatever his business was." + +"Oh, it's terrible to live this way!" wailed Ruth. "With--with common +fighting going on in the halls! If poor mother were alive now--" + +"She wouldn't be a bit afraid, if what you tell me of her is true!" +insisted Alice, stoutly. "And I'm not a bit afraid, either. Why, Russ +is just across the hall, and it was only the other day you were +saying how strong and manly he was. Have you forgotten?" + +"No," answered Ruth, in a low voice, and again the blush suffused her +cheeks. + +"Then don't be a silly. I'm not going down and ask Mrs. Reilley to +'phone for the police. That would cause excitement indeed. I don't +believe anyone else heard the commotion, and that was only because +our door flew open by accident." + +"Oh, well, maybe it will be all right," assented the taller girl who, +in this emergency, seemed to lean on her younger sister. Perhaps it +was because Alice was so merry-hearted--even unthinking at times; +despising danger because she did not know exactly what it was--or +what it meant. Yet even now Ruth felt that she must play the part of +mother to her younger sister. + +"Are you sure that door is locked?" she asked again. + +"Positive! See, I'll slip on the chain, and then it would tax even a +policeman to get in. But, really, Ruth, I wouldn't go to Mrs. +Reilley's if I were you. She'll tell everyone, and there doesn't seem +to be any need. It's all over, and those below, or above us, seem to +have heard nothing of it." + +"Oh, I wish daddy would come home!" + +"So do I, for that matter. That's sensible. What did he say," asked +Alice, "when you went down to Mrs. Reilley's telephone to talk to +him?" For that neighbor had summoned one of the girls when she +learned, over the wire, that Mr. DeVere wished to speak with his +daughters about his good fortune. + +"He didn't have time to say much," replied Ruth. "He just stole a +minute or two away from the conference to say that he had an +engagement that was very promising." + +"And didn't he say when he'd be home?" + +"No, only that it would be as soon as possible." + +"Well, I suppose he'll come as quickly as he can. Let's see what we +can get up in the way of a lunch. We may have to resort to the +delicatessen again. I do want father to have something nice when he +comes home with his good news." + +"So do I," agreed Ruth. "I'm afraid our ice box doesn't contain much +in the way of refreshments for an impromptu banquet, though, and I +positively won't go out after--after what happened. At least not +right away!" + +"Pooh, I'm not afraid!" laughed Alice, having recovered her spirits. +"On the ice box--charge!" she cried gaily, waltzing about. + +The girls found little enough to reward them, and it came, finally, +to the necessity of making a raid on the nearest delicatessen shop if +they were to "banquet" their father. + +In fact since the DeVere family had come to make their home in the +Fenmore Apartment House, on one of the West Sixtieth streets of New +York City, there had been very little in the way of food luxuries, +and not a great deal of the necessities. + +Their life had held a little more of ease and comfort when they lived +in a more fashionable quarter, but with the loss of their father's +theatrical engagement, and the long period of waiting for another, +their savings had been exhausted and they had had recourse to the +pawn shop, in addition to letting as many bills as possible go unpaid +until fortune smiled again. + +Hosmer DeVere, who was a middle-aged, rather corpulent and +exceedingly kind and cultured gentleman, was the father of the two +girls. Their mother had been dead about seven years, a cold caught in +playing on a draughty stage developing into pneumonia, from which she +never rallied. + +Ruth and Alice came of a theatrical family--at least, on their +father's side--for his father and grandfather before him had enviable +histrionic reputations. Mrs. DeVere had been a vivacious country +maid--or, rather, a maid in a small town that was classed as being on +the "country" circuit by the company playing it. Mr. DeVere, then +blossoming into a leading man, was in the troupe, and became +acquainted with his future wife through the medium of the theater. +She had sought an interview with the manager, seeking a chance to +"get on the boards," and Mr. DeVere admired her greatly. + +Their married life was much happier than the usual theatrical union, +and under the guidance and instruction of her husband Mrs. DeVere had +become one of the leading juvenile players. Both her husband and +herself were fond of home life, and they had looked forward to the +day when they could retire and shut themselves away from the public +with their two little daughters. + +But fortunes are seldom made on the stage--not half as often as is +imagined--and the time seemed farther and farther off. Then came Mrs. +DeVere's illness and death, and for a time a broken-hearted man +withdrew himself from the world to devote his life to his daughters. + +But the call of the stage was imperative, not so much from choice as +necessity, for Mr. DeVere could do little to advantage save act, and +in this alone could he make a living. So he had returned to the +"boards," filling various engagements with satisfaction, and taking +his daughters about with him. + +Rather strange to say, up to the present, though literally saturated +with the romance and hard work of the footlights, neither Ruth nor +Alice had shown any desire to go on the stage. Or, if they had it, +they had not spoken of it. And their father was glad. + +Mr. DeVere was a clever character actor, and had created a number of +parts that had won favor. He inclined to whimsical comedy rôles, +rather than to romantic drama, and several of his old men studies are +remembered on Broadway to this day. He had acted in Shakespeare, but +he had none of that burning desire, with which many actors are +credited, to play Hamlet. Mr. DeVere was satisfied to play the +legitimate in his best manner, to look after his daughters, and to +trust that in time he might lay by enough for himself, and see them +happily married. + +But the laying-aside process had been seriously interrupted several +times by lack of engagements, so that the little stock of savings +dwindled away. + +Then came a panicky year. Many theaters were closed, and more actors +"walked the Rialto" looking for engagements than ever before. Mr. +DeVere was among them, and he even accepted a part in a vaudeville +sketch to eke out a scanty livelihood. + +Good times came again, but did not last, and finally it looked to the +actor as though he were doomed to become a "hack," or to linger along +in some stock company. He was willing to do this, though, for the +sake of the girls. + +A rather longer period of inactivity than usual made a decided change +in the DeVere fortunes, if one can call a struggle against poverty +"fortunes." They had to leave their pleasant apartment and take one +more humble. Some of their choice possessions, too, went to the sign +of the three golden balls; but, with all this, it was hard work to +set even their scanty table. And the bills! + +Ruth wept in secret over them, being the house-keeper. And, of late, +some of the tradesmen were not as patient and kind as they had been +at first. Some even sent professional collectors, who used all their +various wiles to humiliate their debtors. + +But now a ray of light seemed to shine through the gloom, and a +tentative promise from one theatrical manager had become a reality. +Mr. DeVere had telephoned that the contract was signed, and that he +would have a leading part at last, after many weeks of idleness. + +"What is the play?" asked Alice of her sister, when they had decided +on what they might safely get from the delicatessen store. "Did dad +say?" + +"Yes. It's 'A Matter of Friendship.' One of those new society +dramas." + +"Oh, I do hope he gets us tickets!" + +"We will need some dresses before we can use tickets," sighed Ruth. +"Positively I wouldn't go anywhere but in the gallery now." + +"No, we wouldn't exactly shine in a box," agreed Alice. + +"Hark!" cautioned her sister. "There's someone in the hall now. I +heard a step----" + +There came a knock on the door, and in spite of themselves both girls +started nervously. + +"That isn't his rap!" whispered Alice. + +"No. Ask who it is," suggested Ruth. Somehow, she looked again to the +younger Alice now. + +"Who--who is it?" faltered the latter. "Maybe it's one of those +horrid collectors," she went on, in her sister's ear. "I wish I'd +kept quiet." + +But the voice that answered reassured them. + +"Are you there, Miss DeVere? This is Russ Dalwood. I want to +apologize for that row outside your door a few minutes ago. It was an +accident. I'm sorry. May I come in?" + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE OLD TROUBLE + + +For a moment the girls faced each other with wide-opened eyes, the +brown ones of Alice gazing into the deep blue ones of Ruth. Ruth's +eyes were not the ordinary blue--like those of a china doll. They +were more like wood-violets, and in their depths could be read a +liking for the unusual and romantic that was, in a measure, the key +to her character. Not for nothing had Alice laughed at her sister's +longing for a prince, on a milk-white steed, to come riding by. Ruth +was tall, and of that desirable willowy type, so much in demand of +late. + +Alice was just saved from being a "bread-and-butter" girl. That is, +she had wholesomeness, with a round face, and ruddy cheeks--more +damask than red in color--but she also had a rollicking, good-natured +disposition, without being in the least bit tomboyish. She reminded +one of a girl just out of school, eager for a game of tennis or golf. + +"Are you busy?" asked the voice on the other side of the door. "I can +call again!" + +"No, wait--Russ!" replied Ruth, with an obvious effort. "We had the +chain on. We'll let you in!" + +The DeVeres had only known their neighbors across the hall since +coming to the Fenmore Apartment. Yet one could not live near motherly +Mrs. Sarah Dalwood and not get to know her rather intimately, in a +comparatively short time. She was what would have been called, in the +country, "a good neighbor." In New York, with its hurry and scurry, +where people live for years in adjoining rooms and never speak, she +was an unusual type. She knew nearly every one in the big +apartment--which was almost more than the janitor and his wife could +boast. + +A widow with two sons, Mrs. Dalwood was in fairly good +circumstances--compared with her neighbors. Her husband had left her +a little sum in life insurance that was well invested, and Russ held +a place as moving picture machine operator in one of the largest of +those theaters. He earned a good salary which made it unnecessary for +his mother to go out to work, or to take any in, and his brother +Billy was kept at school. Billy was twelve, a rather nervous, +delicate lad, liked by everyone. + +There was a rattle as the chain fell from the slotted slide on the +door, and Alice opened the portal, to disclose the smiling and yet +rather worried face of Russ. The girls had come to know him well +enough to call him by his first name, and he did the same to them. It +might not be out of place to say that Russ admired Ruth very much. + +"I'm awfully sorry about what happened," began Russ. "You see I +didn't mean to shove that fellow so hard. But he was awfully +persistent, and I just lost my temper. I was afraid I'd shoved him +downstairs." + +"So were we," admitted Ruth, with a smile. + +"Did he try to come in here, to escape from you?" asked Alice, with a +frank laugh. + +"Indeed he did not," replied Russ. "He caught at your door to save +himself from falling. I guess he thought I was going to hit him; but +I wasn't. I just shoved him away to keep him from coming back into +our rooms again. Mother was a little afraid of him." + +"Was he--was he a----" Alice balked at the word "collector." + +"He was a fellow who's trying to steal a patent I'm working on!" +exclaimed Russ, rather fiercely. "He's as unscrupulous as they come, +and I didn't want him to get a foothold. So I just sent him about +his business in a way I think he won't forget." + +"Oh, are you working on a patent?" cried Ruth. "How nice! What's it +about? Oh, I forgot! Perhaps you can't tell. It's a secret, I +suppose. All patents are." + +"Well, it isn't a secret from you folks," returned Russ. "I don't +mind telling you, even though I haven't perfected it yet." + +"Especially as you can be sure we girls wouldn't understand the least +thing about it--if it has anything to do with machinery," put in +Alice, laughing. + +"Well, it is something about machinery," admitted Russ. "It is +something new to go on moving picture machines, to steady the film as +it moves behind the lens. You've often noticed how jerky the pictures +are at times?" he asked. + +"Yes; though we don't go very often," responded Ruth. + +"Well, I've made a simple little device that fits on the machine. I +needn't go into all details--to tell you the truth I haven't got 'em +all worked out yet; but I think it will be a good thing, and bring me +in some money. + +"I've spoken to Mr. Frank Pertell, manager of the Comet Film Company, +about it. I have done some work for him, you know. He says it will +be a good thing, and, while it may not make me a millionaire, it will +help a lot. So I'm working hard on it." + +"But who was this man--what did he have to do with it?" asked Alice. + +"He didn't have anything to do with it--but he wanted to. His name is +Simpson Wolley--Simp, he's called for short, though he is not as +simple as his name sounds. He heard about my invention--how, I don't +know--and he's trying to get it away from me." + +"Get it away from you?" echoed Alice. + +"Yes. He came to me and wanted me to sell him the rights, just as it +was, for a certain sum. I refused. Then to-day I came home +unexpectedly. I found him in the room where I work, looking over my +drawings and models. Mother had let him in to wait for me. She put +him in the parlor, but he sneaked into my room. That's why I sent him +flying." + +"I don't blame you!" exclaimed Alice, with flashing eyes. + +"Only I'm sorry he disturbed you," went on Russ. "I didn't mean to be +quite so hasty; but he got on my nerves, I expect." + +"Oh, that's all right," said Ruth, graciously. + +"Mother said you might be frightened," went on the young man, "so +she sent me here to tell you what it was." + +"Don't mention it," laughed Alice. "We were a bit frightened at +first, and we put the chain on the door. But are you sure you're all +right--that he won't come back again?" + +"Oh, you need not worry," Russ assured her. "He won't come here +again; though I don't fancy I'm through with him. Simp Wolley hasn't +much principle, and I know a lot of fellows who have done business +with him to their sorrow. But he'll have to work hard to fool me. So +my apology is accepted; is it?" + +"Of course," laughed Ruth, blushing more than before. + +Another step was heard in the hall. + +"There's dad!" cried Alice. "Oh, where have you been?" she exclaimed, +as she ran to her father's arms. + +"I couldn't come sooner," the latter explained in his deep, mellow +voice--a voice that had endeared him to many audiences. "We had to +arrange about the rehearsals. Haven't you a kiss for dad, Ruth" he +went on, putting his arms about the taller girl. "How are you, Russ?" +and he nodded cordially. "Isn't it fine to have two such daughters as +these?" He held them to him--one on either side. + +"Father!" objected Ruth, blushing. + +"Ha! Ashamed of her old daddy hugging and kissing her; is she?" Mr. +DeVere laughed. "Well, I am surprised; aren't you, Russ? Some +day----" + +"Dad!" expostulated Ruth, blushing more vividly, and clapping a small +hand over her father's mouth. "You mustn't say such things!" + +"What things?" with a simulated look of innocent wonder. + +"What you were going to say!" + +"Well, as long as I didn't, no harm is done. What about lunch? I must +go back this afternoon." + +"I'll see you again," called Russ, retiring, for he knew father and +daughters would want to exchange confidences. + +"It's good news, Russ!" called Alice, as he departed across the hall. +"Daddy has an engagement at last!" + +"Glad to hear it, Mr. DeVere. I knew you'd land one sooner or later." + +"Well, it came near being later, Russ, my boy." + +"Now, Daddy dear, tell us all about it," begged Alice, when they were +by themselves. "Isn't it just splendid! I wanted to get up a +banquet, only there's nothing much on which to bank----" + +"Alice, dear--such slang!" reproved Ruth. + +"Never mind, better days are coming," said the actor. "At last I have +a part just suited to me--one of the best for which I have ever been +cast. It's with the 'A Matter of Friendship' company, and we open in +about three weeks at the New Columbia. I feel sure I'll make a hit, +and the play is a very good one--I may say a fine one." + +"And you open in three weeks, you say, Dad?" asked Ruth, +thoughtfully. + +"Yes; or, rather, in two weeks from to-night. There are two weeks' +rehearsals. But what--oh, I see. You mean there won't be any money +coming in for three weeks--or until after the play has run a week. +Well, never mind. I dare say we will manage somehow. I can likely get +an advance on my salary. I'll see. And now for lunch. I'm as hungry +as a stranded road company. What have you?" + +"Not so very much," confessed Ruth. "I was hoping----" + +There came a knock at the door. + +"Come!" invited Mr. DeVere, and Russ appeared. + +"Excuse this interruption," the young moving picture operator began, +"but mother sent over to ask if you wouldn't take dinner with us. We +have a big one. We expected my uncle and aunt, and they've +disappointed us. Do come!" + +Alice and Ruth looked at each other. Then they glanced up at their +father, who regarded them thoughtfully. + +"Well, I don't know," began the actor, slowly. "I--er----" + +"Mother will be disappointed if you don't come," urged Russ. "She has +chicken and biscuit for dinner, and she rather prides herself on it. +The dinner will be spoiled if it isn't eaten hot--especially the +biscuit, so she'll take it as a favor if you'll come over, and take +the places of my uncle and aunt. Do come!" and he looked earnestly at +Ruth. + +"Well, what do you say, girls? Shall we accept of our neighbor's +hospitality?" asked Mr. DeVere. + +"Please do!" exclaimed Alice, in a tense whisper. "You know we +haven't got a decent thing to eat in the ice box, and that +delicatessen stuff----" + +"Alice!" chided Ruth. + +"Well, it's the truth!" insisted the merry girl, her brown eyes +dancing with mischief. "Russ knows we aren't millionaires, and with +papa out of an engagement so long--oh, chicken! Come on. I haven't +tasted any in so long----" + +"Alice--dear!" objected Ruth, sharply. "You mustn't mind her, Russ," +she went on, rather embarrassed. + +"I don't," he laughed. "But if you'll all come I'll promise you some +of the best chicken you ever tasted. And mother's hot biscuits in the +chicken gravy----" + +"Don't you say another word, Russ Dalwood!" interrupted Alice. "We're +coming!" + +"I--I think we will," agreed Mr. DeVere, with a laugh. + +Thus was his new engagement fittingly celebrated. + +The memory of that chicken dinner lingered long with the DeVere +family. For though there was daylight ahead there were dark and +dreary days to be lived through. + +As usual in theatrical companies, no salaries were paid while "A +Matter of Friendship" was being rehearsed. Neither Mr. DeVere, nor +any of the company, received any money for those two weeks of hard +work. Those actors or actresses who had nothing put by lived as best +they could on the charity of others. It was indeed "a matter of +friendship" that some of them lived at all. And for a week after the +play opened they could expect nothing. Then if the play should be a +failure---- + +But no one liked to think of that. + +The rehearsals went on, and the play was going to be a great success, +according to Mr. DeVere. But then he always said that. What actor has +not? + +How he and his family lived those two weeks none but themselves knew. +They had pawned all they dared, until their flat was quite bare of +needed comforts. Tradesmen were insistent, and one man in particular +threatened to have Mr. DeVere arrested if his bill was not paid. But +it was out of the question to meet it. What little money was on hand +was needed for food, and there was little enough of that. + +Mr. DeVere did negotiate some small loans, but not enough to afford +permanent relief. Perhaps motherly Mrs. Dalwood suspected, or Russ +may have hinted at their neighbors' straits, for many a nourishing +dish was sent to Ruth and Alice, on the plea that there was more of +it than Mrs. Dalwood and her sons could eat. + +There were more invitations from the Dalwoods to dinner or supper, +but Mr. DeVere was proud, and declined, though in the most +delightfully polite way. + +"I--I don't see how he can refuse, when he knows we are really +hungry!" sighed Alice. + +"You wouldn't want him to be a beggar; would you?" flashed Ruth. + +"No. But it's awfully hard; isn't it?" + +"It is. Too bad they don't pay for rehearsals. And there'll be +another full week! Oh, Alice, I wish there was something we could do +to earn money!" + +"So do I! But what is there?" + +"I don't know. Oh, dear!" + +They sat in the gloaming--silent, waiting for their father to come +home. + +"There's his step!" exclaimed Ruth, jumping up. + +"Yes--but," said Alice, in puzzled, frightened tones, "it--it doesn't +sound like him, somehow. How--how slowly he walks! Oh, I hope nothing +has happened!" + +"Happened? How could there?" asked Ruth, yet with blanched face. + +The door opened, and Mr. DeVere entered. It needed but a glance at +his white face to show that something had happened--something +tragic--and not the tragedy of the theater. + +"Oh, Father--Daddy--what is it!" cried Alice, springing to his arms. + +"I--I--my----" Mr. DeVere could hardly speak, so hoarse was he. Only +a husky whisper came from his lips. + +"Are you--are you hurt?" cried Ruth. "Shall I get a doctor?" + +"It--it's my voice!" gasped the actor. "It has gone back on me--I +can't speak a word to be heard over the footlights! It's my old +trouble come back!" and he sank weakly into a chair. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +DESPONDENCY + + +Startled and alarmed the two girls hastened to the side of their +father. They flitted helplessly about him for a moment, like pretty, +distressed birds. As for Mr. DeVere, his hand went to his aching +throat as though to clutch the malady that had so suddenly gripped +him, and tear it out. For none realized as keenly as he what the +attack meant. It was as though some enemy had struck at his very +life, for to him his voice was his only means of livelihood. + +"Oh, Father!" gasped Ruth. "What is it? Speak! Tell us! What shall we +do?" + +"It--it's--" but his voice trailed off into a hoarse gurgle, and +signs of distress and pain appeared on his face. + +"Oh, tell us! Tell us!" begged Ruth, clasping her hands, her blue +eyes filling with tears. + +"Can't you see he can't speak!" exclaimed Alice, a bit sharply. She +had a better grasp of the situation in this emergency than had her +sister. "Something has happened to him! Was it dust in your throat on +the street?" asked Alice. "Don't answer--wait, Dad! I have some +lozenges. I'll get them for you!" + +She was in and out of her room on the instant, with a box of troches, +one of which she held out to her father. He had not moved since +sinking into the chair, but stared straight ahead--and the future +that he saw was not a pleasant one to contemplate. + +"Take this, Father," begged Alice, slipping her arm about him, as she +sank to the floor at his feet. "This will help your throat. Don't you +remember what a terrible cold I had? These helped me a lot. Take +one!" + +Mr. DeVere shook his head slightly, and seemed about to refuse the +lozenge. But a glance at his daughters' worried faces evidently made +him change his mind. He slipped the tablet into his mouth, and then +straightened up in his chair. Whatever happened to him he knew he +must make a brave fight for the sake of the girls. It would not do to +show the white feather before them, even though his heart was quaking +with the terrible fear that had come upon him. + +"What happened, Dad?" asked Ruth. "Can't you tell us? Oh, I am so +worried!" + +He tried to smile at her, but it was a pathetic attempt. Then, with +an effort, he spoke--so hoarsely that they could barely understand +him. + +"It--it's my voice," he whispered, gratingly. "Some sort of affection +of my vocal chords. You'd better get a doctor. I--I must be better by +to-morrow." + +"Poor Daddy!" whispered Ruth. "I'll go down stairs and telephone for +Dr. Haldon." + +"No--not him--some--some other physician. We--we haven't paid Dr. +Haldon's bill," said Mr. DeVere quickly, and this time he spoke more +distinctly. + +"Oh, you're better!" cried Alice in delight, clapping her hands. "I +knew my medicine would help you, Dad! It's good; isn't it?" + +He nodded and smiled at her, but there was little of conviction in +his manner, had the girls but noticed it. + +"I know just how it is," went on Alice, and her tone did as much as +anything to relieve the strain they were all under. "I caught cold +once, and I got hoarse so suddenly that I was afraid I was going to +be terribly ill. But it passed off in a day or two. Yours will, Dad!" + +Mr. DeVere tried to act as though he believed it, but there was a +despondent look on his face. + +"I'll slip over and ask Mrs. Dalwood the name of a good doctor," +offered Alice. "It's too bad we can't pay Dr. Haldon, but we will as +soon as we can. Mrs. Dalwood may know of a good throat specialist +nearby." + +"Yes, you had better go," said Mr. DeVere in a low voice. "I must be +able to go on with the rehearsals to-morrow." + +Alice fairly flew across the hall, and the tragic little story was +soon told. Mrs. Dalwood, fortunately, did know of a good doctor in +the vicinity. He had attended Billy several times, and, while not +exactly a throat specialist, was to be depended upon. + +"Then I'll go downstairs and telephone for him," said Alice. "Poor +daddy is so worried." + +"I'll go over and see what I can do," volunteered Mrs. Dalwood. "I +have an old-fashioned cough medicine I used for the children." + +She took a bottle with her as she slipped across the hall to the flat +of her neighbors. Russ went with her, anxious to do what he could. + +But Mr. DeVere shook his head as the bottle of simple home remedy was +proffered. + +"Thank you very much, Mrs. Dalwood," he said hoarsely. "It is very +kind of you, but I'm afraid to try it. I have had this trouble +before, and----" + +"You have, Father?" cried Ruth in surprise. "You never told us about +it." + +"I will--after the doctor comes," he said in a low voice. + +Alice came back from using the telephone of the neighbor on the floor +below to say that Dr. Rathby would soon be over. + +"And then we'll have you all right again, Daddy!" she said, and the +merry, laughing light that had disappeared came back into her eyes. + +It was rather anxious waiting for the physician, but when he came his +cheery, breezy presence seemed to fill them all with hope. He took +Mr. DeVere into a room by himself, and made a careful examination. +The girls could hear the young doctor's sharp, quick questioning, and +their father's hoarse, mumbled replies. Then followed a period of +nervous silence, broken by more talk. + +Presently physician and patient came out Dr. Rathby looked serious, +but he tried to smile. Mr. DeVere looked serious--but he did not +smile. That was the difference. + +"Well?" asked Ruth, with a sharp intaking of her breath. + +"Nothing serious--at least, so far," was the doctor's verdict. "I +think we have taken it in time. There is considerable inflammation of +the vocal chords, and they have suffered a partial paralysis." + +"As bad as that?" gasped Alice. + +"Oh, that isn't half as bad as it sounds!" laughed Dr. Rathby. "I +have had cases worse than this. Now, I'll leave you some medicine to +be used in an atomizer, as a spray, Mr. DeVere, and I want you--in +fact as a doctor I order you--to speak as little as possible. Don't +use your voice at all, if you can help it--at least not for several +days." + +He turned to write a prescription, but was startled at the hoarse cry +of expostulation from Mr. DeVere. + +"But, doctor!" exclaimed the actor, "I--I----" + +"There, now, I told you not to speak!" chided the physician, with +upraised finger. + +"But I have to! I'm an actor--I'm rehearsing a new part. I must use +my voice! It's imperative!" + +The doctor seemed startled. + +"An actor," he said in low tones. "You did not tell me that. I did +not understand ... Hm! Yes!" + +He thought deeply for a moment. + +"You could not take a rest for a week?" he asked. + +"A week? No! I have been 'resting' enough weeks as it is. I must go +on with this. I've had it before. It has passed away. Can't you give +me something that will enable me to go on--some medicine that will +act quickly? I must be at rehearsal to-morrow." + +The doctor shrugged his shoulders as though to clear himself from all +blame. + +"Well, if you have to--you have to, I suppose," he said. "I +understand. I can give you an astringent mixture that will shrink the +chords, and may relieve some of the inflammation. It may enable you +to go on--but at the risk of permanent injury to your throat." + +"Oh!" exclaimed both girls. + +"Never mind!" responded Mr. DeVere, hoarsely. "I--I must risk the +future for the sake of the present. I cannot give up this engagement. +I must keep on with the rehearsals. Give me something speedy, if you +please, Doctor. I'll--I'll have to take the chance." + +"I am sorry," spoke Dr. Rathby. "But of course I understand. I have a +mixture that some singers have used with good effect. I'll try it on +you. You can use it several times to-night, and on your way to +rehearsal stop in at my office in the morning, and I'll swab out your +throat. That may help some." + +"Oh, thank you, Doctor. You don't know what this means to me. I--I +feel better already." + +"I'm afraid it's only temporary relief," returned the physician. "But +there. Don't worry. Get that filled and see what effect it has. Then +come and see me in the morning." + +He wrote the prescription and hurried away, nodding to the girls. + +"I'll get it filled," offered Ruth, and she could hardly keep back a +sigh as she looked at the scanty supply of money in the household +purse. As she was going out to the drug store she met Russ in the +hallway. + +"Is he any better?" the young moving picture operator asked. + +"I think so," answered Ruth. "But isn't it too bad? Just when +everything looked so bright." + +"Oh, well, it will come out all right, I'm sure," spoke Russ. "Don't +you want to come to see our show to-night? We've got some fine +pictures. I'm going down a little early to get the reels in shape." + +"We very seldom go to the 'movies,'" answered Ruth. "Though I have +seen some I liked." + +"We have some fine ones," went on Russ. + +"Better come on down. I'll get you a pass in!" and he laughed +genially. + +"Not this time," answered Ruth gently. "I must get back and help +Alice look after my father. Thank you." + +She left him at the corner, and he passed on whistling softly and +thinking of many things. + +Mr. DeVere seemed better when Ruth got back with the medicine. And +when his throat was sprayed he could talk with less effort. But his +tones were still very husky, and it was evident that unless there was +a great improvement in the morning he would hardly be able to go to +rehearsal. + +"I'm glad the show doesn't open until next week," he said with a +smile. "I'd never be able to make myself heard beyond the first three +rows. But I'll surely be better by the time we open." + +"What did you mean by saying you had this same trouble before, Dad?" +asked Alice. + +"Well, it did come on me last summer, when I was taking my little +vacation," he replied. "It wasn't quite as bad as this, though." + +"You never told us," accused Ruth. + +"No, I didn't want to worry you. It passed over, and I'm sure this +will." + +Mr. DeVere spoke little the next morning. Perhaps he did not want +his daughters to know how very hoarse his voice was. He left for the +doctor's before going to the theater, and most anxiously did the +girls await his return. + +"There he is!" exclaimed Ruth at length, late that afternoon. + +"But he's earlier than usual!" said Alice. "I wonder----" + +Mr. DeVere fairly staggered into the room. His face was white as he +sank into a chair Alice pushed forward. + +"Daddy!" exclaimed the girls. + +He shook his head mournfully. + +"It--it's no use!" he said, and they could barely make out his words. +"My voice failed completely. I--I had to give up the rehearsal," and +he covered his face with his hands. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +REPLACED + + +For a few moments the two girls said nothing. They simply stood +there, looking at their father, who was bowed with grief. It was +something new for him--a strange rôle, for usually he was so jolly +and happy--going about reciting odd snatches from the plays in which +he had taken part. + +"Does--does it hurt you, Daddy?" asked Ruth softly, as she stepped +closer to him, and put her hand on his shoulder. + +He raised himself with an effort, and seemed to shake off the gloom +that held him prisoner. + +"No--no," he answered in queer, croaking tones, so different from his +usual deep and vibrant ones. "That's the odd part of it. I have no +real pain. It isn't sore at all--just a sort of numbness." + +"Did it come on suddenly?" asked Alice. + +"Well, it did yesterday--very suddenly. But this time I was hoarse +when I started to rehearse and it kept getting worse until I couldn't +be heard ten feet away. Of course it was no use to go on then, so the +stage manager called me off." + +"Then he'll wait until you're better?" asked Alice. + +Her father shrugged his shoulders. + +"He'll wait until to-morrow, at any rate," was the hesitating answer. + +"Didn't going to the doctor's office help any?" asked Ruth. + +"For a few minutes--yes. But as soon as I got to the theater I was as +bad as ever. I had some of his spray with me, too, but it did little +good. I think I must see him again. I'll go to his office now." + +"No, he must come here!" insisted Ruth. "You shouldn't take any +chances going out in the air, Father, even though it is a warm spring +day. Let him come here. I'll go telephone." + +She was out into the hall before he could remonstrate, had he had the +energy to do it. But Mr. DeVere seemed incapable of thinking for +himself, now that this trouble had come upon him. + +Dr. Rathby came a little later. He had a cheery, confident air that +was good for the mind, if not for the body. + +"Well, how goes it?" he asked. + +"Not--very well," was Mr. DeVere's hoarse reply. + +"I'm afraid you'll have to do as I suggested and take a complete +rest," went on the doctor. "That's the only thing for these cases. +I'll take another look at you." + +The examination of the throat was soon over. + +"Hum!" mused the physician. "Well, Mr. DeVere, I can tell you one +thing. If you keep on talking and rehearsing, you won't have any +voice at all by the end of the week." + +"Oh!" cried the girls, together. + +"Now, don't be frightened," went on the doctor quickly, seeing their +alarm. "This may not be at all serious. There is a good chance of Mr. +DeVere getting his voice back; but I confess I see little hope of it +at the present time. At any rate he must give himself absolute rest, +and not use his voice--even to talk to you girls," and he smiled at +them. + +"I know that is going to be hard," the doctor went on; "but it must +be done sir, it must be done." + +"Impossible!" murmured Mr. DeVere. "It cannot be!" + +"It must be, my dear sir. Your vocal chords are in such shape that +the least additional strain may permanently injure them. As it is +now--you have a chance." + +"Only a chance did you say?" asked the actor, eagerly. + +"Yes, only a chance. It would be cruel to deceive you, and try to +tell you that this is only temporary, and will pass off. It may, but +it is sure to come back again, unless you give your throat an +absolute rest." + +"For--for how long?" + +"I can't say--six months--maybe a year--maybe----" + +"A year! Why, Doctor, I never could do that." + +"You may have to. You can speak now, but if you keep on you will get +to the point where you will be next to absolutely dumb!" + +The girls caught their breaths in sharp gasps. Even Mr. DeVere seemed +unnerved. + +"It may seem harsh to say this to you," went on Dr. Rathby, "but it +is the kindest in the end. Rest is what you need." + +"Then I can't go to rehearsal in the morning?" + +"Certainly not. I must forbid it as your physician. Can't you get a +few days off?" + +Mr. DeVere shook his head. + +"Aren't there such things as understudies? Seems to me I have heard +of them," persisted the physician. + +"I--I wouldn't like to have to put one on," said the actor. + +His daughters knew the reason. Times were but little better than they +had been in the theatrical business. Many good men and women, too, +were out of engagements, and every available part was quickly snapped +up. Mr. DeVere had waited long enough for this opening, and now to +have to put on an understudy when the play was on the eve of opening, +might mean the loss of his chances. Theatrical managers were +uncertain at best, and an actor in an important part, with a voice +that would not carry beyond the first few rows, was out of the +question. + +Mr. DeVere knew this as well as did his daughters. + +"I'll tell you what I'll do," went on Dr. Rathby. "I'll speak to your +manager myself. I'll explain how things are, and say it is imperative +that you have one or two days of rest. It may be that your chords +will clear up enough in that time so that I can treat them better and +you can resume your duties." + +"Will you do that?" cried the actor, eagerly. "It will be awfully +good of you. Just say to Mr. Gans Cross--he's the manager of the New +Columbia theater--that I will be back in two days--less, if you will +allow me, Doctor." + +The physician shook his head. + +"It must be at least two days," he said, and he went off to +telephone, promising to come back as soon as he could. + +He did return, later in the evening, with a new remedy of which he +said he had heard from a fellow doctor. + +"What did Mr. Cross say?" Mr. DeVere asked eagerly. + +"I have good news for you. He agreed to use an understudy for two +days. He said you were letter-perfect in the part, anyway, and it was +the others who really needed the rehearsing. So now we have two full +days in which to do our best. And in that time I want you to talk the +deaf and dumb language," laughed Dr. Rathby. + +Mr. DeVere eagerly promised. + +Then began a two-days' warfare against the throat ailment. Ruth and +Alice were untiring in attendance on their father. They saw to it +that he used the medicine faithfully, and they even got pads and +pencils that he might write messages to them instead of speaking. + +On his part the actor was faithful. He did not use his voice at all, +and on the second day Dr. Rathby said there was some improvement. He +was not very enthusiastic, however, and when Mr. DeVere asked if he +could attend rehearsals next day the doctor said: + +"Well, it's a risk, but I know how you feel about it. You may try it; +but, frankly, I am fearful of the outcome." + +"I--I've got to try," whispered Mr. DeVere. + +He went to the rehearsal, and the worst fears of the physician were +realized. After the first act Mr. DeVere was hoarser than ever +before. The other players could not hear him to get their "cues," or +signals when to reply, and come on the stage. The rehearsal had to be +stopped. There was a hasty conference between the manager of the +company and the treasurer of the same. + +"The play will have to open on time," said the manager. + +"Yes, we've had a big advance sale," replied the treasurer. + +"And DeVere can't do it." + +"No. I'll have to put his understudy in until we can cast someone +else. I'll tell him." + +The actor must have guessed what was coming, for he was washing off +his make-up in the dressing-room when the manager entered. + +"I'm awfully sorry about this, DeVere," began Mr. Cross. "But I'm +afraid you won't be able to go on Monday night." + +"No, Mr. Cross, I myself am of the same opinion. My voice has failed +me utterly." + +"And yet--and yet--you understand how it is. We must open on time." + +"Yes, I know. The show must go on--the show must go on."' + +"And the only way----" + +"Is to replace me. I know. You can't help it, Mr. Cross. I know just +how it is. It isn't your fault--it's my misfortune. I thank you for +your patience. You'll have to--to replace me. It's the only thing to +do. And yet," he added so softly that the manager did not hear "what +am I to do? What are my daughters to do?" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A NEW PROPOSITION + + +There was no need for Ruth and Alice to ask their father what had +happened. One look at his ashen face when he came home from the +theater was enough. + +"Oh, Daddy!" cried Alice. "Couldn't you make it go?" + +He answered with a shake of the head. The strain of the rehearsal had +pained him. + +"Did--did they put in someone else?" asked Ruth. + +"Yes, I'm out of it for good--at least for this engagement." + +"The mean things!" burst out Alice "I think that Mr. Cross is rightly +named. I wish I could tell him so, too!" + +"Alice!" reproved Ruth, gently. + +"I don't care!" cried the younger girl, her brown eyes sparkling. +"The idea of not waiting a few days with their show until papa was +better; and he the leading man, too." + +"They couldn't wait, Alice, my dear," explained Mr. DeVere. "Cross +did all he could for me, and allowed me two days. But it is out of +the question. Dr. Rathby was right. I need a long rest--and I guess +I'll have to take it whether I want to or not." + +Then, seeing the anxious looks on the faces of his daughters, he went +on, in more cheerful, though in no less husky tones: + +"Now don't worry, girls. There'll be some way out of this. If I can't +act I can do something else. I'm well and strong, for which I must be +thankful. I'm not ill and, aside from my voice, nothing is the +matter. I'll look for a place doing something else beside stage work, +until my voice is restored. Then I'll take up my profession again. +Come, there is nothing to worry about." + +There was--a-plenty; but he chose to ignore it for the time being. He +knew, as well as did the girls, that there was little money left, and +that pressing bills must soon be met. Added to them, now, would be +one from the physician and Mr. DeVere would need more medical +attention. + +"I'm going to start out, the first thing in the morning, and look for +a place," went on the actor. + +"Oh, but you must be careful of your voice," said Alice. "If you +don't you may harm it permanently." + +"Oh I'll be careful," her father promised. "I'll take along a pad and +pencil, and pretend to be dumb. But I'll speak if it's absolutely +necessary. Now that there is no particular object in holding myself +for the place in 'A Matter of Friendship,' and with the strain of +rehearsal over, I won't be so afraid of talking. Yes, in the morning +I'll start out." + +"I wish we could start out," said Alice to Ruth in the latter's room, +later that night. "Why can't we do something to earn money?" + +"We may have to--if it comes to that," agreed Ruth. "There are some +bills that must be paid or----" + +"Or what, Sister?" + +"Never mind, don't you worry. Perhaps it will come out all right, +after all. Father may get a place. He knows many persons in the +theatrical business, and if he can't get behind the footlights he may +get a place in front--in the box office, or something like that." + +"Fancy poor father, with all his talents as an actor, taking tickets, +though!" + +"Well, it will be a humiliation, of course," agreed Ruth. "But what +can be done? We have to live." + +"Oh, if only I were a boy!" cried Alice, with a flash of her brown +eyes. "I'd do something then!" + +"What would you do?" asked Ruth. + +"I--I'd turn the crank of a moving picture machine if I couldn't get +anything else to do. Look at Russ--he earns good money at the +business." + +"Yes, I know. But we can't be boys, Alice." + +"No--more's the pity. But I'm going to do something!" + +"What, Alice? Nothing rash, I hope," said the older sister, quickly. +"You know father--" + +"Oh, don't worry. I won't cause any sensation. But I'm going to do +something. There's no use in two strong, healthy girls sitting +around, and letting poor old daddy, with a voice like a crow's, doing +all the work and worrying." + +"No, I agree with you, and if there is anything I could do I'd do +it." + +"That's it!" exclaimed Alice, petulantly. "Girls ought to be brought +up able to do something so they could earn their living if they had +to, instead of sitting around doing embroidery or tinkling on the +piano. I wouldn't know even how to clerk in a store if I had to." + +"I hope you won't have to, Alice." + +"So do I. I shouldn't like it, but there are worse things than that. +I know what I am going to do, though." + +"What?" + +"I'm going to look through the advertisements in the paper to-morrow, +and start out after the most promising places." + +"Oh, Alice!" + +"Well, what else is there to be done?" asked the younger girl, +fiercely. "We've got to live. We've got to have a place to stay, and +we've got to pay the bills that are piling up. Can you think of +anything else to do?" + +"No, but something may--turn up." + +"I'm not going to wait for it. I'm not like Mr. Micawber. I'm going +out and turn up something for myself. There's one thing I can do, and +that's manicure. I could get a place at that, maybe," and Alice +looked at her pretty and well-kept nails, while Ruth glanced at her +own hands. + +"Yes, dear, you do that nicely. But isn't it--er--rather common?" + +"All work is 'common,' I suppose. It's also common to starve--but I'm +not going to do it if I can help it. Good-night!" and she flounced +into her own room. + +"Oh, dear!" sighed Ruth. "I wish Alice were not so--so lively" and +she cried softly before she fell asleep. + +Mr. DeVere was up early the next morning. He seemed more cheerful, +though his voice, if anything, was hoarser and more husky than ever. + +"Here's where I start out to seek my fortune!" he said raspingly, +though cheerfully, after a rather scanty breakfast. "I'll come back +with good news--never fear!" + +He kissed the girls good-bye, and went off with a gay wave of his +hand. + +"Brave daddy!" murmured Ruth. + +"Yes, he is brave," said Alice "and we've got to be brave, too." + +"Where are you going?" asked Ruth, as she saw her sister dressing for +the street. + +"Out." + +"Out where? I must know." + +"Well, if you must, I'm going to make the rounds of the manicuring +parlors." + +"Oh, Alice, I hate to have you do it. Some of those places where men +go----" + +"I'm only going to apply at the ladies' parlors." + +"Oh, well, I--I suppose it's the only thing to do." + +"And if worse comes to worst!" cried Alice, gaily, "I'll get some +orange-sticks and we'll stew them for soup. It can't be much worse +than boot-leg consomme." + +"Oh, Alice!" cried Ruth. "You are hopeless." + +"Hopeless--but not--helpless! _Auf Wiedersehen!_" + +But in spite of her gay laugh as she closed the hall door after her, +Alice DeVere's face wore a look of despondency. She knew how little +chance she stood in New York--in big New York. + +And perhaps it was this despondent look that caused Russ Dalwood to +utter an exclamation as he met her down at the street door of the +apartment house. + +"What's the matter?" Alice replied to his startled ejaculation. "Is +my hat on crooked; or did one of my feathers get into your eye? +Foolish styles; aren't they?" + +"No--nothing like that; only you looked--say, Alice, has anything +happened?" + +"Yes, Russ, there is something the matter," replied Alice, frankly. +"Do you know of anybody who wants a young lady to do anything--that +a young lady, such as I, could do?" + +He laughed. + +"I'm serious," she said, and a glance at her pretty face confirmed +this. There was a resolute look in her brown eyes. + +"Are you looking for work?" Russ asked. + +"I am. I was thinking of trying to be a manicurist----" + +He made a gesture of disapproval. + +"Well, what can I do? I must do something. Poor daddy's voice has +failed utterly. He can't take his new part in the play unless he does +it in pantomime, and I'm afraid that would hardly be the thing. He +simply can't speak his lines, though he can act them." + +"That's too bad," said Russ, sympathetically. + +"So they had to get another actor in his place," went on Alice, "and +poor father has started out to look for something else to do. That's +my errand this morning, also." + +Russ was in deep thought for a moment. Then he exclaimed: + +"I have it!" + +"What? A place for me?" demanded Alice. "Tell me at once, and I'll +hurry there." + +"No, Alice, not a place for you; but a place for your father. You +say he can't speak, but he can act?" + +"Yes." + +"Then the movies is the very place for him! He won't have to say a +word--just move his lips. He can act parts in photoplays as well as +if he never had a voice. I just thought of it. It will be the very +thing he can do. Say, I'm glad I met you. We must get busy with this +at once. + +"Come on! I'm on my way now to see about my new patent, and I can +take you to the manager of the film company. I know him well. I'm +sure he'll give your father a place in the company, and it pays well. +If Mr. DeVere can't act at the New Columbia he can in the movies! +Come on!" + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +ALICE CHANGES HER MIND + + +Filled with enthusiasm over his new project for aiding Mr. DeVere, +Russ Dalwood caught Alice by the hand, and guided her steps with his. +She had been about to turn off at a corner, to carry out her +intention of seeking employment in one of the many manicure parlors +on a certain street. Now she hesitated. + +"Well," asked Russ, impatiently, "don't you like the idea?" + +"Oh, it's fine--it's splendid of you!" Alice replied, with fervor, +"but you know----" + +She hesitated, her cheeks taking on a more ruddy hue. There was an +uncertain look in her brown eyes. + +"Well, what?" asked Russ, smilingly. "Surely you don't mind going +with me to the manager's office? It's a public place. Lots of girls +go there, looking for engagements." + +"Oh, no, it isn't that!" she hastened to assure him. + +"Or, if you don't like going with me, I can give you a note to Mr. +Pertell, the manager. I know him quite well, as I've been negotiating +with him about my patent." + +"Oh, Russ, you know it isn't that!" she exclaimed. + +"And, if you like, we'll go back and get Ruth. Maybe that would be +better!" he exclaimed eagerly, and as Alice looked into his honest +gray eyes she read his little secret, and smiled at him +understandingly. + +"Oh, never that!" she cried gaily. "Ruth would be the last one in the +world to be let into this secret, until it is more assured of +success. Besides, I guess when you walk with Ruth you don't want me," +she challenged. + +"Oh, now----" he began. + +"That's all right. I understand," she laughed at him. "No, we won't +tell Ruth." + +"Then you'll go and see the manager--I know he'll give your father a +trial, and that's all that's needed, for I'm sure he can do the +acting. And they're always looking for new characters. Come on!" + +Once more, in his enthusiasm, he tried to lead her down the street. +But she hung back. + +"No, really, Russ," she said earnestly enough now, and her eyes took +on a more grave and serious look. "It isn't that. It's only--well, I +might as well tell you, though it may be rather mean after your +kindness. But my father thinks the movies are so--so vulgar! +There--I've said it." + +She looked at her companion anxiously. To her surprise Russ laughed. + +"So, you were afraid of hurting my feelings; were you?" he asked. + +"Yes," she answered, in a low voice. + +"Nothing like that!" he assured her. "I've heard worse things than +that said about the movies. But I want to tell you that you're wrong, +and, with all due respect to him, your father is wrong too. There's +nothing vulgar or low about the movies--except the price." + +He was becoming really enthusiastic now. His voice rang, and his eyes +sparkled. + +"I'm not saying that because I make my living at them, either," Russ +went on. "It's because it's true. The moving picture shows were once, +perhaps, places where nice persons didn't go. But it's different now. +All that has been changed. Why, look at Sarah Bernhardt, doing her +famous plays before the camera? Even Andrew Carnegie consented to +give one of his speeches in front of the camera, with a phonograph +attachment, the other day." + +"Did he, really?" cried Alice. + +"He certainly did. And a lot of the best actors and actresses in this +and other countries aren't ashamed to be seen in the movies. They're +glad to do it, and glad to get the money, too, I guess," he added, +with a grin. + +"I think it would be the very thing for your father. Of course, if +his voice had held out he might like it better to be an actor on the +real stage. But in the movies he won't have to talk. He'll just have +to act. Then, when his voice gets better, as I hope it will, he can +take up the legitimate again." + +"Oh, I know his heart is set on that!" exclaimed Alice. + +"But don't you think he'd consider this?" asked Russ. He was very +anxious to help--Alice could tell that. + +"I--I'm afraid he wouldn't," confessed the girl. "He thinks the +movies too common. I know, for I've heard him say so many times." + +"They're not common!" defended Russ, sturdily. "The moving pictures +are getting better and better all the while. Of course some poor +films are shown, but they're gradually being done away with. The +board of censorship is becoming more strict. + +"Common! Why do you know that it costs as much as $20,000, +sometimes, to stage one of the big plays--one with lots of outdoor +scenes in it, burning buildings, railroad accidents made to order, +and all that." + +"Really?" cried Alice, her eyes now shining with excitement. + +"That's right!" exclaimed Russ. "I'm just at the beginning of the +business. I've learned the projecting end of it so far. Almost anyone +can put the film in the machine, switch on the light, get the right +focus and turn the handle. But it's harder to film a real drama with +lots of excitement in it--outdoor stuff--cattle stampeded--the sports +of cowboys--a fake Indian fight; it takes lots of grit to stand up in +front of an oncoming troop of horsemen, and snap them until they get +so close you can see the whites of their eyes. Then if they turn at +the right time--well and good. But if there's a slip, and they ride +into you--good-night! Excuse my slang," he added, hastily. + +"Did that ever happen?" she asked, eagerly. + +"Well, if not that, something near enough like it. I've heard the +operators--those who take the negatives--tell of 'em many a time. +That's what I'm going to be soon--a taker of the moving picture plays +instead of just projecting them on the screen. Mr. Pertell has +promised to give me a chance. He's organizing some new companies. + +"Just as soon as I get my patent perfected he's promised to put it on +his machines. Then I'm going with his company." + +"Did you hear any more about that man you say tried to steal your +invention?" asked Alice. + +"Who, Simp Wolley? Oh, yes, he's been sneaking around after me, and I +told him what I thought of him. He's got another fellow in with +him--Bud Brisket--and he's about the same type. But I'm not going to +worry about it." + +"Don't be too confident," warned Alice. "I've heard of many inventors +whose patents were gotten away from them." + +"Thanks, I'll be careful. But just now I'm interested in getting your +father to take up this work. I know he'll like it, once he tries it. +Won't you come and see the manager? I'm sure he'll give your father a +trial." + +Alice stood in deep thought for a moment. Then with a little gesture, +as though putting the past behind her, she exclaimed: + +"Yes, Russ, I will, and I thank you! I told Ruth I was going to do +something, and I am. If father can get an engagement I won't have to +go to work. Not that I'm ashamed to work--I love it!" she added +hastily. "But I wouldn't like to be a public manicurist, and that's +the only situation that seemed open to me. I will go see your +manager, Russ, and I'll do my best to get father to take up this +work. It's quite different from what I thought it was." + +"I knew you'd say that," chuckled Russ. "Come on." + +"What would Ruth say if she saw me now?" Alice asked, as she and Russ +walked off together. "She would certainly think I was defying all +conventionality." + +"Don't worry." Russ advised her. "It's the sensible thing to do. And +I'll explain to Ruth, too." + +"Oh, I believe you could explain to anyone!" Alice declared with +enthusiasm. "You've made it so clear and different to me. But how do +they make moving pictures?" + +"You'll soon see," he answered. "We're going to one of the film +studios now. This is about the time they begin to make the scenes. +It's very interesting." + +Soon they found themselves before a rather bare brick building. It +had nothing of the look of a theater about it. There were no gaudy +lithographs out in front, no big frames with the pictures of the +actors and actresses, or of scenes from the plays. There was no box +office--no tiled foyer. It might have been a factory. Alice's face +must have shown the surprise she felt, for Russ said: + +"This is where the films are made. It's all business here. They make +the inside scenes here--anything from the interior of a miner's shack +to a ballroom in a king's palace. Of course, for outside scenes they +go wherever the scenery best suits the story of the play. And here +the film negatives are developed, and duplicate positives made for +the projecting machines. This is Mr. Pertell's principal factory." + +"Fancy a play-factory!" exclaimed Alice. + +"That's exactly what it is--a play-factory," agreed Russ. "Come on +in." + +If Alice was surprised at the exterior appearance of the building the +interior was more bewildering. They passed rapidly through the +departments devoted to the mechanical end of the business--where the +films were developed and printed. Russ promised to show her more of +that later. + +"We'll go right up to the theatre studio," he said. + +Alice looked about the big room, that seemed filled with all sorts of +scenery, parts of buildings, rustic bridges--in short, all sorts of +"props." She had been behind the scenes often in some of the plays in +which her father took part, so this was not startlingly new to her. +Yet it was different from the usual theatre. + +And such strange "business" seemed going on. There were men and women +going through plays--Alice could tell that, but the odd part of it +was that in one section of the room what seemed a tragedy in a +mountain log cabin was being enacted; while, not ten feet away, was a +parlor scene, showing men in evening dress, and women in ball +costumes, gliding through the mazes of a waltz. Next to this was a +scene representing a counterfeiter's den in some low cellar, with the +police breaking through the door with drawn revolvers, to capture the +criminals. + +And in front of these varied scenes stood a battery of queer +cameras--moving picture cameras, looking like flat fig boxes with a +tube sticking out, and a handle on one side, at which earnest-faced +young men were vigorously clicking. + +And, off to one side, stood several men in their shirt sleeves +superintending the performances. They gave many directions. + +"No, not that way! When you faint, fall good and hard, Miss +Pennington!" + +"Hurry now, Mr. Switzer; get in some of that funny business! Look +funny; don't act as though this was your funeral!" + +"Come on there Mr. Bunn; this isn't 'Hamlet.' You needn't stalk about +that way. There's no grave in this!" + +"Hold on, there! Cut that part out. Stop the camera; that will have +to be done over. There's no life in it!" + +And so it went on, in the glaring light that filtered in through the +roof, composed wholly of skylights, while a battery of arc lamps, in +addition, on some of the scenes, poured out their hissing glare to +make the taking of the negatives more certain. + +Alice was enthralled by it all. She stood close to Russ's side, +clasping his arm. Many of the men engaged in taking the pictures knew +the young operator, and nodded to him in friendly fashion, as they +hurried about. Some of the actors and actresses, too, bowed to the +young fellow and smiled. He seemed a general favorite. + +"Isn't it wonderful?" whispered Alice. "I had no idea the making of a +moving picture was anything like this!" + +"I thought you'd change your mind," replied Russ, with a laugh. "But +you haven't seen half of it yet. Here comes Mr. Pertell now. I'll +speak to him about your father." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +"PAY YOUR RENT, OR----" + + +Alice liked the appearance of Mr. Pertell, manager of the Comet Film +Company, from her first glimpse of him. He seemed so sturdy, kind and +wholesome. He was in his shirt sleeves, and his clothing was in +almost as much disorder as his ruffled hair. But there was a kindly +gleam in his snapping eyes, and a firm look about his mouth that +showed his character. + +"Oh, Mr. Pertell, can you spare a moment?" Russ called to him. + +"Oh, hello, Russ; is that you?" was the cordial greeting. "How is the +patent? I could use it if I had it now. Spare a minute? Yes, several +of 'em. They've spoiled that one act and it's got to be done over. I +don't see why they can't do as they're told instead of injecting a +lot of new business into the thing! I've got to sit still and do +nothing now for ten minutes while they fix that scene up over again. +Go ahead, Russ--what can I do for you?" + +He sat down on an overturned box, and motioned for Russ and Alice to +occupy adjoining ones. Clearly there was not much ceremony about this +manager. He was like others Alice had observed behind the scenes in +real theatres, except that he did not appear so irascible. + +"This is Miss Alice DeVere," began Russ, "and she has come to you +about her father. He has lost his voice, and she and I think he might +fit in some of your productions, where you don't need any talking." + +"Yes, sometimes the less talking in the movies the better," agreed +Mr. Pertell. "But you do need acting. Can your father act, Miss?" + +"He is Hosmer DeVere," broke in Russ. "He was with the New Columbia +Theatre Company. They were to open in 'A Matter of Friendship,' but +Mr. DeVere's throat trouble made him give it up." + +"Hosmer DeVere! Yes, I've heard of him, and I've seen him act. So he +wants an engagement here; eh?" + +"Oh, it isn't exactly that!" interrupted Alice, eagerly. "He--he +doesn't know a thing about it yet." + +"He doesn't know about it?" repeated the manager, wonderingly. + +"No. He--I--Oh, perhaps you'd better tell him, Russ," she finished. + +"I will," Russ agreed, with a smile. And, while Alice looked at some +of the other dramas being enacted before the clicking eyes of the +cameras, her companion told how it had been planned to overcome the +prejudice of Mr. DeVere and get him to try his art with the "movies." + +Alice was tremendously interested, and looked on with eager eyes as +the actors and actresses enacted their rôles. Some of them spoke, now +and then, as their lines required it, for it has been found that +often audiences can read the lips of the players on the screen. But +there was no need for any loud talking--in fact, no need of any at +all--whispering would have answered. Indeed some actors find that +they can do better work without saying a word--merely using gestures. +Others, who have long been identified with the legitimate drama, find +it hard to break away from the habit of years and speak their lines +aloud. + +"Oh, I'm sure father would like this," thought Alice. "And he +wouldn't have to use his poor throat at all. I must tell him all +about it." + +She looked at two girls--they did not seem much older than herself +and Ruth, who were playing a scene in a "society" drama. They were +both pretty, but Alice thought they were rather too flippant in +manner when out of the scene. They laughed and joked with the other +actors, and with the machine men. + +But the latter were too busy focusing their cameras, and getting all +that went on in the scenes, to pay much attention to anything else. +The least slip meant the spoiling of many feet of film, and while +this in itself was not so expensive, it often meant the making of a +whole scene over again at a great cost. + +"Well," Mr. Pertell said at length, "I am greatly interested in Mr. +DeVere. I know him to be a good actor, and I greatly regret his +affliction. I think I can use him in some of these plays. Can he ride +a horse--does he know anything about cowboy life, or miners?" he +asked Alice. + +"Oh, I'm sure daddy wouldn't want to do any outdoor plays," the girl +exclaimed. "He is so used to theatrical scenes." + +"Well, I might keep him in "parlor" drama," Mr. Pertell remarked. +"Please tell him to come and see me," he went on. "I would like to +talk to him." + +"Thank you, so much!" returned Alice, gratefully. "I shall tell him, +and--well, there's no use saying I'm sure he'll come," she went on +with a shrug of her shoulders. "It's going to be rather difficult to +break this to him. It--it's so--different from what he has been used +to." + +"I can understand," responded Mr. Pertell. "But I think if he +understood he would like it. Tell him to come here and see how we do +things." + +"I will!" Alice promised. + +Russ escorted her to the street, and then, as he had to see about +some changes in the working of his proposed patent, he bade her +good-bye. She said she would find her way home all right. + +"Well?" asked Ruth, as Alice entered the apartment a little later, +"did you do anything rash?" + +"Perhaps!" Alice admitted, as she took off her hat, jabbed the pins +in it and tossed it to one chair, while she sank into another. + +"Oh, Alice! You--aren't going to be one of those--manicures; are +you?" + +"I hope not, though there are lots worse things. A manicure can be +just as much a lady as a typist. But, Ruth, I have such news for you! +I have found an engagement for dad!" + +"An engagement for daddy?" + +"Yes. In the movies! Listen. Oh, it was so exciting!" + +Then, with many digressions, and in rather piece-meal manner, +interrupting herself often to go back and emphasize some point she +had forgotten, Alice told of her morning trip with Russ. She enlarged +on the manner in which the moving pictures were made, until Ruth grew +quite excited. + +"Oh, I wish I could see how it is done!" she cried. + +"You may--when dad takes this engagement," said Alice. + +"He never will," declared her sister. "You know what he thinks of the +movies." + +"But he thinks wrong!" exclaimed Alice. "It's so different from what +I thought." + +"He'll never consent," repeated Ruth. "Hark! Here he comes now. +Perhaps he has found something to do." + +Footsteps were heard coming along the hallway. Alice glanced at the +table before which her sister was sitting. + +"What are you doing?" she asked. + +"Looking over our bills, and trying to make five dollars do the work +of fifteen," answered Ruth, with a wry smile. "Money doesn't stretch +well," she added. + +Mr. DeVere came in. It needed but a look at his face to show that he +had been unsuccessful, but Ruth could not forbear asking: + +"Well, Daddy?" + +"No good news," he answered, hoarsely. "I could hardly make myself +understood, and there seem few places where one can labor without +using one's voice. I never appreciated that before." + +"But I have found a place!" cried Alice, with girlish enthusiasm. "I +have a place for you Daddy, where you won't have to speak a word." + +"Where--where is it?" he whispered, and they both noted his pitiful +eagerness. + +"In the movies!" Alice went on. "Oh, it's the nicest place! I've been +there, and the manager----" + +"Not another word!" exclaimed Mr. DeVere. "I never would consent to +acting in the moving pictures. I would not so debase my profession--a +profession honored by Shakespeare. I never would consent to it. The +movies! Never!" + +There was a knock at the door. + +"I'll see who it is," offered Ruth, with a sympathetic glance at +Alice, who seemed distressed. Then, as Ruth saw who it was, she drew +back. "Oh!" she exclaimed, helplessly. + +"Who is it?" asked Mr. DeVere, rising. + +"I've come for the rent!" exclaimed a rasping voice. "This is about +the tenth time, I guess. Have you got it?" and a burly man thrust +himself into the room from the hall. + +"The rent--Oh!" murmured Mr. DeVere, helplessly. "Let me see; have we +the rent ready, Ruth?" + +"No," she answered, with a quick glance at the table where she had +been going over the accounts, and where a little pile of bills lay. +"No, we haven't the rent--to-day." + +"And I didn't expect you'd have it," sneered the man. "But I've come +to tell you this. It's either pay your rent or----" He paused +significantly and nodded in the direction of the street. + +"Three days more--this is the final notice," and thrusting a paper +into the nerveless hand of Mr. DeVere, the collector strode out. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +MR. DEVERE DECIDES + + +Mr. DeVere sank into a chair. Ruth looked distressed as her father +glanced over the dispossess notice, for such it was. But on the face +of Alice there was a triumphant smile. For she saw that this was the +very thing needed to arouse her father to action. Despite the +distastefulness of the work, she felt sure he would come finally to +like acting before the camera. + +The collector's call had been very opportune, though it was +embarrassing. + +"This--this," said Mr. DeVere, haltingly--"this is very--er--very +unfortunate. Then we are behind with the rent, Ruth?" + +"Yes, Dad. You know I told you----" + +"Yes, I suppose so," he added, with a sigh. "I had forgotten. There +have been so many things----" + +He was lost in thought for a moment. + +"Do we owe much more, Ruth?" he asked. + +"Quite some, Daddy. But don't worry. You are not well, and----" + +"No, I am not well. I feel very poorly, but it is mainly mental, and +not physical--except for my throat. And even that does not really +hurt. It is only--only that I cannot speak." + +His voice trailed off into a hoarse whisper, which the girls could +barely distinguish. + +"I--I must find something to do," went on the stricken actor. "I'll +go out again this afternoon. Let us have a little lunch and I will +try again. I'll do anything----" + +"Then, Daddy, why don't you let me tell about the moving pictures?" +broke in Alice. "I'm sure----" + +"Alice, dear, you know that isn't in my line," replied her father. +"It is very good of you to suggest it; but it will not do. I could +not bring myself to it----" + +He paused, and looked dejectedly at the dispossess notice in his +hand. + +"I--I could not do it," he added with a sigh. "I must try to get +something in the line of my profession. Perhaps I might get a place +in some dramatic school. I have trained you girls in the rudiments of +acting, and I'm sure I could do it with a larger class. I did not +think of it before. Get me some lunch, Ruth, and I'll go out again." + +"But what about the rent?" asked Alice. "We can't be put out on the +street, Dad." + +"No, I suppose not. I'll see Mr. Cross, and get another loan. I'll +pay him back out of my first salary. We must have a roof over us. Oh, +girls, I am so sorry for you!" + +"Don't worry about us, Daddy! You just get better and take care of +your throat!" urged Alice. "You might try the movies, just for a +little while, and then----" + +"Never! Never!" he interrupted with vigor. "I could not think of it!" + +Again there came a knock at the door. + +"I'll go," offered Alice. + +"No, let me," said Ruth, quickly. + +She slipped out into the hall, and closed the door after her. There +was a low murmur of voices, gradually growing louder on the part of +the unseen caller. Ruth seemed pleading. Then Mr. DeVere and Alice +heard: + +"It's no use. The boss says he won't send around any more meat until +the bill is paid. He told me to tell you he couldn't wait any +longer--that's all there is to it!" + +"Oh!" 'said Alice, in a low voice. + +"What does that mean?" asked Mr. DeVere, from the reverie into which +he had fallen. + +"I think it means," replied Alice, with a laugh in which there was +little mirth, "think it means that we won't have any meat for lunch, +Dad." + +"Bless my soul!" exclaimed the actor. + +Ruth came in with flushed face. + +"Who was it?" asked her father, though there was no need. + +"Only the butcher's boy. He said----" + +"We heard," interrupted Alice, significantly. "Have we any eggs?" she +asked, grimly. + +"This--this is positively too much!" said Mr. DeVere. "I shall tell +that meat man----" + +"I'm afraid he wouldn't listen to you, Daddy," interposed Ruth, +gently. "We do owe him quite a bill. I suppose we can't blame him," +and she sighed. + +"I--I'll go at once and see Mr. Cross, my former manager," exclaimed +Mr. DeVere. "He will make me a loan, I'm sure. Then I'll pay this +butcher bill, and tell the insulting fellow that we shall seek a new +tradesman." + +"Then there's the rent, Daddy," said Ruth, in a low voice. + +"Oh, yes--the rent. I forgot about that." The dispossess notice +rustled in his hand. "The rent--Oh, yes. That must be paid first. +I--I will have to get a larger loan. Well, get me what lunch you can, +Ruth, my dear, and I'll go out at once." + +Alice did not say "movies" again, not even when the very modest and +frugal lunch was set. And it was about the "slimmest" meal, from a +housekeeper's standpoint, that had ever graced the DeVere table, used +as they had become to scanty rations of late. Mr. DeVere said little, +but he appeared to be doing considerable thinking and Alice allowed +him to do it without interruption. She seemed to know how, and when, +to hold her tongue. + +When he had gone out Ruth and Alice talked matters over. First they +counted up what money they had, and figured how far it would go. If +they paid the rent they would not have enough to live on for a week, +and food was almost as vital a necessity as was a place to stay. +There were other pressing bills, in addition to those of the butcher +and the landlord. + +"Don't you see, Ruth, that daddy's going into the movies will be our +only salvation?" asked Alice. + +"It does seem so. Yet could he do it?" + +"He could--if he would. I saw some very poor actors there to-day." + +"But is the pay sufficient?" + +"It is very good, Russ says. And it increases with the fame of the +actor. I wish I could get into the movies myself." + +"Alice DeVere!" + +"I don't care; I do! It's just lovely, I think. You don't have to act +before a whole big audience that is staring at you. Just some nice +men, in their shirt sleeves, turning cranks----" + +"In their shirt sleeves?" + +"Why, yes. It's quite warm, with all those arc lights glowing, you +know. And besides, what are shirt sleeves? Didn't dad act in his +during the duel scene in "Lord Graham's Secret?" Of course he did! +Shirt sleeves are no disgrace. Oh, Ruth, what are we to do, anyhow? +What is to become of us?" + +Alice put her head down on the table. + +"There, dear, don't cry," urged her sister. "There must be a way out. +Father will get a loan--his voice will come back, and----" + +"It will be too late," replied Alice, in a low voice. "We will be put +out--disgraced before all the neighbors! I can't stand it. I'm going +to do something!" + +She arose quickly, and there was a look on her face that caused Ruth +to give start and to cry out: + +"Alice! What do you mean?" + +"I mean I'm going to see Russ Dalwood and ask him if I can't get work +in the movies. If father won't, I will! And I'll ask Russ for the +loan of some money. I can pay him back when I get my salary!" + +"Alice, I'll never let you do that!" and Ruth planted herself before +the door. + +For a tense moment the sisters confronted each other. + +"But we--we must do something," faltered Alice. + +"Yes, but not that--at least, not yet. We have some pride left. +Wait--wait until father comes back." + +With a gesture Alice consented. She sank wearily into a chair. + +It was tedious waiting. The girls talked but little--they had no +heart for it. Around them hummed the noise of the apartment house. +Noises came to them through the thin, cheap walls. The crying of +babies, the quarrels of a couple in the flat back of them, the wheeze +of a rusty phonograph, and the thump-thump of a playerpiano, operated +with every violation of the musical code, added to the nerve-racking +din. + +Ruth made a gesture of despair. + +"Beautiful!" murmured Alice as the paper roll in the mechanical piano +got a "kink," and played a crash of discords. Ruth covered her ears +with her hands. + +There was a step in the corridor. + +"There's father!" exclaimed Ruth. + +"I wonder what success he had negotiating a loan?" observed Alice. + +Mr. DeVere entered wearily. + +The girls waited for him to speak, and it was with an obvious effort +that he croaked: + +"I--I didn't get it. Mr. Cross wouldn't even see me. He sent out word +that he was too busy. He is getting ready for the first performance +of 'A Matter of Friendship,' to-night." + +"A matter of friendship," repeated Alice. "What a play on the words!" + +"I sent in my card," explained Mr. DeVere, "and told him I must have +a little money. He sent back word that he was sorry, but that he had +invested so much in the play that he could spare none." + +There was a period of silence. The girls looked pityingly at their +father. + +"Something must be done," he declared, finally. "I can try elsewhere. +I will go see----" + +A knock at the door interrupted him. Before Alice could speak Ruth +had gained it. She tried to close it, but was not in time to prevent +the caller from being heard. + +"The boss says there's no use orderin' any more groceries, until +youse has paid for what youse has got," said a coarse voice. "Take +it from me--nothin' doin'!" + +"Oh!" Ruth was heard to murmur. + +Mr. DeVere started from his chair. + +"The insulting----" he began. + +Alice touched him on the arm. + +"Don't!" she begged, softly. + +Mr. DeVere turned aside. He slipped his arm around Alice, and, as +Ruth came in, with tears in her eyes, she, too, found a haven in her +father's embrace. Then the actor spoke. + +"Alice, dear," he faltered, "What is the address of that--that moving +picture manager?" + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE MAN IN THE KITCHEN + + +Let it be said of Alice that, even in this moment of triumph, she did +not gloat over her victory--for victory it was. Had she planned it, +events could not have transpired to better purpose. The combination +of circumstances had forced her father along the line of least +resistance into the very path she would had chosen for him, and she +felt in her soul that it was best. + +But she did not say: "There, I knew you'd come to it, Daddy!" Many a +girl would, and so have spoiled matters. Alice merely looked demurely +at her father--and gave him the address. + +The girl was perhaps wiser than her years would indicate, and +certainly in this matter she was more resourceful than was Ruth. But +then chance had played into her hands. That meeting with Russ had +done much. + +"Yes, I think I must come to it," sighed Mr. DeVere. "It is being +forced on me--the movies. I never thought I would descend to them!" + +"It isn't a fall at all, Daddy!" declared Alice, stoutly. "I'm glad +you are going into them. You'll like them, I'm sure." + +"The actors--and actresses--if one can call them such--who take parts +in moving picture plays must be very--very crude sort of persons," he +said. + +"Not at all!" cried Alice. "I was there and saw them, and there were +some as nice as you'd want to meet. They were real gentlemen and +ladies, even if the men were in their shirt sleeves." + +"But they can't act!" asserted Mr. DeVere. "I have seen bills up +advertising the moving pictures--all they seemed to be doing--the +so-called actors, I mean--was falling off horses, roping steers--I +believe "roping" is the proper term--or else jumping off bridges or +standing in the way of railroad trains. And they call that acting!" + +"Oh, you wouldn't have to do that, Daddy!" cried Alice, with a laugh. +"Mr Pertell is putting on some real dramas--just like society plays, +you know. Of course all the scenes won't take place in a parlor, I +suppose. You won't have to do outdoor work, though, and I'm sure you +won't have to catch a wild steer, or stop a runaway locomotive." + +"I should hope not," he replied, with a tragic gesture. + +"But that is real acting, all the same," went on Alice. In that +little while she had come to have a great liking and interest in the +moving picture side of acting. "You should see some of the scenes I +saw. Why, Daddy, some of the men and women were just as good as some +of the actors with whom you have been on the road." + +"Oh, yes, if you include the road companies of the barn-storming +days, perhaps," admitted Mr. DeVere. "But I refer to the real art of +the drama, Alice. However, let us not discuss it. The subject is too +painful. I have decided to take up the work, since I can do nothing +else on account of my unfortunate voice--and I will do my best in the +movies. It is due to myself that I should, and it is due to you girls +that I provide for you in any way that I can." + +"Oh, Dad!" exclaimed Ruth. "It is too bad if you have to sacrifice +your art to mere bread and butter." + +"Tut! Tut!" he exclaimed, smiling and holding up a chiding hand. "I +don't look at it that way at all. I am not so foolish. Art may be a +very nice thing, but bread and butter is better. We have to live, my +dear. And, after all, my art is not so wonderful. I hope I have not +exaggerated my worth to myself. I am very willing to try this new +line, and I am very glad that Alice suggested it. Only it--it was +rather a shock--at first. Now let us consider." + +They talked it all over, and Alice went more into detail as to what +she had seen at the moving picture theatre. Mr. DeVere grew more and +more interested. + +"It is very kind of Russ and Mr. Pertell to think of me," he said. "I +will go and see this manager to-morrow." + +The interview must have been a very satisfactory one, for Mr. DeVere +returned from it with a smiling face--something he had not worn often +since the failure of his voice. + +"Well, Daddy?" queried Alice, as she entered the dining room, where +she and Ruth were trying to make the most of a scanty supply of food. +"How was it?" + +For answer he pulled out a roll of bills--not a large one, but of a +size to which the girls had not been accustomed of late. + +"See, it is real money!" he cried, and he struck an attitude of one +of the characters in which he had successfully starred. He was the +old Hosmer DeVere once more. + +"Where did you get it?" asked Ruth, with a little laugh. She foresaw +that some of her housekeeping problems bade fair to be solved. + +"It is an advance on my salary as a moving picture actor," he +replied, hoarsely, but still with that same gay air. "See, I have put +my other life behind me. Henceforth--or at least until my voice +promises to behave," he went on, "I shall live, move and have my +being on the screen. I have signed a contract with Mr. Pertell--a +very fair contract, too, much more so than some I have signed with +managers of legitimate theaters. This is part of my first week's +salary. I have taken his money--there is no going back now. I have +burned my bridges." + +"And--are you sorry?" asked Alice, softly. + +"No, little girl--no! I'm glad!" And truly he seemed so. + +"Tell us about it," suggested Ruth, and he did--in detail. + +"Then it wasn't so bad as you expected; was it, Daddy?" asked Alice. + +"No, I found many of the company to be very fine characters, and some +with exceptional ability. Mr. Wellington Bunn, by the way, is a man +after my own heart." + +"Oh, yes. He seemed very anxious to play Shakespeare," remarked +Alice, with a smile. "I heard Mr. Pertell caution him about not +letting Hamlet get into the parlor scene they were presenting," and +she laughed at the recollection. + +"Of course it was rather new and strange to me," went on Mr. DeVere, +"but I dare say I shall get accustomed to it. There were some of the +young ladies, though, for whom I felt no liking--Miss Pearl +Pennington, who plays light leads, and her friend, Miss Laura Dixon, +the ingenue." + +"They were in vaudeville until recently," remarked Alice. "So Russ +told me. Miss Pennington seemed very pretty." + +"Passably so," agreed Mr. DeVere. "Well, our living problem is solved +for us, anyway. Now I must study my new part. It is to be a sort of +society drama, and will be put on in a few days. Mr. Pertell gave me +some instructions. I shall have to unlearn many things that are +traditional with those who have played all their parts in a real +theatre. It is like teaching an old dog new tricks, but I dare say I +shall master them." + +"You're not really old, Daddy!" said Alice, slipping her arms about +him, and nestling her cheek against his. + +"There--there!" he returned, indulgently, "don't try to flatter your +old father. You are just like your dear mother. Run along now, I +must take up this new work. What a relief not to have to declaim my +lines! I shall only move my lips, and who knows but, in time, my +voice may come back?" + +"I hope it will," answered Ruth, with a sigh. Somehow she could not +quite bring herself to like her father in moving picture rôles. Alice +was entirely different. + +"But, even if it does come back," said the younger girl, "you may +like this new work so well, Dad, that you'll keep at it." + +"Perhaps," he assented. "Here, Ruth, take care of this money--my +first moving picture salary," and he handed her the bills. + +As he went to his room with the typewritten sheets of his new part, +Alice whispered to her sister: + +"Hurray! Now we can have a real dinner. I'll go and buy out a +delicatessen store." + +The meal was a great success--not only from a gastronomic standpoint, +but because of the jollity--real or assumed--of Mr. DeVere. He went +over the lines of his new part, telling the girls how at certain +places he was to "register," or denote, different emotions. +"Register" is the word used in moving picture scenarios to indicate +the showing of fear, hate, revenge or other emotion. All this must be +done by facial expression or gestures, for of course no talking +comes from the moving pictures--except in the latest kind, with a +phonographic arrangement, and with that sort we are not dealing. + +"Oh, I'm sure it will be fine!" cried Alice. "Can we go and see you +act for the camera, Daddy?" + +"Yes, I guess so," he replied. "Would you like it, Ruth?" + +"I believe I should!" she exclaimed, with more interest than she had +before shown. "It sounds interesting." + +"Maybe we'll act ourselves, some day," added Alice. + +"Oh, no!" protested her sister. "But let's sit down. The meal is +spoiling. Oh!" she cried, with a hasty glance at the table. "Not a +bit of salt. I forgot it. Alice, dear, just slip across the hall and +borrow some from Mrs. Dalwood." + +Humming, in the lightness of her heart, a little tune, Alice crossed +to the apartment of their neighbor, not pausing after her first knock +at the rear kitchen door. + +She heard a rattling among the pots and pans, and naturally supposed +Mrs. Dalwood was there. + +"May we have some salt?" Alice called, as she entered the kitchen, +but the next moment she drew back in surprise and fear, for a strange +man, rising suddenly from under the sink, confronted her. + +He, too, seemed startled. + +"Oh--Oh!" gasped Alice. "Isn't Mrs. Dalwood here?" + +"I--I believe not," stammered the man. "I--I'm the plumber--there's a +leak----" + +"Oh, excuse me," murmured Alice, but even in her embarrassment she +could not help thinking that the man looked like anything but a +plumber. She backed out of the kitchen, after picking up a salt +cellar, and was more startled as she observed the man following her. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +RUSS IS WORRIED + + +Alice was racking her brain to recall where she had seen the man +before. If he was a plumber, as he said he was, it might be that he +had been in the apartment house on other occasions to repair breaks. +But Alice was not certain. + +"And yet I've seen him before, and lately, too," she thought. The +girls was in the hall, now. The man, who seemed ill at ease, had +followed and stood near. + +"The leak wasn't a bad one; it is repaired now," he said. + +"I--I didn't know Mrs. Dalwood was out," faltered Alice. And then, as +the man turned to go down the stairs, like a flash it came to her who +he was. + +"The man Russ had the trouble with that day--Simp Wolley--who tried +to get his patent!" Alice almost spoke the words aloud. + +"The--the leak is fixed," the man went on. + +"You--you--" stammered Alice. But the man did not stay to hear, but +hurried downstairs. + +Alice burst in on her sister and father. + +"Oh!" she exclaimed. "That man--he--he was in the Dalwood kitchen!" + +"What man?" asked Mr. DeVere, starting forward. + +"The one who was after Russ's patent! Quick, can't you get him?" + +Mr. DeVere ran into the hall, but the man had gone. The Dalwood +kitchen door was still open, and a hasty look through the apartment +showed none of the family could be at home. + +"Could he have stolen the patent?" cried Alice, when the excitement +had quieted down. + +"We can't tell until Russ comes home," replied her father. "I'll +leave our door ajar, and we can hear if anyone goes into the Dalwood +rooms. As soon as some of them return we will tell them what has +taken place." + +Alice helped herself to the needed salt, and the meal began, with +pauses now and then to learn if there was any movement in the flat +across the hallway. Presently footsteps were heard, and proved to be +those of Russ himself. + +"Plumber!" he exclaimed. "So he was masquerading as that; eh?" the +moving picture operator exclaimed when Alice told him what had +occurred. "You're right, he was after my patent," and a worried look +came over his face. + +"Did he get it?" asked Ruth, anxiously. + +"No, for it isn't here. The model is at a machine shop on the East +Side, and several of the attachments are being made from it to be +tested." + +"Then it's all right," declared Alice, in a tone of relief. + +"Yes--and no," returned Russ. "It's all right, for the time being, +but I don't like what has happened. Simp Wolley must be getting +desperate to come here in broad daylight and rummage the house under +the pretense of being a plumber. It shows, too, that he must be +watching this place, or he wouldn't have known when I went out." + +"Hadn't you better notify the police?" suggested Mr. DeVere. + +"I'll think about it," agreed Russ. "Of course he hasn't really done +anything yet that they could arrest him for, unless coming into our +apartment without being invited is illegal, and he could wriggle out +of a charge of that sort. No, I'll keep my eyes open. In a little +while, after I obtain my patent, and the attachment is on the +market, he can't bother me. But I don't mind admitting that I'm +worried." + +"Then sit down and have something to eat with us," urged Alice, and +Ruth, with a nod and a blush, seconded the request. "You'll be eating +some of your own salt, anyhow," Alice suggested, in fun. + +Russ lost a little of his apprehensive air as the meal progressed. +Perhaps it was because Ruth sat opposite. Alice said as much to her +sister afterward, when they were getting ready for bed. + +"Don't be silly!" was Ruth's sole reply. + +Mr. DeVere attended several rehearsals at the moving picture theater +and, one morning, said: + +"Girls, how would you like to come and see me in my new rôle? We have +a dress rehearsal to-day, so to speak, and we'll "film" the play, as +they call it, to-morrow." + +"Oh, let's go, Ruth!" cried Alice, clapping her hands. "I know you'll +enjoy it!" + +"I'm sure I will," agreed Ruth. Her attitude toward the movies was +also changing. + +Together father and daughters went. It did Alice good to see how Mr. +DeVere was welcomed by his fellow actors. He had already made himself +friendly with most of them. + +As Alice and Ruth came into the big studio, where a battery of +cameras were clicking away, the two girls became aware of the looks +cast at them by those not actually engaged in some scene. And, while +most of the looks were friendly, those from two of the players were +not. + +Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, standing together at one side of a +section of a log cabin, whispered to each other. + +"Ah, Mr. DeVere!" called Mr. Pertell. "Glad you're here; we were +waiting for you." + +"I hope I'm not late!" replied the actor, huskily, with a proper +regard for not delaying a rehearsal. + +"Oh, no. You're ahead of time if anything, and I'm glad of it. We'll +have to set the smuggling play aside for a time. One of my men isn't +here, and I can slip in your scenes now, and be that much ahead. So +if you'll get ready we'll go on with 'A Turn of the Card.'" + +"Yes, Mr. Pertell--certainly. Let me present you to my daughters. I +believe you have met one." + +"Yes--Miss Alice. I am glad to know the other one," and he bowed to +Ruth. Then he hurried away. Mr. Pertell always seemed to be in a +hurry. + +Mr. DeVere went to his dressing room to don the costume of the +character he was to represent--a wealthy banker--and Ruth and Alice +gazed with interest at the various scenes going on about them. + +While there were many persons connected with the Comet Film Company, +there were certain principals who did most of the work. Among them, +excepting Mr. DeVere, was Wellington Bunn, an old-time actor, who had +long aspired to Hamlet, but who had given it up for the more certain +income of the movies. Then there was Mrs. Margaret Maguire (on the +bills as Cora Ashleigh) who did "old women" parts, and did them +exceedingly well. She had two grandchildren, Tommy and Nellie, who +were often cast for juvenile rôles. + +Carl Switzer was a joy to know. A German, with an accent that was +"t'icker dan cheese," to use his own expression, he was a fund of +happy philosophy under the most adverse circumstances. And on his +round face was always a smile. He did the "comic relief," when it was +needed, which was often. + +Exactly opposite him in character was Pepper Sneed, the "grouch" of +the company. Nothing ever went the way Pepper wanted it to go, from +the depiction of a play to the meals he ate. No wonder he had +dyspepsia. He was always apprehensive of something going to happen +and when it did--well, they used to say that Pepper was the original +"I told you so!" + +Pearl Pennington and Laura Dixon have already been mentioned. Paul +Ardite, who played opposite to Miss Dixon, was a good looking chap, +with considerable ability. It was rumored that he and the +ingenue--but there, I am not supposed to tell secrets. + +Had it not been for "Pop" Snooks, I am sure the Comet Film Company +would never have enjoyed the success it did. For Pop was the property +man--the one of all work and little play. On him devolved the task of +manufacturing at short notice anything from a castle to a police +station. + +And the best part of it was that Pop could do it. He was ingenuity +itself, and they tell the story yet of how, when on the theatrical +circuit, he made a queen's throne out of two cheese boxes and a +board, and a little later in the same play, made from the same +materials a very serviceable dog-cart. + +As usual in the studio, several plays were going on at the same +time--or, rather, parts of plays. + +"Come on now!" called Mr. Pertell, sharply. "Get ready for that safe +robbery scene. Pop, where's that safe?" + +"It's being used as part of the wall in the dungeon in that 'Lord +Scatterwait' scene," answered the property man. + +"Well, hustle it over here, and get something else for the dungeon +wall. I need that safe." + +"That's the way it goes!" grumbled Pop as he scurried about. But that +was all the fault he found, and presently the hole in the dungeon +wall, caused by the removal of the safe with a painted canvas on it +to represent stones, was filled by some boards taken from a fence +used in a rural love drama. + +"I say now, dot's not right!" spluttered Mr. Switzer, who as a +country boy was making love to a country lass, (Miss Dixon). "Dot's +not right, Pop. You dake our fence avay, und vat I goin' t' lean on +ven I makes eyes at Miss Dixon? Ve got t' haf dot fence, yet!" + +"I'll make you another in a minute!" cried Pop. "You don't go on for +ten minutes." + +"Mine gracious! Vot a business!" exclaimed the German, his round face +showing as much woe as he ever allowed it to depict. "Dot vos a fine +fence, mit der evening-glory vines trailing 'round mit it. Ach, yah!" + +"Never mind," said Miss Dixon, "Pop will fix us up," and while she +was waiting she strolled over to where Paul Ardite was talking to +Alice. Russ Dalwood had come in and had greeted Ruth and Alice, and +then, in response to an unseen gesture from Paul, had introduced him. +Both girls liked the young fellow, who seemed quite interested in +Alice. + +"Are you going to play parts here?" asked Miss Dixon, with the +freemasonry of the theater, speaking without being introduced. + +"Oh, no!" replied Ruth, quickly. "We just came to see my father." + +"Maybe they think they're too good for the movies," sneered Pearl +Pennington, but only Russ heard her, and he glanced at her sharply. + +"All ready for 'A Turn of the Card' now!" called Mr. Pertell, as Mr. +DeVere came out of his dressing room. "Is your camera all ready, +Russ?" for Russ had obtained a place with the film company, and had +given up his position in the little moving picture theatre. + +"All ready," was the answer. "I've got a thousand-foot reel in." + +"Well, I don't want this particular scene to run more than eighty +feet. Got to save most of the film for the bigger scenes. Now, watch +yourselves, ladies and gentlemen. This is going to be one of our best +yet, or I'm mistaken. Pop--where's Pop?" + +"Here I am. What is it?" + +"Get me a big armchair. I want Mr. DeVere to be sitting in that when +the adventuress comes in. Miss Pennington, you're the adventuress, +and I wish you'd look the part more." + +"I'm doing the best I can." + +"Well, fix your hair a little differently--a little more fluffy, you +know--I don't know what you call it." + +"Oh, that's easily remedied," she laughed. "I'm ready now," and with +dexterous use of a side-comb she produced the desired result. + +"Got that chair, Pop?" called the manager. + +"Yep. Just as soon as I fix that fence for the rural scene." + +"Yah! Py gracious, ve got t' haf our fence or dot love scene mit der +evening-glory flowers vill be terrible!" insisted Mr. Switzer. + +"All ready, now!" Mr. Pertell said, as the chair was placed in what +was to represent a parlor. Mr. DeVere took his seat, and the action +of the drama began. Ruth and Alice looked on with interest. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE PHOTO DRAMA + + +Mr. DeVere was an excellent actor. In his time he had played many +parts, so the necessary action, or "business," as it is called, was +not hard for him. He had learned readily what was expected of him, +and though it seemed rather odd to make his gestures, his exits and +entrances before nothing more than the eye of a camera, he soon had +become accustomed to it after the days of rehearsal. And the great +point was that he did not have to use his voice. Or, at the most, +when some vital part of the little play called for speaking, he had +only to whisper to give the "cue" to the others. + +The plot was not a very complicated one, telling the story of a +wealthy young fellow (played by Paul Ardite) the son of a wealthy +banker, (Mr. DeVere) getting into bad company, and how he was saved +by the influence of a good girl. + +The "card" in question, was a visiting card, which seemed to +compromise the young man, but the "turn" of it cleared him. + +To save time, different scenes had already been set up in various +parts of the big studio, and to these scenes--mere sections of rooms +or offices--the actors moved. + +With them moved Russ Dalwood, who was "filming" this particular play. +He placed his little box-machine, on its tripod, before each scene, +and used as many feet of film to get the succeeding pictures as Mr. +Pertell thought was necessary. + +I presume all my readers have seen moving pictures many times, and +perhaps many of you know how they are made. But at the risk of +repeating what is already known I will give just a little description +of how the work is done. + +In the first place there has to be a play to be "filmed," or taken. +It may be a parlor drama an outdoor scene--anything from a burning +building to a flood. With the play decided on, the actors and +actresses for the different parts are selected and carefully +rehearsed. This is necessary as the camera is instantaneous and one +false move or gestures may spoil the film. + +Next comes the selection of the location for the various scenes. +Indoor ones are comparatively easy, for the scenic artist can build +almost anything. But to get the proper outdoor setting is not so +easy, and often moving picture companies go many miles to get just +the proper scenery for a background. + +So careful are some managers that they will send to California, or to +the Holy Land, in order that their actors may have the proper +historical surroundings. This costs many thousands of dollars, so it +can be seen how important it is to get the film right at first. + +There are two main parts to the moving picture business--the taking +of the pictures and later the projection, or showing, of them on a +white screen in some theatre. + +For this two different machines are needed. The first is a camera, +similar in the main principle to the same camera with which you may +have taken snapshots. But there is a difference. Where you take one +picture in a second, the moving picture camera takes sixteen. That is +the uniform rate maintained, though there may be exceptions. And in +your camera you take a picture on a short strip of celluloid film, or +on a glass plate, but in the moving picture machine the pictures are +taken on a narrow strip of celluloid film perhaps a thousand feet +long. + +The camera consists of a narrow box. On one side is a handle, and +there is a lens that can be adjusted or focused. Inside is varied +machinery, but I will not tire you with a description of it. +Sufficient to say that there are two wheels, or reels. On one--the +upper--is wound the unexposed film. One end of this film is fastened +to the empty, or lower, reel. The film is passed back of lens, which +is fitted with a shutter that opens and closes at the rate of sixteen +times a second. + +Turning a handle on the outside of the camera operates it. So that +when the scene is ready to be photographed the actors, whether men or +animals, begin to move. The handle turns, and the unexposed film is +wound from one reel to the other, inside the camera, passing behind +the lens, so that the picture falls on it in a flash, just as you +take one snapshot. But, as I have said, the moving picture camera +takes snapshot after snapshot--sixteen a second--until many thousands +are taken, so that when the pictures are shown afterward they give +the effect of continuous motion. + +The film is moved forward by means of toothed sprocket wheels inside +the camera, the shutter opening and closing automatically. + +When the reel of film has all been exposed, it is taken to the dark +room, and there developed, just as a small roll from your camera +would be. This film is called the negative. From it any number of +positives can be made, all depending on the popularity of the +subject. + +To make positives, the negative film is laid on another strip of +sensitive celluloid of the same size. The two films are placed in a +suitable machine, and then set in front of a bright light. The two +films are then moved along so as to print each of the thousands of +pictures previously taken. + +The positive film is then developed, "fixed" to prevent it from +fading, and it is then ready for the projecting machine. This latter +is like the old-fashioned stereopticon, and by means of suitable +lenses, and a brilliant light, the small pictures, hardly more than +an inch square, are so magnified that they appear life-size on the +screen. + +That, in brief, is how moving pictures are made and shown, but it +tells nothing of the hard work involved, on the part of operators, +and actors and actresses. Often the performers risk their lives to +make a "snappy" film, and many accidents have occurred where daring +men and women took parts with wild beasts in the cast, or dared +serious injury by long jumps. + +Ruth and Alice watched their father enact his rôle. He did it well, +and the girls were gratified to hear Mr. Pertell say from time to +time: + +"Good! That's the way to do it! Oh, that's great!" + +The play was not a long one, but if it had taken three times the +half-hour it consumed Ruth and Alice would not have been weary. + +The last scene had been "filmed" by Russ, who was getting ready to +take his camera to the dark room for development, when there came a +crash from where Mr. Switzer was going through a love scene with Miss +Dixon. + +"Look out!" someone called. + +There was a sound as of rending, splintering wood. + +"Oh!" screamed Miss Dixon. + +"Py gracious goodness!" ejaculated Mr. Switzer. "I am caught fast!" + +"Oh, what has happened?" gasped Ruth, clinging to Alice. + +"It sounded like an explosion!" the latter answered. + +"Don't be alarmed," Russ assured them. "It's nothing. Only Switzer +leaned too hard on that fence and it went down with him." + +And that was what had happened. Amid the wreckage of the property +fence, which had collapsed with the weight of the German actor, sat +he and Miss Dixon, while the manager, with a gesture of despair +exclaimed: + +"That's another scene to be done over." + +"I knew that would happen!" observed Pepper Sneed, gloomily. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +MR. DEVERE'S SUCCESS + + +Amid laughter, now that it was seen that nothing serious had +happened, the wreckage was cleared away, and the German actor, and +his partner in the rural love scene, were assisted to their feet. + +"Are you hurt?" asked Mr. Pertell, anxiously, when quiet had in a +measure been restored. + +"Only my feelings iss hurted!" replied Mr. Switzer, with an odd look +on his round, fat face. "It iss not seemly und proper dot ven a +feller is telling a nice girl vot he dinks of her, dot he should be +upset head ofer heels alretty yet; ain't it?" + +"It certainly is," agreed Miss Dixon, a little spasm of pain flitting +across her face as she limped to one side. + +"Oh, dear, I hope you're not hurt!" exclaimed Miss Pennington, +hastening to her friend's side, and supporting her with an arm about +her waist. + +"It's only my ankle; it's a bit sprained, I think. A good thing I +haven't a dancing part," said Miss Dixon. + +"Will you be able to go on, when we make the film over again?" asked +the manager anxiously. He did not make this inquiry because he was +heartless, but the foremost thought with those who provide amusement +for the public--whether they be managers or actors--is that "the show +must go on." For that reason sickness, and even the death of loved +ones, often does not stop the player from appearing on the stage. +And, in a measure, this is no less so with those who help to make the +moving pictures. + +"Oh, I think I'll be able to go on after a bit," declared Miss Dixon, +sinking into a chair that Pepper Sneed pushed forward for her. + +"Go on! You'll never be able to go on inside of a week, little girl!" +exclaimed the actor with the perpetual "grouch." He looked gloomily +at those about him. "This is the worst business in the world," he +went on. "Something is always happening. I know something will go +wrong in that safe-blowing act I'm to do next. I----" + +"Say, you go do that act, and then let us know if anything happens!" +interrupted the manager. "They're waiting for you over there," and he +motioned to an office setting, in which a safe robbery, one of the +scenes of another play, was to take place. + +"All right!" sighed Pepper Sneed, as he moved off to take his part. +"But, mind what I'm telling you," he said to Miss Dixon. "You'll be +laid up for a week." + +"An' it all de fault of dot property man!" exclaimed Mr. Switzer. "He +made dot fence like paper yet alretty! It vouldn't holt up a fly!" + +"That was a good fence!" defended Pop Snooks. "The trouble was you +leaned your ton weight on it." + +"Ton veight! Huh! Vot you tink I am? A hipperperpotamusses? A ton +veight--huh!" spluttered Mr. Switzer. + +"Never mind now!" called the manager sharply, with a reassuring +glance at Ruth and Alice, who were regarding this little flurry with +anxious eyes. They glanced over toward their father. "Pop, make a new +fence--a strong one--and we'll film that scene over again," went on +Mr. Pertell. "To your places, the rest of you. Mr. DeVere, I think +that will be all we will require of you to-day. But come into the +office. I have a new play I'm thinking of filming, and I'd like your +advice on some of the scenes. Miss Dixon, shall I send for a +doctor?" + +"Oh, no, indeed, I'll be all right!" was her hasty answer. + +"If you're not, don't be afraid to say so," spoke Mr. Pertell. "I can +understudy you----" + +"Oh, no, indeed!" she exclaimed, energetically. If there is one thing +more than another that an actor or actress fears, it is being +supplanted in a rôle. Of course, all the important parts in a play +are "understudied"; that is, some other actor or actress than the +principal has learned the lines and "business" so, in case the latter +is taken ill, the play can go on, after a fashion. But players are +jealous of one another to a marked degree, and rather than permit +their understudy to succeed him, many a performer has gone on when +physically unfit. Perhaps it was this that induced Miss Dixon to +conceal the pain she was really suffering. + +Mr. Pertell glanced sharply at her, and then his gaze roved to Ruth +and Alice, who were standing with their father. A musing look was on +the face of the manager. Miss Dixon saw it, and arose. + +"I am perfectly able to go on, Mr. Pertell," she said, quickly. +"There is no need of getting anyone in my place." + +She walked across the room, with a slight limp, and the spasm of pain +that showed on her face was quickly replaced by a smile. But it was +an obvious effort. + +Miss Dixon staggered, and would have fallen had not Alice stepped +forward quickly and caught her. + +"You really ought to have a doctor," Alice said, anxiously. "A +sprained ankle is sometimes quite serious." + +"I don't need a doctor!" exclaimed the ingenue, sharply. "I shall be +all right. It will take some little time to repair the fence, and by +then----" + +"You must let me attend to you," broke in a motherly voice, and Mrs. +Maguire, who, as Cora Ashleigh, had finished her part in a little +drama, came bustling over. "I'll put some hot compresses on your +ankle, and that will take out the pain," went on the elderly actress. +"Come along." + +And Miss Dixon was glad enough to go. Mrs. Maguire was really a sort +of "mother" to the others of the company, and many a physical ache +and pain, as well as some mental ones, yielded to her ministering +care. + +"Now, then, Pop, how are you coming on with that fence?" asked the +manager a little later. + +"Oh, I'll get her done some time to-day if you don't give me too much +else to do," was the answer. "But I've had to quit work on that +trick auto you wanted--the one that turns into an airship." + +"Pshaw! And I needed that, too. Well, go ahead. Do the best you can, +and when you've finished I want a fake stone tower made for that +fairy picture we're going to do next week." + +"All right," agreed Pop. "I'll do it." + +Nothing seemed too hard for him. He responded to the most exacting +and diverse commands as easily as to the smallest. He was an +invaluable property man. + +"Oh, Mr. Ardite," continued the manager to the leading juvenile, "I'm +going to change your part in that runaway drama. I'll want some +exterior scenes. One on the Brooklyn Bridge and another at the Grand +Central Terminal. Get ready to go up there. Miss Fillmore will be +here soon. She's in that with you. I'll send Charlie Blake up to film +it. Here's the "register" list--look it over," and he tossed a sheaf +of typewritten sheets to the young actor. + +"I wish we could go see that taken," whispered Alice. + +"You can, if you like," responded the manager, overhearing her. + +"I--I'll be delighted to take you along," said Paul, coloring as he +glanced at Alice. + +Miss Dixon, who had come back from her room, after having her ankle +bathed, looked up quickly at these words. She glanced from Alice to +Paul, and back again, and then said something in a low voice to Miss +Pennington. + +"May I go, Daddy?" asked Alice. "I'm so interested in these moving +pictures." + +"Oh, yes, I think so," he assented. "Perhaps Ruth----" + +"No, I'll go home with you," Ruth answered. "I'm a bit tired to-day." + +"I'd never tire of this!" exclaimed Alice, with enthusiasm. + +"Come along then!" invited Paul. "Here's Miss Fillmore now," he +added, as another member of the company entered. + +There was a sudden cry of pain from the other side of the studio, and +a moving picture camera ceased clicking. + +"What's the matter now?" asked the manager, as he looked to where the +safe robbery scene was being filmed. + +"Oh, I caught my hand in the safe door!" exclaimed Pepper Sneed. +"Nearly took my finger off! I just knew something would happen to me +to-day!" + +"Great Scott! Another scene spoiled!" groaned Mr. Pertell. "Well, do +it over. Had you run out much film?" he asked the operator. + +"No, only a few feet." + +"Well, try again. And, Pepper, look out for your head this time, that +you don't get that caught in the safe. You might lose it." + +"Uh!" grunted the human grouch. + +Russ Dalwood came out of the developing room. + +"That's going to be a great film!" he declared. It's one of the best +I've ever seen. The pictures will show up fine." + +"Glad to hear it," remarked the manager. "That's some good news in +this day of trouble." + +"Did I do all right?" asked Mr. DeVere, hoarsely. "I would like to +see myself--as others see me--and that's possible now, in the +movies." + +"Your pictures are fine," answered Ross. + +"And I want to congratulate you," went on Mr. Pertell. "You are doing +splendid work, and we are glad to have you with us. It is not +everyone who can come from the legitimate stage and go into the +movies with success; but you have." + +"I am glad to hear it," declared the actor. "There was great +necessity, or I should not have done it; but I am not sorry now. It +is a great relief not to have to speak my lines." + +"And you mustn't do much talking now, Daddy," cautioned Ruth. "You +want your throat to get well, you know." + +"Yes, I know, dear," replied her father, patting her on the shoulder. + +"Good-bye!" called Alice, who with Paul, Miss Fillmore, and the +camera operator, were going out for the exterior scenes. "I'll be +home soon." + +"I'll take care of her," promised Paul, and, as he and Alice went +out, side by side, Ruth caught a sharp glance from Miss Dixon, who +was narrowly watching the two. + +"Well, everything seems to be going on all right now," observed Mr. +Pertell. "Here's Pop with the fence. Now, Mr. Switzer, and Miss +Dixon----well, what is it?" he broke off with, as he saw Wellington +Bunn approaching with an irritated air. + +"I must refuse, sir, positively refuse, to go on with the part you +have assigned to me!" exclaimed the former Shakespearean player, +striking what he thought was a dignified attitude. "I cannot do it, +Mr. Pertell, and I wonder that you expect it of me." + +"What part is it you object to?" asked the manager. "Let's see, +you're in 'A Man's Home;' aren't you?" + +"Yes, and in one scene I am supposed to come home from the office, +and get down on the floor to play with blocks with the children. I +do not mind that so much, but I have to play horse, and ride the +children around on my back, and then, to cap the climax, I have to +turn a somersault." + +"Well?" asked the manager, as the actor paused. + +"Well, I positively refuse to do that somersault! The idea of +me--Wellington Bunn--who has played in Shakespearean dramas, +groveling on the floor and turning somersaults! The somersaults +positively must be cut out." + +"But they can't very well, Mr. Pertell!" broke in one of the other +actors in the same drama. "Because when Mr. Bunn goes over that way +he is supposed accidentally to upset the table, and the supper things +fly all over, and the children laugh and think it's a great joke. The +whole scene will be spoiled if Mr. Bunn doesn't turn his somersault." + +"Then he'll turn it!" announced the manager, grimly. + +"What! But I protest, sir! I protest!" cried the tragedian. "I will +not do it! The idea of me--Wellington Bunn----" + +"Somersault--or look for another engagement," was the terse +rejoinder, and with a gesture of despair Mr. Bunn turned aside +murmuring; + +"Oh, that I should come to this! Oh, the pity of it! The pity! I'll +never do it!" + +But a little later, for the sake of his salary, he turned the +somersault. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +AN EMERGENCY + + +"Did you enjoy yourself, Alice?" asked Ruth, a little later that +afternoon, when her sister had returned from her trip to the Brooklyn +Bridge, and the Grand Central Terminal, with Paul. + +"Indeed I did!" replied the younger girl. "It was really exciting. +And Paul is so nice!" + +"Do you call him Paul?" + +"Certainly--why not." + +"And does he call you Alice?" + +"Yes. He asked me if he couldn't, and I don't see any harm. He's just +like a brother would be." + +"Oh," remarked Ruth, with a little smile. "Tell me about it." + +"Oh, there isn't much to tell. We went up in a car until we got to +where the scenes were to be filmed. Then Paul and Miss Fillmore did +what they had to do, and the pictures were taken. + +"There was quite a crowd looking, on, too, and some of them got in +the pictures," Alice went on. + +"Purposely, do you mean--to spoil them?" asked Ruth. + +"Oh, no, they belonged in. You see this was supposed to be a natural +scene of Paul and Miss Fillmore meeting on the bridge. They walk +along a little way, and part of the plot develops there. So there had +to be other persons walking along to make it look natural. How odd it +must be if those same persons happen to see the film play later, and +recognize themselves in the pictures." + +"Rather, I should say," agreed Ruth. "What next?" + +"Oh, then we went up to the Grand Central, and there Paul had to +pretend to get on a train, and Miss Fillmore bade him a tearful +good-bye. She's quite an emotional actress, too. + +"It was quite exciting. Paul had some work getting the station master +to let us out on the train platform without tickets. But when he +explained about the moving pictures, it was all right. + +"It was as real as anything--just as if it wasn't for the films at +all. Paul got on the platform, and a porter took someone else's grip +to make it look as though he were going on a journey. + +"That porter enjoyed it more than anyone else. He grinned so much +that Paul had to tell him to stop, or the top of his head might come +off. And laugh! I wish you could have heard him laugh at that. It +took us a little longer to get those films, for there was such a +crowd. But it was all right. I've had a lovely time!" cried Alice, +her brown eyes brilliant with excitement, and her cheeks flushed. + +"And what happened next?" asked Ruth, after a pause. + +"Oh, Miss Fillmore had an engagement, so Paul and I went and had +lunch together. He's an awfully nice boy!" + +"Alice!" + +"I don't care; he is! And he's in papa's company, so I don't see any +harm--especially as it was in daylight, and it was only in one of +those dairy lunches, you know. Paul wanted to take me to a better +place, but I know he doesn't earn much yet, and I wasn't going to +have him waste his money." + +"Thoughtful of you," murmured Ruth. + +"Wasn't it. Where's daddy?" + +"Oh, he went back to the studio. There was some mistake in one of his +acts and he wanted to have it corrected so he could study over it +to-night." + +"Oh, hasn't it been a day!" exclaimed Alice, as she laid aside her +hat. "Do you know, I think outdoor pictures are better, and more +interesting. I'd like to be in some myself." + +"It is interesting," agreed Ruth. "And really it doesn't seem like +acting when you don't have any audience except a camera. But I +suppose that makes it all the more difficult. Russ was in a little +while ago." + +"What did he want?" asked Alice with a quick glance at her sister. + +"Oh, he just called to say that all the films in which dad appears +came out fine. He mentioned that his patent was coming on all right, +and he expects soon to have it out on royalty." + +"That's nice. I do hope those horrid men won't get it away from him. +What have we to eat? I'm nearly starved." + +"Why, I thought you had lunch." + +"I did, but we--we took a walk afterward, and my appetite came back." + +Ruth looked curiously at Alice, sighed and then went out to the +kitchen. + +As the days went on Mr. DeVere grew to like his new occupation more +and more. At first he had talked and mused over the coming time when +he could go back to the regular theatre. But his voice showed no +tendency to lose its whispering hoarseness, and he was, perforce, +compelled to do his acting for the camera. Then came a gradual change +of feeling, and he grew really to like his new occupation. Besides, +it paid almost as well as a legitimate rôle, and was more certain. + +The girls and their father enjoyed a private view of the film in +which Mr. DeVere was depicted. It was an absorbing play, and while it +seemed a bit uncanny, at first, to look at yourself moving about, Mr. +DeVere grew accustomed to it. + +"And it is surprising what faults one can see in onesself," he +remarked, after the film had been thrown on the screen for him. "I +can pick out a number of places where I can improve in my gestures. +And I see places where the action can be more easily and plainly +explained to the audience." + +"I am glad you do," spoke Mr. Pertell. "It is a good thing to try to +improve the movies. They have, in my opinion, a great lesson to teach +to the masses, as well as to provide amusement for them. And all we +can do, individually, to help, adds to it. + +"I am thinking of greatly broadening my fields, I am not satisfied to +film merely parlor dramas and a few city scenes. I want a larger +scenic background, and I'm working to that end." + +"I hope I shall be able to fit into some of them," observed Mr. +DeVere. "I, too, begin to think I would like to get out in the open." + +"I intend to have you with me," declared the manager. "I am looking +around for a locality to serve as a background for certain rural +plays. But I have not found it yet." + +Ruth and Alice paid many visits to the film studio, and watched the +making of many plays. Their father had parts in a number of them, and +for others new actors were engaged temporarily. + +Russ was becoming an expert operator, and meanwhile was working on +his patent. It was nearly perfected. + +They were exacting days that followed. Many dramas had to be filmed, +and all the actors and actresses were kept busy. Ruth and Alice spent +many afternoons in the studio, growing more and more interested all +the while. There was much fun, as well as much hard work, for Mr. +Switzer, with his odd expressions and mishaps, was a source of +considerable amusement. + +Then, too, the "human grouch," Pepper Sneed, seemed always to find +some new objection to raise, or some dire calamity to predict. And +as for Mr. Bunn, he made many protests at rôles he considered +incongruous with his dignity. + +Once he wanted the story of a play so changed that he might give an +impersonation of Hamlet in a setting that included a Western mining +cabin, and when he was refused by the manager he grew quite +indignant. + +"You might as well try to introduce Macbeth in the clown act," +declared Mr. Pertell. + +Several times Ruth and Alice had expressed a desire to try a little +part in one of the dramas, but their father would not listen. At +last, however, their chance came. + +Mr. DeVere had just completed his rôle in a difficult part, and Russ, +with his camera, had been shifted over to film another play, a few of +the scenes of which were laid in the studio, the others being set out +of doors. + +"Well, aren't those two young ladies here yet?" asked Mr. Pertell, +coming out of his office, as he noted a delay. + +"Not yet," answered Mrs. Maguire, who was to have a part in the act. +"They said they'd be early, too." + +"That's always the way when you want someone in a hurry," stormed the +manager. "Here we are holding things up just because Miss Parker and +Miss Dengon aren't here. It wouldn't taken them five minutes to do +their parts, either." + +"Well, I can't wait much longer," said the principal actor, who was +to take a part with the young ladies who were missing. "I've got to +get that train, you know, Pertell." + +"Yes, I know!" was the answer, as the manager snapped shut his watch. +"I can't see what's keeping them. This gets on my nerves!" + +"What is it?" asked Mr. DeVere, coming from his dressing room. +"Anything I can do to help you?" + +"No, but two extra young girls I hired for certain parts are missing, +and this thing ought to go on. Harrison has an important engagement, +and can't wait either. I didn't count on this emergency, though +usually I allow for delays. If I only had two girls now--Say!" he +cried, as he looked over at Ruth and Alice. "They might do it--they +might fill in! How about it, Mr. DeVere; would you let them +substitute in this drama? It's a simple thing, and with two minutes' +coaching they can do it. That will let Harrison get his train, and I +can go on with the next scenes. Will you girls try?" he asked, +appealing to them. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +JEALOUSIES + + +Alice hesitated, but only a moment, and, while Ruth was looking at +her father, the younger girl exclaimed: + +"Oh, do let us try! I don't know that we could do it, Mr. Pertell, +but let us try! Won't you, Daddy?" + +Mr. DeVere looked troubled. For some time past he had been watching +the growing liking of his daughters for the moving pictures, and he +was in two minds about the matter. He had seen that this new manner +of presenting plays had a great future, not only for the public but +for the acting profession. And now, when a chance came for his +daughters to get into it, he hardly knew what to say. He had made up +his mind that they should never go on the dramatic stage. But +this----. + +"Something has to be done," urged the manager. "I can't hold things +back much longer." + +"Wouldn't you like to try it, Ruth?" asked Alice, catching her +sister's hands. "I think it will be just fine!" + +"Why, I--I think I would like it--if they think I can do it," agreed +Ruth. + +"Oh, you can do it all right," Mr. Pertell assured her. "It is very +simple. A little coaching is all you need. What do you say, Mr. +DeVere? May the girls go in?" + +"Why, I--er--I hardly know what to say. It is so different from +anything they have ever done. And I never expected----" + +"Oh, they can do it!" interrupted the manager. "They've been around +here long enough to know how we do things. Come, it may be a good +opening for them." + +"All right, I don't mind," said the actor. "I shall be very glad to +let them help you out, Mr. Pertell." + +"Oh, I don't ask it as a favor. I'm willing to pay for their time. I +was to give Miss Parker and Miss Dengon five dollars each for a few +minutes of their time to-day, but they have disappointed me. I now +offer it to your daughters." + +"Oh, fine!" cried Alice, clapping her hands. "Then I can get that new +hat I've been wanting so much. Come on, Ruth. What do we have to do, +Mr. Pertell?" + +The manager quickly explained what was wanted. The two girls had +simple parts, with Mr. Harrison as the chief character. Alice and +Ruth soon grasped what was required of them, and, after a little +coaching and rehearsing, they were ready. + +"Now stand over here," directed Mr. Pertell, who took personal charge +this time, "and don't pay any attention to the camera. Don't look at +it, in fact. Keep your eyes on Mr. Harrison, or on some part of +scenery. Just forget everything but what you have to do." + +"Shall we speak the lines aloud?" asked Ruth. + +"If you like. Perhaps it will be better, for the first time, to do +so," suggested Mr. Pertell. "It may help you to get the 'business' +down better. A little more light here!" he called to the electrician, +for in one of the scenes artificial illumination was used. "Are you +all ready, Russ?" he asked the young operator. + +"All ready; yes, sir!" + +"Then--go!" + +The little section, from what was to be a two-reel play of the +movies, was under way. Though a bit nervous Ruth and Alice did very +well, and soon they were in the swing of it. + +When it came time for Alice to act the part of a hoydenish character, +she was exceedingly natural in it, and her laugh at the simulated +discomfiture of Mr. Harrison was so spontaneous that even some of the +others joined in. + +Ruth, too, who had a more demure part, acquitted herself well. The +camera clicked on, Russ turning the handle steadily. He nodded +reassuringly at Ruth when she had a moment's respite. + +Then came a slight change of scene, and a change of costume on the +part of the girls, Mrs. Maguire finding just what was needed in the +wardrobe of the studio. + +Then, just as the final strip of film had been exposed, and the +emergency work of Ruth and Alice had ended, in came the two tardy +actresses. + +"You're too late!" exclaimed Mr. Pertell. "We couldn't wait for you." + +"What!" exclaimed Miss Parker. "Do you mean to tell us you went and +filmed our parts with somebody else in the cast?" + +"That's what we did," replied the manager, coolly. "Maybe you'll +learn after this that four o'clock means four o'clock, and not half +past." + +"Well, what do you know about that?" gasped Miss Dengon, sinking into +a plush chair, and dabbing at her nose with a chamois skin, which +gave off puffs of powder like a miniature gun. + +"An' us tryin' as hard as ever we could to get here!" went on Miss +Parker, vigorously chewing gum. "The nerve of some people is suttinly +amazin'! Come on, Ruby, I never did care much for movies anyhow, an' +how some folks can stay in 'em is suttinly a mystery to me!" + +Then, with heads held high, and with meaning glances at Miss +Pennington and Miss Dixon, who were busy in another drama, the two +young ladies went out, looking superciliously at Ruth and Alice. + +"Business is business--in the movies the same as anywhere else," +chuckled Mr. Pertell, as he gave Ruth and Alice each a crisp +five-dollar bill. "I am very much obliged to you, in the bargain," he +went on. + +"So am I!" added Mr. Harrison. "I can get my train now, and it's a +satisfaction to know that the scenes are completed." + +"Oh, it was fun!" laughed Alice. + +"I liked it, too," confessed Ruth. + +"And I want to tell you that you both did most excellently," said the +manager. "You have a very good grasp of what is wanted, and you put +in the 'business' very naturally. I congratulate you and your +father," and he nodded to Mr. DeVere. + +"I have given them a little instruction in the fundamentals," +confessed the actor, "and of course they have been about the theatre, +more or less, since they were small children." + +"I suppose that accounts for it," observed Mr. Pertell. "Well, I want +to say that I am very much pleased with you, and, if you think you +would like to try it again, I can make parts for you in a drama that +I am going to film next week." + +"Oh, Ruth! Let's do it!" begged Alice. + +Ruth looked at her father inquiringly. + +"What sort of parts are they?" he asked. + +"Oh, very much the same as they undertook to-day, only longer and +more elaborate. There will be several changes of scene and costume. +Do you think you'd like it?" + +"Like it? I'd love it!" cried Alice, gaily, "Do say we may, Daddy +dear!" and she put her arms around his neck. + +"I'll see," was all he would promise. "I must look over the parts, +and then--well, little coaching wouldn't do you any harm, I guess," +he added with a smile. + +"It would make them all the better," declared the manager. + +"Oh, Ruth! I believe he's going to let us go in!" whispered Alice in +delight. "Won't you like it?" + +"Yes, dear! It's more exciting than I imagined. And I think you did +splendidly!" + +"Not half as well as you, Ruth. You are a born actress!" + +"And you're a born ingenue!" + +"Oh, aren't we silly to compliment each other this way!" laughed +Alice. "But, really, Ruth, I just love it; don't you?" + +"Yes, dear. Oh, I wonder what sort of parts we'll get. I'd like +something romantic." + +"And I want something funny--with laughs in it," declared Alice. "Oh, +say, Ruth," and her voice went to a whisper, "do you really think I'm +an ingenue--like Miss Dixon?" + +"I think you're--better!" responded Ruth, kissing her sister, and +stroking her soft hair. + +The work in the film studio was over for the day and the actors and +actresses were getting ready to go home. From the time Ruth and Alice +had taken the emergency parts Russ had observed Miss Pennington and +Miss Dixon casting sharp looks at them. + +"Jealous!" mused Russ. And his diagnosis was confirmed a little +later, when, as the two former vaudeville performers passed Ruth and +Alice, Miss Pennington, with a sharp glance at the latter, murmured +loudly enough to be heard: + +"Humph! It takes more than one performance in a little part to make +a movie actress! Some folks think they are mighty smart, coming in +over the heads of others!" + +"That's what I say, too!" added Miss Dixon. "It was a shame the way +they took the parts away from Ruby and Maude!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS + + +For a moment Ruth and Alice looked at each other with eyes that +showed the pain they felt. Ruth turned pale at hearing the unkind +words, but Alice blushed a rosy red, and started to say something. + +"Don't," advised Mrs. Maguire, coming up beside them, and evidently +guessing her intention. "It would only make matters worse to reply to +them, my dear." + +"But--but----" began Alice. + +"Hush!" begged Ruth. "Oh, how could they say it--as if we _wanted_ to +displace those girls." + +"I'm just going to tell them what I think!" exclaimed Alice, and +there was a hint of real anger in her voice. But she had no chance, +for Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, as though satisfied with what +they had done, swept out to the elevator. + +"Don't mind them, my dears," said motherly Mrs. Maguire. "It's only +professional jealousy, anyhow; and you'll see plenty of that if you +stay in this business long enough." + +"Then I'm not going to stay!" cried Alice. "I'm not used to having +such things said of me." + +Mrs. Maguire laughed genially. She was standing with Ruth and Alice, +who were waiting for their father to join them. Most of the other +performers had now gone. + +"Oh, you'll get so you won't mind that a bit!" went on Mrs. Maguire. +"Sure, I used to eat my heart over it in my younger days, but now I +only laugh. It's part of the business. It's a tribute to your acting, +my dear, and you ought to take it as such. Don't mind it." + +"Oh, but it was so--so uncalled--for!" murmured Ruth. "I think I +must--" + +"Hush! Here comes daddy!" interrupted Alice. "Don't let him know +about it." + +"That's wise," commented Mrs. Maguire. "Though probably he's seen +enough of it in his time. But perhaps he wouldn't like to know that +it bothered you. Best say nothing to him, my dears. It will wear away +soon enough." + +"No, we won't say anything," agreed Alice, slipping her arm through +her sister's. "Papa has enough trouble as it is." + +A little later, as the girls were walking along with Mr. DeVere, he +asked them: + +"Well, how did you like your parts in the movies?" + +"Fine. It was so interesting, Dad!" exclaimed Ruth. + +"I'd like to do some more!" echoed Alice, with a meaning look at her +sister. + +"Well, I must see what sort of parts Mr. Pertell will cast you for," +said Mr. DeVere. "But I am glad you like the work. It may be a great +deal better for all of us to be in this than if I was alone in a +regular theater. We can always be together now, and certainly my +voice doesn't seem to be improving very fast." + +This was only too true. Several visits to the physician, and a heroic +course of treatment, had resulted in only a slight improvement. The +pain in the vocal chords had been lessened, but the huskiness +remained, so that it would have been practically impossible for Mr. +DeVere to speak his lines in a regular theater. So the moving +pictures were suited to him. + +The DeVere family was now in much better circumstances than when we +first made their acquaintance. They had been gradually paying the +back bills, the landlord had been appeased, so that there was no +danger of dispossession, and there was much happiness in the little +flat. + +"We could even afford a better one, if you girls would like to move," +said Mr. DeVere one day. + +"Oh, no, let's stay," suggested Ruth. "We can save a little money by +remaining here, and paying less rent." + +"Besides, we have such nice neighbors!" observed Alice, with a glance +at the Dalwood apartments across the hall, at the same time giving +Ruth a sly nudge. + +"Stop it!" commanded Ruth. "What do you mean, Alice?" + +"Just what I said--we have _such_ nice neighbors across the way," and +she gave a little pinch to her sister's blushing cheek. + +"Yes, the Dalwoods are very good friends," remarked Mr. DeVere, all +unconscious of this little by-play between his daughters. "And Russ +is certainly a fine young man." + +"Indeed he is; isn't he, Ruth?" asked Alice tantalizingly. + +"Oh, yes, I suppose so," was the blushing answer. "But how should I +know--any more than you do about Paul Ardite?" and she glanced +shrewdly at Alice. + +"A hit, I suppose you would call that. A Roland for my Oliver, my +dear!" laughed Alice, frankly. "I don't mind." + +She looked toward her father, but he was so absorbed in looking over +a new part he was to take, that he paid little attention to the +chatter of the girls. + +A few days after the first appearance of Ruth and Alice before the +moving picture camera, in the small rôles they had taken to bridge +over an emergency, Mr. Pertell brought them their parts in a new +drama. Meanwhile it had been ascertained that the films where the +girls filled in had been a success. Ruth and Alice felt a little +diffident about going to the studio again, especially after the scene +with the jealous actresses. + +But Miss Dixon and Miss Pennington appeared to have gotten over their +pique, and they acted as though they had never said anything to wound +or annoy Ruth and Alice. The latter, however, could not forget it, +and were rather cool toward their fellow-players. + +"Here are your new parts," said Mr. Pertell. "Look them over with +your father as soon as you can. He is to be in the play with you." + +"Oh, isn't this exciting!" cried Alice, as she took the typewritten +manuscript. "Real parts at last, Ruth!" + +"Yes. We will be real actresses if we keep on. I wonder what I am +cast for?" + +"My! We're becoming quite adept in theatrical talk. Ahem!" laughed +Alice with pretended sarcasm. + +Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, who were already rehearsing for +another play, looked over at the two enthusiastic sisters, and +shrugged their shoulders. + +"Wait until they have been in it as long as we have, my dear, then +they won't be so jolly," remarked Miss Pennington. + +"Oh, I don't know as you can include me," was Miss Dixon's rather +tart comment. "_I_ haven't been at it so many years." + +"Oh, haven't you?" asked Miss Pennington, with a raising of her +penciled eyebrows. "Excuse me, my dear!" + +"Don't mention it!" + +"Get on to that, would you!" exclaimed Pop Snooks to Mr. Sneed. "The +two old-timers are scrappin'." + +"I knew they would," was the grouchy rejoinder. "They'll have a real +quarrel, and both quit, and that'll mean some new members in the +company. And just as we are about through rehearsing that piece, and +about to film it, too. That means I'll have to do it all over again. +I knew something would happen!" + +"Oh, cheer up! The worst is yet to come!" laughed Paul Ardite. +"Here's Switzer looking as red as a lobster. What is it now, Carl?" +he asked. + +"Ach! Vot isn't der matter?" cried the moon-faced one. "I haf a part +vot incessitates me to be bound und gagged by a band of robbers, und +stood in a corner vhile dey loot der blace." + +"Well, that's a nice, romantic part," observed Paul. + +"Yah, but how would you like to haf a rag stuffed in your mout so vot +you couldn't breath yet for five minutes? How vould you like dot; +hey? Dell me dot!" + +"Oh, well, tell 'em to leave you a breathing hole," laughed Paul. + +"Where is Mr. Pertell? Where is he? I demand to see him at once!" +broke in the voice of Wellington Bunn. "I must see him instantly!" + +"He was here a moment ago, giving the Misses DeVere their parts," +replied Paul. "Why, is the place on fire?" + +"No, but I refuse to take the part he has assigned to me. I utterly +and positively refuse to so demean myself." + +"What part have you?" asked the young fellow, looking over at Alice +and nodding. + +"Why, he has cast me--I, who have played all the principal +Shakespearean characters--he has cast me--Wellington Bunn--as a +waiter in a hotel scene! Where is Mr. Pertell? I refuse to take that +character!" + +"Oh, what's the trouble now?" asked the manager, coming from his +office. The Shakespearean actor explained. + +"Now see here!" exclaimed Mr. Pertell, with more anger than he +usually displayed. "You'll take that part, Mr. Bunn, or leave the +company! It is an important part, and has to do with the development +of the plot. Why, as that waiter you intercept the taking of ten +thousand dollars, and prevent the heroine from being abducted. +Afterward you become rich, and blossom out as a theatrical manager." + +"And do I produce Shakespeare?" asked the old actor, eagerly. + +"There's nothing to stop you--in the play," returned Mr. Pertell, +rather drily. + +"Oh, then it's all right," said Mr. Bunn, with a sigh of relief. +"I'll take the part." + +Rehearsals were going on in various parts of the studio, and some +plays were being filmed. Russ Dalwood was busy at one of the +cameras. + +"Have you got a part you like, Ruth?" asked Alice, when she had +finished looking over her lines. + +"Indeed I have, I'm supposed to be Lady Montgomery, and there are two +counts in love with me. At least, one is a count and the other +pretends to be one. It's quite romantic. What is yours?" + +"Mine's jolly. I'm a school girl, always up to some trick or other, +and--yes, see here--why in one of my tricks I disclose that the +pretended count who's in love with you is only an organ grinder! Oh, +that will be fun," and she laughed gleefully. + +"Do you like your parts?" asked the manager, coming up. + +"Indeed we do!" chorused Ruth and Alice. + +"Then talk to your father about them," he advised. "See what he says, +and if he is willing you may begin rehearsals with him, and the +others of the cast." + +Mr. DeVere was fully satisfied with the parts assigned to his +daughters, and agreed to allow them to enter formally into the work +of the moving pictures at a very fair salary for beginners. The +others of the company were called together, including Paul Ardite, +and the best method of getting the finest results out of the drama +was discussed. + +In the days that followed, Ruth and Alice, as well as the others, did +hard work. It is not as easy to go through a moving picture play as +it appears merely from seeing the film on the white curtain. Some +scenes have to be rehearsed over and over again, and often, after +being filmed, some defect results and the work has to be all done +once more. + +Mr. DeVere rehearsed his daughters at home in the intervals of their +appearance at the studio, and this redounded to their benefit. They +were thus able to do effective work, and Mr. Pertell complimented +them on it. + +The play was soon ready for filming, and Russ was chosen to work the +camera. Some of the scenes were out of doors, in a big flower garden, +and for this the company was taken to Brooklyn, where a private owner +was induced to allow his place to be used for a few minutes. Ruth and +Alice enjoyed their part in the flower garden very much. + +Finally the last rehearsal was had, and the day was set for making +the films of the first real, big play in which the two girls had ever +taken part. As they were leaving the studio together, on the +afternoon of the day before the first "performance," they saw a group +of children standing down near the main entrance. + +"There go some of the moving picture girls now," one boy exclaimed. + +"Don't I wish I was them!" sighed a tall, lanky girl next him. "Ain't +they nice, Jimmie?" + +"They sure is!" was the enthusiastic rejoinder. + +"We're achieving fame, Ruth," laughed Alice. + +"Such as it is--yes," replied her sister. "'Moving picture girls'; +eh? Well, I suppose we are." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +A PROMISE + + +"Now then, are we all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell. He looked about the +studio, at the groups of actors and actresses, at the camera +men--particularly at Russ. "Everybody here?" he went on. + +"All here," replied Pop Snooks, checking off a list he held. + +"How about your props?" + +"Nothing missing, not even the firecracker Miss Alice sets off under +the chair of the false count," replied the property man. + +"Good! I don't want any failure at the last minute. Now, Russ, how is +the camera working?" + +"Fine, sir." + +"Good fresh film?" + +"Fresh to-day, Mr. Pertell--just like new-laid eggs." + +"All right. You may have a chance to snap some newly laid eggs if my +future plans work out all right. Well, I guess we'll begin. Take your +places for the first scene." + +"Oh, I'm so nervous!" confided Ruth to Alice. + +"Silly! You needn't be!" was the response. "You're just perfect in +your part. I only wish I was as sure of myself." + +"Why, you're great, Alice!" said her sister. "Only you do such funny +things--it makes me laugh, and I'm afraid I'll smile in the wrong +place--when I'm being made love to, for instance." + +"Well, it's a funny part, and I have to act funny," insisted the +younger girl. "But I wish it was all over, and on the films. It's +been a little harder than I thought it would be." + +"Indeed it has. But papa was so good to rehearse us. Now we must be a +credit to him." + +"Oh, of course. Come on, the others are ready." + +It was not without a feeling of nervousness that Ruth and Alice +prepared to take their places in the actual depiction of the new +play. The rehearsals had not been so trying; but now, when the +photographs were to be made, there was a strain on all. + +For in making moving pictures mistakes are worse than on the real +stage. There, when one is speaking, one can correct a false line, or +turn it so that the audience does not notice the "break." + +But in the movies a false move, a wrong gesture, is at once indelibly +registered on the film, to reappear greatly magnified. And though +sometimes the incorrect part of the film can be cut out, mistakes are +generally costly. + +"Are you all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell again, as he stood with watch +in hand beside Russ at the camera, while the actors and actresses +took their places in the first scene. + +"All ready," answered Mr. Harrison, who was one of the principal +characters. + +"Then--go!" cried the manager, and Russ was about to turn the +operating handle. + +"Vait! Vait a minute. Holt on!" cried the voice of Mr. Switzer. +"Don't shoot yet alretty!" and he held up a restraining hand. + +"Oh, what's the matter now?" demanded Mr. Pertell, with a gesture of +annoyance. + +"Vun of mine shoes--he iss unloose, und der lacing is +dingle-dangling. It might trip me!" explained the good-natured German +actor, in all seriousness. + +"Well, fix it, and hurry up!" cried the manager, unable to repress a +smile. + +"Yah! I tie her goot und strong," he said, and soon this was done. + +"Now then--all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell once more. + +This time there was no delay, and the clicking of the camera was +heard as Russ turned the handle. Mr. DeVere and his two daughters +were not in this first scene, so it gave the girls a chance to lose +some of their nervousness--or "stage fright." As for Mr. DeVere, he +was too much of a veteran actor to mind this. Besides, he had played +many parts before the camera now. + +Mr. Pertell stood with watch in hand, timing the performance. For the +play must be gotten on a certain length of film, and if one scene ran +over its allotted time it might spoil the next one by curtailing the +action. + +"Hurry a little with that," ordered the manager sharply, at a certain +point. "Don't 'screen' the letter too long, and skip part of that +leave-taking. That eats up far too much celluloid." + +Accordingly some parts, not essential to the play, were "cut" to +shorten the time. Russ went on turning the crank, getting hundreds of +the tiny pictures that afterward would be magnified, and thrown on +the screen in dozens of moving picture playhouses, for the Comet +Company supplied a large "circuit." + +"Now then, Mr. DeVere, it's time for you to come on," the manager +said. "And then your daughters." + +"Oh, I know I'm going to be nervous!" murmured Ruth. + +"No you won't," spoke Russ, encouragingly. She stood near him, and +flashed him a grateful look. "I'll be watching you," he said, "and if +I see anything wrong I'll stop in an instant, so we won't spoil any +film." + +"That's good of you," she replied. "Come on, Alice." + +"All right! Oh, I just know it's going to be splendid!" her sister +exclaimed. There was the flush of excitement on her cheeks, and +though she would not admit, Alice, too, was nervous. So much, she +felt, depended on this first real play--so much for herself and her +sister. It was thrilling to feel that they might be able to make a +comfortable living through the medium of the movies. + +"All ready now, Russ, for this scene," called the manager, indicating +the one where Ruth and Alice were to appear. "Watch your register +closely." + +"Yes, sir." + +The play went on. Ruth took her part first, and the little drama was +enacted. Her father, who was in the scene with her, smiled +encouragement, and Russ nodded gaily as he continued to turn the +clicking camera. + +"Now, Miss Alice!" called the manager. "Here's where you come in. +Come smiling!" + +It was hardly necessary to tell Alice this, for she generally had a +smile on her face. Nor was it lacking this time. + +She began her part, but in an instant the manager called: + +"Wait. Hold on a minute!" + +The clicking of the camera ceased instantly. + +"Oh, have I done something wrong?" thought Alice, her heart beating +violently. + +"Cut out what's been done so far," ordered the manager to Russ. "It +will have to be done over." + +"Yes, sir," answered the operator, as he noted from the automatic +register at the side of the camera how many feet of film had been run +on the new scene. Then, when it came to be developed, it could be +eliminated. The figures also showed how much of the thousand-foot +reel was left for succeeding scenes. + +Everyone was a little nervous, fearing he or she had made the +trouble, but all were reassured a moment later, when the manager +said: + +"I think it will be a little more effective if Miss Alice makes her +entrance from the other side. It brings her out better. Try it that +way once, and then, if it goes, film it, Russ." + +The benefit of the change was at once apparent, and after a moment of +rehearsal it was decided on. Again the camera began its clicking and +everyone breathed freely once more, Alice most of all, for failure +would have meant so much to her. + +"Very good--very good," spoke the manager encouragingly, as the play +developed. + +Alice and Ruth had rather difficult parts, and in one scene they held +the stage alone, "plotting" to disclose the false count. It was in +this scene that Alice had some effective work along comedy lines. + +It seemed to go off very well--at least, as far as the girls could +tell. Alice, as a rather hoydenish school girl, home for the summer, +played havoc with the admirers of the romantic Ruth, who seemed to +fill the rôle to perfection. + +"You're doing well, little girl," whispered Paul to Alice, when she +stepped out of the scene for a moment, while another part of the play +went on. + +"Do you really mean it?" she asked him. + +"I certainly do. Say, you've got the other two guessing, all right." + +"What other two?" + +"Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon." + +"Oh, I'm so sorry." + +"Sorry for what?" + +"I mean, I don't want them to dislike me," returned Alice. + +"Oh, don't worry about that, little girl. They don't like anyone who +can do better than themselves. But they're the only ones. The rest of +us like you!" + +"Really?" + +"Well I should say!" and there was more energy in the words than was +actually necessary. Alice blushed, but looked pleased. + +"Very good!" observed the manager, after an effective scene in which +Alice and Ruth took part. "You are doing excellent work. If this play +is a hit I'll star you two in something more elaborate next week." + +"Will you, really?" asked Ruth, as she came out of the scene. + +"I really will," answered Mr. Pertell. "That's a promise!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A HIT + + +"Ruth, I do hope it's a success; don't you?" asked Alice. + +"Of course I do. It means a whole lot." + +"You mean to Mr. Pertell?" + +"And to us, dear." + +"What do you mean? Tell me." + +The two girls were resting after the performance of the play "A False +Count." The last scene had been filmed, and the long strips of +celluloid, with the hidden pictures, sent to the dark room for +development. Not until then could it be told whether the affair had +been a success from a mechanical standpoint. And then, later, would +come the test before the great public. + +"Did you hear what Mr. Pertell said to me?" asked Ruth. + +"Well, he said so much, directing us, and all that--I'm sure I don't +recall anything special. What was it?" + +"Why, he told me that if this play was a success--I mean if we showed +up well in it--he'd give us parts in a big drama he's getting ready. +Won't that be splendid?" + +"Of course it will. But I liked this one very much. I wish I could +see the real pictures." + +"You can!" exclaimed a voice back of the girls, and, turning they saw +Russ. "I'll take you to see them when the positives are made," he +said. + +"Oh, but I mean in a regular moving picture theater," went on Alice. +"I'd like to see how the public takes us." + +"I'll do that, too," agreed Russ. "As soon as the pictures are +released we'll find some place where they are being shown, and you +can watch yourself doing your act." + +"That will be fine!" cried Ruth. + +"What does 'released' mean?" asked Alice. + +"Well, you know the moving picture business is something like the +Associated Press," explained Russ. "The Associated Press is an +organization for getting news. Often news has to be gotten in +advance--say a thing like the President's message, or a speech by a +big man. + +"The Associated Press gets a copy in advance, and sends duplicates of +it out to the newspapers that take its service. And on each duplicate +copy is stamped a notice that it is to be released for publication +on a certain day--or at even a certain hour. That is, it can't be +used by the newspapers until that time. + +"It's somewhat like that with moving pictures. The reels of new plays +are sent out to the different theaters, and to fix it so a theater +quite a distance from New York won't be at a disadvantage with one +right here, which would get the film sooner, there is a certain date +set for the release of the film. That means that though one theater +gets it first it can't use it until the date set, when all the +playhouses are supposed to have it." + +"Oh, that's the way they do it?" observed Alice. + +"Yes," went on Russ. "Of course the best stuff is what is called +'first run,'" he went on to explain. "That is, it is a reel of film +of a new play, never before shown in a certain city. The best moving +picture theaters take the first run, and pay good prices for it. +Then, later on, second-rate theaters may get it at a lower price." + +"And is our play a 'first run'?" asked Ruth. + +"It will be for a time," answered Russ. "I think you girls did fine!" +he went on. "Acting comes natural to you, I guess." + +"Well, we've seen enough of it around the house, with daddy getting +ready for some of his plays," admitted Alice. "Oh, I wish I could do +it all over again!" she cried, gliding over to her sister and +whirling her off in a little waltz to the tune of a piano that was +playing so that the performers in another play, representing a ball +room scene, might keep proper time. + +"Did you like your part, Ruth?" asked Russ, after Alice had allowed +her sister to quiet down. + +"Yes. I always like a romantic character." + +"I like fun!" confessed Alice. "The more the better!" + +"Oh, will you ever grow up?" asked Ruth. + +"I hope not--ever!" laughed Alice, gaily. + +Off in another part of the studio Miss Pennington and her chum, Miss +Dixon, were going through their parts. They looked over at Ruth, +Alice and Russ, and their glances were far from friendly. + +"I don't see what Mr. Pertell can see in those girls," remarked Miss +Pennington, during a lull, when they did not have to be before the +camera. + +"Neither do I," agreed her friend. "They can't act, and the airs they +put on!" + +"Shocking!" commented Miss Pennington. + +"Come, young ladies!" broke in the voice of the manager. "It is time +for you to go on again. And please put a little more vim into your +work. I want that play to be a snappy one." + +"Humph!" sneered Miss Dixon. + +"If he wants more snap he ought to pay more money," whispered her +friend. "All he cares about now are those DeVere girls." + +"Attention!" called the manager. "Get some good business into this, +now. Mr. Switzer, when you come in, after that scene where you apply +for work, and can't get it, you must throw yourself into your chair +despondently. Do it as though you had lost all hope. You know what I +mean." + +"Vot you mean? Dot I should sit in it so?" and the German actor +plumped himself into the chair in question by approaching it so that +he could sit on it in astride, in reverse position, folding his arms +over the rounded back. + +"No--no, not that way--not as if you were riding a horse!" cried the +manager. "Throw yourself into it with abandon, as the stage +directions call for." + +"Let me show him," broke in the melancholy voice of Wellington Bunn. + +Striding into the scene, which had been interrupted to enable this +bit of rehearsal to be gone through with, the old Shakespearean actor +approached the chair and cast himself into it as though he had lost +his last friend, and had no hope left on earth. + +"That's the way--that's the idea--copy that!" cried Mr. Pertell, +enthusiastically. + +But he spoke too soon. + +Mr. Bunn had cast himself into the chair with such "abandon" that the +chair abandoned him. It fell apart, it disintegrated, it parted +company with its legs--all at once--so that chair and actor came to +the ground in a heap. + +"Oh, my! I am injured! A physician, I beseech you!" moaned Mr. Bunn, +while others of the cast rushed to help him to his feet. He was soon +pulled from the ruins of the chair. + +"Ach! So. I unterstandt now!" exclaimed Mr. Switzer. "I haf your +meaning now, of vat 'abandon' is, Mr. Pertell. I am to break der +chair ven I sits on it, yes? Dot is 'abandon' a chair. Vot a queer +lanquitch der English is, alretty. Vell, brings me annuder chair und +I vill abandon it!" + +Mr. Pertell threw his hands upwards in a despairing gesture. + +"No--no!" he cried. "I didn't mean that way." + +"Than vot you means?" asked the German, puzzled. + +Meanwhile Wellington Bunn was painfully walking over to a more +substantial chair. + +"That was all a trick!" he cried. "You did that on purpose, Mr. +Snooks. You provided a broken chair!" + +"I did not!" protested the property man. "It was the way you threw +yourself into it. What did you think it was made of--iron?" + +"I knew something would happen!" observed Mr. Sneed, gloomily. "I +felt it in my bones." + +"Und I guess me dot he veels it in his bones, now," chuckled Mr. +Switzer. "I am glat dot I, myself, did not abandon dot chair alretty +yet." + +The play went on after a little delay, and for some time after that +the Shakespearean actor was very chary of offering to show other +actors how to put "abandon" into their parts. + +So far as could be told by an inspection of the negatives of the +first important play in which Ruth and Alice had appeared, it was a +success. Of course how it would "take" with the public was yet to be +learned. + +Meanwhile other plays were being considered, and Mr. Pertell repeated +his promise, that if "A False Count" was successful he would give +Ruth and Alice real "star" parts. They were eager for this, and, now +that their father had seen how well they did, he was enthusiastic +over them, and very glad to let them go on in the moving picture +business. + +"Who knows," he said, "but what it may mend the broken fortunes of +the DeVere family?" + +One evening Russ came over to the apartment of the girls. + +"Come on out!" he called, gaily. + +"Where?" asked Ruth. + +"To the moving pictures. I've got a surprise for you. They are going +to try my new invention for the first time." + +"May we go, Daddy?" asked Alice, anxiously. + +"Yes, I guess so," he answered, absentmindedly, hardly looking up +from the manuscript of a new play he was studying. + +So Russ took the girls. + +"Oh, let's see what is going on!" begged Ruth, as they came to a halt +outside a nearby moving picture theater. + +"No, don't bother now!" urged Russ, gently urging them away from the +lithographs and pictures in front of the place. "We're a bit late, +and we want to get good seats." + +He got them inside before they had more than a fleeting glimpse of +the advertisements of the films that were to be shown, and soon they +were comfortably settled. + +"I wonder what we'll see?" mused Ruth, looking about the darkened +theater. The performance was just about to start. + +"I wish we could see our play," spoke Alice. "When do you think we +can, Russ?" + +"Oh, soon now," he answered, and the girls thought they heard him +laugh. They wondered why. + +The first film was shown--a western scene, and the girls were not +much interested in it, except that Ruth remarked: + +"The pictures seem much clearer than usual." + +"That's on account of my invention," said Russ, proudly. "I'm glad +you noticed it." Then the girls were more interested. A little later, +when the title of the next play was shown, Ruth and Alice could not +repress exclamations of pleased surprise. For it was "A False Count!" + +"Why, Russ Dalwood!" whispered Alice. "Did you know this was here?" + +"Sure!" he chuckled. + +"Oh, that's why you hurried us in without giving us a chance to see +what the bill was," reproached Ruth. + +"Yes, I wanted to surprise you." + +"Well, you did it all right," remarked Alice. + +And then the girls gave themselves up to watching the moving pictures +of themselves on the screen. + +It was rather an uncanny experience at first, but they soon became +used to it, and gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the little +play, made doubly delightful from the fact that they had helped to +make it. + +"I'd hardly know myself," whispered Alice. + +"Nor I," added her sister. + +From the darkness behind them came a voice saying: + +"I saw this play this afternoon, Mollie. It's fine. I like the tall +actress best," and she referred to Ruth, whose presentment was then +on the screen. "She's so romantic, I think." + +"Listen to that!" Alice said to her sister. "Don't your ears burn?" + +"Indeed they do. Oh! isn't it queer to see yourself, and hear +yourself criticised?" + +"Wasn't that fine?" demanded the unseen critic behind the sisters, as +Ruth did an effective bit of acting. "Oh, I know I'm just going to +love her. I hope she is in lots of films." + +"So do I," added her companion. "But I like the small one best--the +one that was in the scene before this." + +"Oh, you mean the jolly one?" + +"Yes." + +"That's you, Alice," whispered Ruth. "Now it's your turn for your +ears to burn." + +"I thought you'd like this," commented Russ. "This film is a hit, all +right." + +And so it seemed, for the audience applauded when the little photo +play was over, and that is a pretty good test. + +"I think they were perfectly splendid," said another voice off to the +left. + +"Who, those two girls in that play?" some one asked. + +"Yes. They're new ones, too. I haven't seen them in any of the +Comet's other plays." + +"Yes, I guess they must be new," and this was a girl's voice back in +the darkness of the theater. "Oh, I'd like to meet them! I wish I +could act for the movies!" + +"She doesn't know how near she is to meeting us!" whispered Alice to +her sister, as the next film was flashed on the white screen. "Did +you ever have an experience like this before?" + +"I never did!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A BIT OF OUTDOORS + + +"Wasn't it fine!" + +"Splendid! I never expected to see myself like that." + +"Neither did I. Russ, how did you come to think of it?" + +"Oh, it just came to me," he answered, chuckling. + +The two "moving picture girls," as they laughingly called themselves, +with Russ, were on their way home from the little theater where they +had just witnessed the depiction of themselves on the screen. They +had listened with amusement, not unmixed with pride, at the whispered +comments on the play in which they had taken part. + +"Do you think--I mean--would you call that a successful film, Russ?" +asked Alice. + +"I certainly would," he replied. "Didn't I take it myself?" + +"That's so!" exclaimed Ruth. "But I wish Mr. Pertell could know how +well it went. Not on our account," she added quickly, "but on account +of his own business, and because dear daddy is in it. And the others, +too--they'd be glad to know the audience liked it, I think." + +"Don't worry," returned Russ. "Mr. Pertell will know it soon enough. +He keeps track of all his films, and he knows which are successful or +not. He'll hear of this one the first thing in the morning. The +owners of the theaters where our films are used report as to which go +the best. And their own re-orders also show that. So you'll be +discovered, all right." + +"Oh, it wasn't so much that!" declared Alice, quickly. "But it is new +and strange to us, and I suppose we're too enthusiastic about it." + +"Not a bit too enthusiastic!" Russ assured her. "That's what I like +to see, and I guess the manager does, too. It would be a good thing +if some of the others were a little more enthusiastic. They'd do +better acting. Say!" he broke in, "what do you say to an ice cream +soda? It's warm this evening," and he paused before a brilliantly +lighted drug store. + +"Shall we, Ruth?" asked Alice, with a queer little look at her +sister. + +"Oh, I don't know," began Ruth, hesitatingly. + +"Which means--yes!" Alice cried, gaily. "Come on!" + +Mr. DeVere looked up inquiringly from his bundle of manuscript as the +girls and Russ entered the little apartment later. + +"Oh, Daddy! It was just fine!" cried Alice, going over to him, and +covering his eyes with her hands. + +"We saw ourselves--and you, too, as others see us!" added Ruth. + +"I--er--I don't understand," their father whispered. + +"The moving pictures," explained Alice. "It was that play, 'A False +Count,' you know. Oh, it made a great hit, I can tell you!" + +"Ah, I'm glad to hear it," he said. "Sit down, Russ." + +"No, I can't stay," answered the visitor from across the hall. "I've +brought your daughters safely home, and now I have to get back. I've +got a little work to do yet." + +"Not at the studio; have you--so late?" asked Ruth. + +"Oh, it isn't late," he laughed. "But I want to do a little work on +my invention. I've sort of struck a snag, and it's bothering me. I +want it as nearly perfect as I can get it, and I've thought of an +improvement I can put on it. So I'll say good-night." + +"Thank you, ever so much, for taking us!" said Alice, warmly. + +"Yes, indeed, it was fine!" added Ruth, her eyes sparkling. "To think +of seeing ourselves! It was a great surprise." + +"Oh, you'll get used to it after a while," returned Russ. And then he +went to his own room to labor ambitiously over his patent. + +"No more work to-night, Dad!" announced Ruth, firmly, as she saw her +father preparing to resume the study of the manuscript containing his +part in a new moving picture drama. "Your eyes must be tired, and you +must save them. It won't do to have them spoiled, as well as your +voice." + +"No, I suppose not," he answered, somewhat wearily. "This work is +rather trying. I believe I would like to get out in the open for a +change. Though I always said I never would do open-air parts in the +movies." + +"I'd like to get out, too," said Alice. "I enjoyed what little we did +in the Brooklyn garden very much." + +"I heard something at the studio about a prospect of the whole +company being given a chance to do some outdoor dramas," observed +Ruth, musingly. "I wonder what was meant?" + +"Mr. Pertell will probably tell us when he has his plans perfected," +Alice returned. "You know, though, that he promised if this 'A False +Count' play should be a success he'd give us a chance in a more +pretentious drama. I'm counting on that." + +"And so am I," said Ruth. "Come, now, Daddy. No more work to-night." + +As Russ had predicted, Mr. Pertell was not long in learning of the +success of the play in which Ruth and Alice had main parts. In a day +or so there came an increased demand for the films of the drama, and +the manager was well pleased. + +"And now I'm going to keep the promise I made you," he said to Ruth +and Alice. "I've been holding back on a big drama, waiting until I +saw how that one turned out. I didn't have any doubts, though, after +I saw you two act. Now I'm going to star you in that. And afterward, +well, we'll see what will happen. I've got a lot of ideas I want to +try," he added. + +"Mr. DeVere," the manager went on, "I believe you told me at one time +that you did not care to do any acting that took you out in the open; +am I right?" + +"I did say that," admitted the actor, in his husky voice; "but I +think I have changed my mind since then. I believe I would like to +get out of doors more." + +"Then I have the very thing for you and your daughters, too," the +manager said. "That is, if they have no objection to going out of +doors?" and he looked questioningly at them. + +"We'd love it!" cried Alice. + +"Then I'll make my plans," went on Mr. Pertell, after a confirmatory +nod from Mr. DeVere. "I think you'll like your parts. One of the acts +takes place on a yacht. I've hired one for a little trip down the +bay, and you can play at being millionaires for a day." + +"How lovely!" cried Ruth, and clapped her hands gleefully. + +"It is fine on the water these days!" exclaimed Alice. + +"I'll have your parts ready soon," went on the manager. "I must start +some of the other dramas going now," and he glanced about the studio. +Off in one corner, talking together, were Miss Pennington and Miss +Dixon, and, as the two actresses conversed they cast envious glances, +from time to time, at Alice and Ruth. They were plainly jealous of +the rapid rise of our two friends, but the moving picture girls bore +in mind what motherly Mrs. Maguire had told them, and did not worry. + +Mr. Pertell and his assistants gave out the parts in another play, +and the rehearsals began. Almost at the start there was trouble. + +"I'm not going to play that part!" objected Wellington Bunn, stalking +with a tragic air toward the manager. + +"Why, what's the matter with your part?" + +"Why, you have been promising that you would put on one of +Shakespeare's plays, and give me a chance in Hamlet, and here you go +and cast me for one of a gang of counterfeiters. I have to wear a +black mask. The public will not know that it is Wellington Bunn +playing." + +"Well, maybe it's a good thing they won't," murmured the manager, but +what he said, aloud, was: + +"You will have to take that part, Mr. Bunn, or look for another +engagement." + +"Then I'll leave!" the old actor declared gloomily. + +But a little later he was observed to be putting on his mask, and +taking his place in the "den of the counterfeiters," as the screen +announced the place to be. It was one of the masterpieces of scenery +evolved by Pop Snooks. And a little later he transformed the same +scene, with a little manipulation, into the cave of a thirteenth +century monk. Such was Pop Snooks. + +"Ha! Ha! I haf a funny part!" laughed Carl Switzer, a little later. + +"What is it?" asked Russ, who was getting a camera in readiness for +action. + +"Ha! It iss dot I go in a restaurant, und order a meal. Der vaiter he +brings me some cheese und I am so thoughtfulness dot I put red pepper +and horse radish on it. Den, ven I eat it I jumps ofer der table +alretty yet. Dot is a fine part!" and he laughed gleefully, for Mr. +Switzer was a simple soul. + +A little later Alice and Ruth were given their new parts to study. It +was announced that rehearsals would take place in a day or two, and +many of the scenes were to be out of doors, some of them taking place +on a yacht. Meanwhile Mr. DeVere went through with his rôle in a film +drama, Ruth and Alice not being called on. + +Finally announcement was made that the work of preparation for +filming the big drama would be undertaken. This was the most +ambitious play yet planned by Mr. Pertell, and he was anxious to make +it a success. + +That the price of success is high was amply proven in the next week. +Everyone worked hard at the rehearsals, and none harder than Ruth +and Alice. They were determined that their parts should be a credit +to the performance. Later they learned that Miss Pennington and Miss +Dixon had pleaded for the rôles assigned to them. + +But Mr. Pertell was true to his promise, and kept Alice and Ruth in +their assigned places. The drama was an elaborate one, involving the +making of special scenery, and Pop Snooks had to call in several +assistants. But he liked that. + +Then, too, the location of the outdoor scenes had to be chosen with +care, to fit properly into the story. + +But at last the rehearsals were complete, including those for the +outdoor scenes. Of course the latter were rehearsed in the studio +first, so that when the time came to film such as the scenes on the +yacht, the pictures could be made without any preliminary trial on +the vessel itself. To this end Pop had set up in the studio enough of +the deck and fittings of a yacht to enable the performers to +familiarize themselves with them. + +"And now for the real thing!" exclaimed Russ, as a goodly part of the +company, including Mr. DeVere and his daughters, started for the +Battery one morning. They were to board the yacht there, and one of +the scenes would show the girls going up the gang-plank. + +It was a beautiful day in early summer, when even New York, with its +rattle of elevated trains, rumble of the surface cars and hurry and +scurry of automobiles, was attractive. + +Quite a throng of curious people gathered when the film theatrical +company prepared to board the vessel which had been chartered for the +occasion. The embarking place was near the round building, now used +as an Aquarium, but which, in former years, was Castle Garden, the +immigrant landing station. + +"All ready now--start aboard," ordered Mr. Pertell. "And, Russ, get +your camera a little more this way. I want to show off the yacht as +well as possible." + +The moving picture operator shifted his three-legged machine to one +side, and was about to start moving the film, as Ruth, Alice and the +others, presumably of a gay yachting party, started up the +gang-plank. + +Several feet of film had been exposed, when there was a series of +shouts and cries back of the crowd that had gathered to see the +pictures made in the open air. Then came a warning: + +"A runaway! A runaway horse! Look out!" + +The crowd parted, and Ruth, looking up, saw a big horse, attached to +a dray, dashing along one of the walks of Battery Park, having +evidently come from one of the steamship piers nearby. + +"Grab him, somebody!" yelled Mr. Pertell. "He'll spoil the picture!" +That seemed to be his main thought. + +On came the maddened animal, while the crowd scattered still more. +Russ continued to make pictures, for the beast was not yet in focus. + +"Go on! Keep moving!" directed Mr. Pertell to Ruth, Alice and the +others. "Maybe you can get aboard before he gets here. Watch +yourself, Russ!" + +But the horse was charging directly for the gang-plank, and with +frightened eyes Ruth, Alice and some of the others prepared to rush +back to the pier. + +"Go on! I'll get that horse!" cried a voice back of Mr. Pertell, and +a man, apparently a farmer, sprang at the head of the plunging steed. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +FARMER SANDY APGAR + + +For a moment there was considerable confusion and excitement. Men in +pursuit of the frantic animal had rushed after him, calling warnings +to those in the zone of danger. Two policemen ran up to intercept the +steed. + +As for the moving picture actresses they hardly knew what to do. If +the plunging animal crashed into the gang-plank he might injure a +number of the performers, and break the rather frail structure, +letting them slip into the water. + +"That picture will be spoiled!" groaned Mr. Pertell. + +"No, it won't!" cried Russ. "Go on! I'm getting you all right. The +horse isn't in range yet and that young fellow has him now. Go on!" + +Ruth and Alice gathered courage and the others followed, going +through with the little gang-plank "business" called for in the +play. + +And indeed the quick-witted, rustic youth had the frantic horse in a +firm grip. He seemed to know just how to handle frightened animals, +and by the time the two policemen had reached him, the beast, though +still restive, had quieted down. + +"Good work, young fellow!" called one of the officers. "Whose horse +is it?" + +"I don't know, constable," was the answer, given with a country twang +that caused several spectators to smile. "I jest seen him comin' and +I see he was headed for them people what's goin' to Europe, I expect. +I didn't want their voyage spoiled, so I jest jumped at his head." + +"Well, you know how to do it, all right," said the second +"constable," as the young farmer had called the policemen. + +"I ought to know how to handle horses," was the answer, as the youth +relinquished the reins to the officer. "I've been among 'em all my +life. I was brought up on a farm." + +He looked it, but there was something in his simple, manly face, and +in the look of his honest blue eyes, that made one like him. + +"Good work, all right!" repeated the first officer. "I'll take your +name, young fellow, for my report," and he drew out a notebook. "I'll +also want to find out to whom the horse belongs, but I s'pose the +truckman's license number will be a clue." + +"He's mine," broke in a voice, as a drayman pushed his way through +the crowd. "Some boys got to fooling around him, and he started off. +No damage done, I hope." + +"No," replied the policeman, "but you want to tie your animal after +this. He might have hurt someone--probably would have if it hadn't +been for this chap. What's your name?" he asked the young farmer. + +"Sandy Apgar." + +"And where do you live?" + +"On Oak Farm." + +"Never heard of the place," went on the officer, with a smile. + +"Oh, that's the name of our farm. It's jest outside the town of +Beatonville, about forty miles back in Jersey." + +"Oh, Jersey!" laughed the officer. "No wonder! Well, there's your +horse, truckman. And now I want your name." + +"Can I go, or do I have to appear in court?" asked Sandy Apgar. "I +hope I don't, 'caused I'm in a hurry to git back to the farm. I've +got a passel of work to do there, with the weather coming on the way +it is. + +"No, I guess you won't have to go to court," laughed the policeman. +"We're much obliged to you." + +"And so am I," added the truckman. "I haven't got any money to give +you, because business is poor----" + +"Oh, that's all right," said Sandy with a generous wave of his hand. +"I don't stop runaway horses for a livin'. I farm it." + +"If you ever want any carting done," went on the drayman, "you send +for me, young feller, and it won't cost you a cent." + +"Guess you wouldn't want to do any cartin' as far as Beatonville," +laughed Sandy. "Folks out there don't ever move--they jest die and +are buried in the same place. And I guess this is my last trip to New +York in a long while. I'm jest as much obliged though," and patting +the nose of the now quieted horse, he moved off through the thinning +crowd. But he was not to escape unnoticed. + +Mr. Pertell had learned, by a hasty talk with Russ, that the horse +had been stopped just in time to avoid spoiling any of the film. Russ +had continued to make the pictures and the first act of the new drama +was a success. The other scenes would take place on board the +chartered yacht. + +So when the manager saw Sandy Apgar, who by his quick work had saved +a film from being spoiled, making his way out of the throng, the +theatrical man called to him: + +"One moment, please. I want to thank you." + +"Gosh! I'm getting thanked all around to-day!" laughed the young +fellow. + +"Well, I want to make it a little more substantial, then," went on +the manager. "You saved me a few dollars." + +"Oh, pshaw, that's nothing!" returned Sandy. "I guess your trip to +Europe could have gone on." + +"Europe?" questioned Mr. Pertell. + +"Yes; ain't you folks going to Europe?" + +"No, this is only a make-believe trip," laughed the manager. "It's +for moving pictures. See, there's the chap who was taking the films, +and they'd been spoiled if that horse got on the gang-plank. So you +see what you did for us." + +"Moving pictures; eh?" mused Sandy. "I thought they had to be took in +the dark. Leastways, all I ever saw was in the dark." + +"Oh, that's just to show them," the manager explained. "But we ought +to be under way now. Can you come aboard for a little trip? We'll +soon be back, and I want to thank you properly. I haven't time now. +Come, take a little trip with us." + +"Well, I s'pose I can," responded Sandy, slowly. "But I ought to be +gettin' back to Oak Farm." + +However, he went aboard the yacht, looking curiously about him, and +more curiously at Russ, who began making more pictures as the yacht +steamed off down the bay. + +There were to be a number of scenes on board, but they would not be +filmed until the yacht was farther out. Meanwhile, however, the +progress of the ship down the bay was to be depicted on the screen, +so Russ took pictures from either rail, no members of the company +being required in these. Mr. Pertell thus had a chance to talk to +Sandy. + +The young fellow was very willing to tell about himself. + +"Yes, I live on a farm," he said. "It's a right nice place, too, in +summer, though lonesome in winter. I've lived there all my twenty-two +years--never knew any other place." + +"Do you live there all alone?" asked Ruth, for the young farmer had +been introduced to the members of the company. + +"No, my father and mother are there with me. Father is Mr. Felix +Apgar--maybe you've heard of him?" the young man asked the manager, +innocently. + +"No, I don't think so," and Mr. Pertell had hard work to repress a +smile. + +"Well, he used to ship a lot of asparagus to New York, but maybe that +was before your day," went on Sandy. "Pop is too feeble to work now, +so I'm running the farm for him. And it--it's sorter hard," he added, +rather pathetically. "Especially when you ain't got any too much +money. I come to New York to raise some," he went on, "but folks +don't seem to want to part with any--especially on a second +mortgage." + +"Is that what you came for?" asked Mr. Pertell. + +"Yep. I come to raise some money--we need it bad, out our way, but I +couldn't do it." + +"Suppose you tell me," suggested Mr. Pertell. "I may be able to help +you." + +"Say, Mister, I reckon you've got enough troubles of your own, +without bothering with mine," said Sandy. "Besides, maybe Pop +wouldn't like me to tell. No, I'll jest make another try somewhere +else. But we sure do need cash!" + +"What for?" asked the manager, impulsively. + +"Oh, maybe pop wouldn't like me to say. Never mind. It was sure good +of you to ask me for this ride. The folks at Beatonville won't +believe me when I tell 'em. But say, if ever you folks come out +there, we'll give you a right good time--at Oak Farm!" he added, +generously. + +"Is your farm a large one?" asked the manager. + +"Hundred and sixty acres. Some woodland, some flat, a lot of it hilly +and stony, and part with a big creek on it." + +"Hum," mused Mr. Pertell. "That sounds interesting. I've been looking +for a good farm to stage several rural dramas on, and your place may +be just what I need." + +"To buy?" asked Sandy, eagerly. + +"Oh, no. But I might rent part of it for a time. I'll talk to you +about it later. I've got to get some of these scenes going now," and +the manager went to confer with Russ. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +OVERHEARD + + +The trip down the bay on the yacht was enjoyed by all, even though +much of the time was taken up in depicting scenes from the drama. +Sandy Apgar looked on curiously while the drama was being filmed, and +when Ruth and Alice were not acting they talked to the young farmer. + +They found him good-natured and rather simple, yet with a fund of +homely wit and philosophy that stood him in good stead. He described +Beatonville to them, and the farm where he and his aged parents tried +to wrest a living from nature--that was none too kind. + +"I've had quite a little vacation since I come to New York," Sandy +said, "though it did take quite a bit of money. I reckon pop, though, +will be disappointed that I can't bring back with me the promise of +some cash." + +"Then you need money very badly?" asked Alice. + +"Yes, Miss. And I guess there ain't many farmers but what do. +Leastways, I never met any that was millionaires. Though if the folks +back home could see me now they'd think I was one, sittin' here doin' +nothin'. It sure is great!" + +The girls were called away to enact some of the scenes requiring +their presence, and when they came back they found Sandy in +conversation with the manager. + +The girls saw Mr. Pertell give Sandy some bills, and when the young +farmer protested, the manager said: + +"Now never mind that!! You saved me more than that in stopping that +runaway horse from spoiling my film and scene. You just take it, and +when I get a chance I'll run up to your farm and look it over. + +"I haven't got all my plans made yet, but I'm thinking of making a +series of plays with an old-fashioned farm as a background. Is your +place old-fashioned?" he asked. + +"That's what some city folks said once, when they stopped in their +automobile to get a glass of milk," replied Sandy. "We haven't any +electric lights, nor even a telephone. So I guess we're +old-fashioned, all right." + +"I should say so," laughed Mr. Pertell. "Well, it may be the very +thing I need when I go out on the rural circuit with my company. If +it is, I could pay for the use of your farm, and it wouldn't +interfere with your getting in the crops. In fact, I would probably +want some scenes of harvesting, and the like." + +"Well, come and we'll make you welcome," responded Sandy, warmly. +"Only I never expected to get paid for stopping a runaway horse," he +added as he looked at the roll of bills. + +"Well, take it and have a good time during the rest of your stay in +New York," advised the manager. + +"Money's too scarce to waste on a good time," replied the young +farmer, cautiously. "I'll use this to make up what I spent on +railroad fare. My trip was a failure, but pop and mom will be glad it +didn't cost me as much as I calculated, thanks to you. I hope you +will get out to Oak Farm." + +"Oh, you'll probably see me," Mr. Pertell assured him. "Give me your +address." + +The making of the films went on, and the water scenes of this latest +and most elaborate drama were nearly all taken. + +"Now we will have the scene in the small boat, where the party puts +off to visit friends on the other vessel," announced Mr. Pertell. +"They don't actually get there, as the alarm on board this vessel +brings them back. But we'll have to show the start. Now, Mr. Sneed, +you are to go in the small boat first." + +Some of the sailors on board the yacht prepared to lower a boat from +the davits, but Pepper Sneed held back. + +"Do I have to get into that small boat?" he asked, dubiously. + +"Certainly!" replied Mr. Pertell. "There is no danger." + +"No danger!" cried Pepper Sneed. "What! In that small boat? Look at +the waves!" and he pointed over the side. There was only a gentle +swell on. + +"It's as calm as a mill pond," spoke one of the sailors. + +"Mill pond! Don't say mill pond to me!" cried the grouchy actor. "I +fell in one once." + +"Well, you won't fall now," declared the manager. "Get in the boat. I +want to show it being lowered over the side with you in it." + +"Well, if I have to--I'll have to, I suppose," groaned Mr. Sneed. +"But I know something will happen." + +But matters seemed going smoothly enough. The sailors were carefully +lowering the small craft, and it was nearly at the surface of the +water. Russ, up in the bow of the yacht, where he could get a good +view, was making the pictures. + +Suddenly, when the boat was a few feet from the ripples on the bay, +one of the ropes slipped quickly through the davit block. One end of +the boat went down quite fast and Pepper Sneed was heard to yell: + +"Here I go! I knew something would happen! Help! I'm going to sink! +Help! Oh, why did I ever get into this business!" + +But with great presence of mind the other sailors lowered away on +their rope, so that the other end of the boat went down also, and in +another instant it was riding on an even keel. Nothing had happened +except that Pepper Sneed had been badly scared. + +"Did you get that, Russ?" asked the manager, anxiously. + +"Oh, yes." + +"How was it?" + +"Fine! It will be all the better with that little mistake in--look +more natural." + +"Good! Then we'll leave it in. Now the rest of you get down the +accommodation ladder. Stay there, Mr. Sneed!" he called to the +grouchy actor, who seemed to want to leave the boat. + +"What! Are more of them coming in this little cockleshell?" + +"Certainly. That boat will hold twenty. Keep your place." + +"Well, we'll all be drowned, you mark my words!" predicted Mr. Sneed. +But nothing else happened and that part of the film was successfully +made. + +Then came more scenes aboard the yacht, until the water parts of the +drama were completed. + +Late that afternoon the party of moving picture players returned to +New York. Sandy Apgar bade his new friends good-bye, expressing the +hope that he would soon see them at Oak Farm. + +"Excuse me, Mr. Pertell," said Alice, when they got back to the +studio, and instructions had been given out for the indoor rehearsals +next day, "excuse me, but I could not help overhearing what you said +about the possibility of some farm dramas. Do you intend to film some +of those?" + +"Indeed I do," he answered, with a smile. "Why, would you and your +sister like to be in them?" + +"Very much!" + +"Well, then, if this big play proves a success--and I see no reason +why it should not--I shall take you and the rest of the company out +to the country for the summer. We may go to Oak Farm, or to some +other place; but we'll try a circuit of rural dramas, and see how +they go." + +Alice went to tell Ruth the good news. She found her sister in the +dressing room, getting ready for the street. + +"I think that will be fine!" exclaimed Ruth. "Listen, dear, daddy +told me he had some business to attend to downtown, so he won't be +home to supper. He suggested that we two go to a restaurant, and I +think I'd like it--don't you? It will round out the day!" + +"Of course. Let's go. I'm _so_ hungry from that little water trip!" + +A short time afterward the girls sat in a quiet restaurant, not far +from the moving picture studio. There were not many persons there +yet, for it was rather early. Ruth and Alice had taken a cosy little +corner, of which there were a number in the place. + +"We are coming on!" remarked Alice, as she gave her order. + +"We certainly are!" agreed Ruth. "Who would ever have thought that we +would get to be moving picture girls? I think----" + +"Hush!" cautioned Alice, raising her hand for silence. Then the two +girls heard some men in the next screened-off place talking, and one +of them spoke loudly enough to be overheard. + +"I'm sure we can get it," he was saying. "It's a nice little patent, +and all the movies in the country will want it. It makes the pictures +clearer and steadier. I tried to make a deal with him for it, but he +turned me down. Now I'm going to get it anyhow, if you'll help." + +"But how can you get it if it's patented?" another voice asked. + +"That's the joke of it. It isn't patented yet. And all we need is the +working model, and we can make one like it and patent it ourselves. +Are you with me?" + +"I guess so--yes!" was the answer. + +"Good, then we'll get the model to-night and start a patent of our +own. I know where he's taken it." + +There was a scraping of chairs, indicating that the men were leaving. +Ruth and Alice gazed at each other with startled eyes. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE WARNING + + +"Did you hear that?" asked Ruth of Alice, in a whisper. + +"Yes! Hush! Don't let them hear you!" + +Ruth looked apprehensively over the back of her chair, but beheld no +one. The noise made by the men as they were going out grew fainter. + +Alice rose from her chair. + +"What are you going to do?" asked Ruth, laying a detaining hand on +her sister's arm. + +"I'm going to see who those men are." + +"Don't. They may----" + +Alice made a gesture of silence. + +"I'm pretty sure who one of them is," she whispered, as she bent down +close to Ruth. "But I want to make certain." + +"But Alice----" + +"Now, Ruth, be sensible," went on Alice, as she passed around back of +her sister's chair. "You heard what was said. I'm sure those men +have some designs on that patent Russ has worked so hard over. We +must tell him about them, and put him on his guard." + +"You may get into danger." + +It was curious how, in this emergency--as she had often done of +late--Alice took the lead over her older sister. And Ruth did not +object to it, but seemed to follow naturally after Alice led the way. + +"Danger!" laughed Alice softly, as she came to a position behind the +screen, whence she could note who the men going out were. "There's no +danger in a public restaurant like this. And I'm only going to make +sure who that man is. Then we'll go tell Russ." + +Ruth made no further objection, and turned to watch her sister. The +men had come to a halt at the desk of the cashier, to pay their +checks, and their backs were toward Alice. An instant later, however, +one of them had turned around and faced toward the rear of the +restaurant. + +Alice darted behind the screen with a quick intaking of her breath. +She had recognized the man, and was fearful lest he know her. + +For he was the fellow with whom Russ had been in dispute in the +hallway that day, when the DeVeres' door had flown open. + +"Simp Wolley!" whispered Alice, in tense tones to Ruth. "It's that +man who was after Russ's patent." + +"Then don't let him see you." + +"I won't--no danger. They're going out now. Come on!" + +"Where?" asked Ruth, as Alice reached for her gloves. + +"We must go to warn Russ." + +"But we haven't eaten what we ordered," objected Ruth, pointing to +the food, hardly touched, on the table. + +"No matter, we can pay for it." + +"But the cashier will think it so odd." + +"What do we care. It's our food--we'll pay for it, and we can do what +we like with it then. We can eat it or not." + +"But they'll think it so queer. They may think we have some prejudice +against it, and----" + +Ruth was a stickler for the established order of things. Alice was +more in the habit of taking "cross-cuts." + +"Don't be silly!" exclaimed the younger girl. "We've just got to get +out of here and warn Russ before those men have a chance to take his +patent. You heard what they said about doing it to-night!" + +"Well, I suppose we must," assented Ruth, with a sigh. "But it seems +a shame to waste all that good food." + +"It won't be wasted. We can tell them to give it to some poor +person." + +"Oh, Alice! You are so--so queer." + +"I'd be worse than queer if I sat here and ate while Russ was being +robbed of his patent. I should think you'd want to help him. I +thought you and he----" + +"Alice!" warned Ruth, with a sudden assumption of dignity. But she +blushed prettily. + +"Oh, you know what I mean. Come on. Don't sit there talking any +longer, and raising objections. We've got to hurry." + +"Yes, I suppose so. Oh, Alice, I hope nothing happens!" + +"So do I." + +"I mean to us." + +"And I mean to Russ. A distinction without a difference." + +The two girls drew on their gloves and left the restaurant. As Ruth +had expected, the cashier at the desk looked at them curiously as +they paid for the meal they had not eaten. But Alice forestalled any +open criticism by saying: + +"We find we have to leave sooner than we expected. If you like, give +our meal to some poor person. We haven't had time to touch it." + +"Oh, all right," answered the young girl at the desk. "We often give +what is left over to charity, and I'm sure the food on your table +won't come amiss. If you like I'll speak to the manager, and see if +he'll give you a rebate----" + +"No, we haven't time for that--too much of a hurry," answered Alice. +"Come along, Ruth." + +They hurried outside, and Alice glanced quickly up and down the +street for a glimpse of the two men. They were not in sight. + +"I wish we were rich!" suddenly exclaimed Alice, as she took her +sister's arm, and hurried in the direction of the elevated that would +take them home. + +"Why?" asked Ruth. + +"Because then we could afford to take a taxicab. We ought to warn +Russ as soon as possible. How much money have you, Ruth?" + +"Not enough for a taxicab, I'm afraid." She hastily counted it over. +Alice did the same. + +"No," decided the younger girl, with a sigh. "I guess we'd better +not. At least--not yet. We may have to--later." + +"What do you mean?" asked Ruth. + +"I mean we can't tell what will happen before we are able to tell +Russ. He's hardly likely to be at home now, and we may have to +search for him." + +"But we can go home and tell his mother and Billy. One of them could +find him, and warn him. Billy knows New York even better than we do." + +"Yes, I suppose so. Well, we'll go to the apartment and see what +happens there." + +But at the Fenmore the girls had their first disappointment, for none +of the Dalwoods was at home. Nor did any of the neighbors know where +they had gone. For persons in New York, even in the same apartment +house, are not very likely to become acquainted with one another, and +often families may live in adjoining flats for a long time, without +passing beyond the bowing stage. As for keeping track of the comings +and goings of their neighbors, it is never thought of, unless +something out of the ordinary occurs. + +Echoes only answered the knocking of Ruth and Alice, and the two +girls faced each other in the hallway with anxious looks on their +faces. + +"What shall we do?" asked Ruth. "None of them is home. How can we +warn Russ?" + +"I don't know. I've got to think!" exclaimed Alice. "Come in our +place and let's sit down a minute. We can make a cup of tea. I was so +hungry, and to leave that nice little meal--well, we just had to do +it, that's all." + +Tea was soon in process of making, and while the girls set out some +cakes and a jar of jam for a hasty meal they did some rapid thinking. + +"Did you ever hear Russ say where it was he was having his patent +attachment made?" asked Alice. + +"I never did," confessed Ruth. "He said it was somewhere on the East +Side, but that's very indefinite." + +"Then the only thing to do is to find Russ and tell him," decided +Alice, as she removed, with the tip of her tongue, a spot of jam from +a forefinger. "We've just got to find him. + +"Now I'll tell you what we'll do, Ruth. You stay here and as soon as +Mrs. Dalwood, or Billy, or perhaps even Russ comes home, you tell +them all about this plot." + +"But what will you do?" + +"I'll go find Russ." + +"What! Alone?" + +"Why not? We can't both go. Oh, I see!" and a light broke over the +face of Alice. "You mean you think it's _your_ place to warn him. +Well, maybe it is. I'm sure he would like----" + +"Now, Alice, I didn't mean that at all, and you know it. I meant you +oughtn't to be going about New York alone, and it's getting late. It +will soon be dark." + +"Nonsense! It isn't six o'clock yet." + +"I know. But I can't allow you. We'll both go." + +"But someone ought to be here to tell them as soon as one comes +home." + +"We can write a note and leave it under the door. Then we can leave a +note for daddy. He'll be worried when he comes back and finds us +gone. That's the best plan, Alice. Leave a note for Russ, and then +you and I will try to find him. They may know at the studio where he +has gone. Or he may be there yet." + +"All right!" agreed Alice, after a moment's thought. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +THE MISSING MODEL + + +Two notes were quickly written. One was left on the table in the +girls' apartment, telling their father that they were going out for a +little while, to try to locate Russ on a matter of some importance +connected with the moving pictures. + +"There's no use telling daddy what has happened," said Alice. "He +would only worry, and really there's no danger. We are merely going +to warn Russ. He'll have to look after the men himself. But daddy +would be sure to think we would get into some trouble. So we may as +well not bother him." + +"All right!" agreed Ruth. She was entering into the spirit of the +affair now. Her eyes were shining and her cheeks vied in hue with +those of Alice. + +The other note, marked "Urgent!" was thrust under the kitchen door of +the Dalwood flat. + +"They'll be sure to see that," remarked Alice. "And, no matter if +only Billy comes home first, he'll know what to do," for the story of +the men's talk in the restaurant had been briefly set down on the +paper. + +Then, but not without many misgivings, the girls set out to try to +find Russ. + +"We can call up the studio on the telephone," suggested Alice, as she +and her sister reached the street. "That will be the quickest way. If +Russ isn't there they may be able to tell us where he is, or Mr. +Pertell may know where the model is--I mean the machine shop where +the apparatus is being turned out." + +"That's so," agreed Ruth. "Why, we could have used one of the +telephones in the apartment!" + +"No, some of the neighbors would overhear us, and we don't want +that." + +"Why not?" Ruth wanted to know. + +"Because you can't tell but one of those men may be watching this +place, and some of the neighbors may be in league with them. Besides, +all the telephones here are on party wires, and when you talk over +one, some of the other subscribers on the same circuit may listen, +for all we can tell. It isn't safe." + +"My! You think of everything!" exclaimed Ruth, admiringly. "How do +you manage it?" + +"Oh, it just seems to come to me," replied Alice, with a laugh. "Come +on," she added, after they had walked a little way. "There's a drug +store and there's a telephone booth in it. Do you want to talk to +Russ, in case he's there?" + +"Oh, no, you'd better," responded Ruth, blushing. + +"I will not. I'll call up the studio, but if he's there I want you to +be the one to tell him. He'll appreciate it." + +"All right," agreed Ruth, and the blush grew deeper. + +Alice quickly got the number of the moving picture studio. There was +a private branch exchange there, and Alice knew the girl operator. + +"I want to get Russ Dalwood in a hurry," Alice explained to Miss +Miller, who ran the switchboard. "You try the different departments +until you find him. I'll be here, holding the wire." + +"All right!" returned Miss Miller, in crisp, business-like tones. +Perhaps she suspected that something was wrong. + +Then ensued a nervous waiting. Alice opened the door of the booth and +told Ruth what she had done. + +"I'll let you talk to Russ as soon as he answers," she said. + +Ruth nodded understandingly. But it seemed that Russ was not to be so +easily found. Through her receiver Alice could hear Miss Miller +ringing the telephones in the different departments of the big studio +building. One after the other was tried, from the office to the dark +developing rooms, and then the printing rooms. Most of the employees +had gone for the day, but such as were present evidently made answer +that the young moving picture operator was not there. + +"I can't locate him," said Miss Miller to Alice, finally. "They say +he was here about a half-hour ago, but has gone out." + +"Don't they know where he went?" asked Alice. "It's very important +that we find him." + +"I'll see if anyone knows," came back the answer. Then ensued more +waiting, but at the end came a gleam of hope. + +"Mr. Blackson, in the camera room, says he heard Russ say he was +going to the Odeon Theater," Miss Miller stated. "He is trying to get +one of his attachments tried there." + +"Where is the Odeon?" asked Alice, nervously drumming with her +fingers on the telephone shelf. + +"It's on Eightieth Street somewhere. Wait, I'll look up the telephone +number for you. They take our service, you know." + +In a few seconds Miss Miller had given the desired information, and +then Alice said "good-bye" to her, frantically working the receiver +hook of her instrument up and down to call the attention of the main +central operator. + +"And give them a good, long ring!" Alice added, as she gave the +number. "It's very important." + +"Very well," answered central. + +There came more waiting. It was a bad time to get anyone, for it was +now shortly after six o'clock, just when most persons were leaving +for home or supper. + +"Can't you get them?" asked Ruth, as Alice opened the 'phone booth +door for a breath of air. + +"I'm trying, dear. He'd left the studio, but may be at a moving +picture theater. There, they've answered at last!" + +Alice pulled the door shut with her disengaged hand, and spoke +eagerly into the transmitter. + +"Is Mr. Russ Dalwood there? It's very important!" + +Ruth saw the look of dismay that came over her sister's face. Then +through the double glass door she heard Alice say: + +"He's gone! And you don't know where? Left ten minutes ago? Oh +dear!" + +Slowly she hung up the receiver. There seemed nothing else to do. She +came out of the booth, her face showing her disappointment. + +"He's gone, Ruth," she said. "What had we better do?" + +"I think the only thing to do is to go back home and wait for him. He +may be there now. Or his mother or Billy may. Come on home." + +It was Ruth who was directing now, and Alice, after a moment of +thought, saw that this was the only thing to do. Quickly they +retraced their steps to the apartment house. Without stopping to +enter their own flat they knocked on the Dalwood door. A few seconds +of anxious waiting brought no answer. + +"Not home yet!" exclaimed Alice. "Oh, what a shame." + +Ruth turned to their own flat. Entering with a pass-key she saw at a +glance that their father had not come home. The note for him was +still on the table. + +Then, as puzzled and disappointed, the two girls stood in the center +of the room, they heard someone coming up the stairs that led to +their flat. A second later and a merry whistle broke out. + +"There he is--that's Russ!" cried Alice, joyfully. "I'll tell him; +no--you go!" she added hastily, thrusting her sister before her into +the hallway. + +The whistle broke off into a discord as Russ saw Ruth standing +waiting for him. Something in her face must have told him something +was the matter, for he came up the remaining steps three at a time. + +"What is it? What has happened?" he asked. "Is someone hurt?" + +"No, it's your patent--the model. Some men--Alice and I overheard +them in the restaurant--we've been trying to get you on the +'phone--I--we----" + +Then Alice broke in. + +"They're after your moving picture machine patent, Russ! They're +going to get it to-night--Simp Wolley! You've got to hurry!" + +Between them the girls quickly told what they had overheard. + +Russ's eyes snapped. + +"So that's the game; is it?" he cried. "Well, I'll stop them! I'm +mighty glad you told me. My patent model, the drawings and everything +are at Burton's machine shop. It isn't far from here. I'll go right +away--in a taxicab. Do you----" he hesitated a moment. "Do you want +to come?" + +"We might be able to help," suggested Alice to Ruth. "At any rate, +we'll have to give evidence against those men if they get them. Shall +we go, Ruth?" + +"I--I think so--yes." + +"Bravo!" whispered Alice in her ear. "That note to daddy will answer. +You'd better leave another in place of the one we wrote to you, +Russ." + +"I will," he exclaimed as he entered his own flat. "But mother and +Billy won't be home until late, anyhow. They're going to stay to +supper with relatives. Still, I'll explain in case I should be +delayed." + +Quickly he dashed off another note for his mother, and then, with the +two girls, he hurried down to the street. There was a taxicab stand +just around the corner, and the three were quickly on their way to +the machine shop, while Ruth and Alice took turns giving more details +of the scene in the restaurant. + +"Here we are!" announced Russ, a little later, as the cab drew up, +with a screeching of brakes, in front of a rather dingy building. "I +only hope we're in time, and that Burton hasn't gone yet." + +He jumped out of the cab, leaving Ruth and Alice sitting there. +Frantically he threw open the door and rushed up the shop stairs. + +"Oh, I do hope he is in time," breathed Ruth, softly. + +"So do I," spoke Alice. "I wonder how men can be so mean as to want +to take what isn't theirs?" + +"I don't know, dear. Oh, hasn't this been an exciting day?" + +"I should say it had. If ever--there's Russ now!" she interrupted +herself to exclaim. "Oh, Ruth. It looks as though we were too late!" + +For Russ, with a dejected look on his face, was crossing the pavement +toward the cab. + +"It--it's gone," he said brokenly. "Simp Wolley was here a half-hour +ago and got it!" + +"But how could he?" asked Alice in surprise. "Who gave it to him?" + +"Mr. Burton. There was a forged order, supposed to be from me, and +the machinist handed over the model," and Russ extended a crumpled +and grimy bit of paper. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +THE PURSUIT + + +"How did it happen, Russ?" + +"Where have the men gone with the model?" + +"Can't you get some trace of them?" + +Thus Ruth and Alice questioned their friend, as he stood at the open +window of the taxicab, looking at the crumpled paper. + +"I--I don't understand it all," he confessed. "After I knew those +fellows were after my patent I cautioned Mr. Burton about letting any +strangers see it." + +A figure came into the doorway of the machine shop. It was that of an +elderly man, with steel-rimmed spectacles. His face was grimy with +the dirt of metal. + +"I'm awfully sorry, Russ," he said, contritely. "But of course I +thought the note was from you, and gave up the model." + +"Did Simp Wolley get it?" asked Alice, eagerly. + +"No, a uniformed messenger boy came for it," explained Russ. "That +was it; wasn't it, Mr. Burton?" + +"Yes. And I had no suspicions. You know you had said you might want +the model some time in a hurry, to demonstrate to possible buyers, +and of course when the boy came with the note I supposed you had sent +him. I'm not familiar enough with your handwriting to know it," he +added. + +"No, I suppose not," admitted Russ. "And yet if you had been this +might have deceived you. It is very like my writing. I guess Wolley +must have had a sample to practice on." + +"It all seemed regular," went on Mr. Burton. "I was working away, +making some of the finished appliances from your model and drawings, +when the boy brought the note. He was a regular messenger boy, I +could tell that. And the note only asked for the model--not for any +of the finished machines, of which I had two. He didn't even want the +drawings, or I might have been suspicious." + +"They won't need the drawings as long as they have the model. They +can make drawings themselves," spoke Russ. + +"But if they only have the model, and you still have some of the +finished appliances," asked Alice, "can't you get ahead of them +yet?" + +"I'm afraid not," Russ replied. "You see, the patent office doesn't +require models to be filed in all cases now. You can get a patent +merely on drawings. They can still get ahead of me." + +"Not if you file your drawings now!" exclaimed Ruth. + +"Yes, but I'm not ready. You see the machine isn't perfected yet. I +am still working on it. But they can file a prior claim, and get a +patent on something so near like mine that I would be refused a +patent when I applied. + +"You see I haven't made any formal application yet. Of course, if it +came to a question of a lawsuit, I might beat them out. But I have no +money to hire lawyers, and they have. The only thing for me to do is +to get that model back before they have a chance to use it to make +drawings from. And how to do it I don't know." + +"Do you know who that messenger boy was?" asked Alice suddenly of the +machinist. + +"I never saw him before, Miss--no. He came in a taxicab." + +"A taxicab!" cried Russ, excitedly. "You didn't say that before. Did +you happen to notice the number?" + +If ever Russ Dalwood was thankful it was then, and the cause of it +was that Mr. Burton had a mathematical mind in which figures seemed +to sprout by second nature. + +"I did notice the number," he said. "It isn't often that taxicabs +stop out in front here, and I looked from my window as one drew up at +the curb. I was working on your patent at the time. I saw the number +of the cab, later, as the messenger boy rode off in it with the +model." + +"What was it?" asked Russ, preparing to make a note. + +The machinist gave it to him. + +"Now if we can only trace it!" exclaimed the young inventor. + +"I guess I can help you out, friend," broke in their own taxicab +chauffeur. "I've got a list of all the cabs in New York, and the +companies that run them." Rapidly he consulted a notebook, and soon +had the desired information. The office of the company was not far +away, and Russ and the girls were soon speeding toward it. What the +next move was to be no one could say. + +The manager remembered the call that had come in. Two men had come +with a messenger boy to engage a cab to go to the address of the +machine shop. + +"And who were the two men?" asked Russ. + +The manager described one whom Ruth and Alice had no difficulty in +recognizing as Simp Wolley. + +"The other man was shorter and not so well dressed," the cab manager +went on. + +"Bud Brisket!" exclaimed Russ. "I know him. Now the question is: +Where did they take my model?" + +"There I'm afraid I can't help you," said the manager. + +"Wait!" exclaimed Alice. "Did you happen to notice the number on the +messenger boy's cap?" + +"No, I did not, I'm sorry to say," the man answered. + +"Then that clue is no good," spoke Russ, with a sigh. + +"It might be," put in Ruth. "The messenger was probably engaged from +the office nearest here. We could find that and make some inquiries." + +"So we could!" cried Alice. "Oh, Ruth, you're a dear!" + +Russ looked as though he would have said the same thing had he dared. + +An inquiry over the telephone to the main office of the messenger +service, brought the desired information. And soon, in their taxicab +Russ, Ruth and Alice were at the sub-station. There the identity of +the messenger was soon learned, and he was sent for. + +"Sure, I went to de machine shop," admitted the snub-nosed, +freckled-faced lad. "I got some sort of a thing. I didn't know what +it was." + +"And where did you take it?" asked Russ eagerly. + +"Right where dem men told me to. Dey met me around de corner, got in +de cab and rode off wid it." + +"And what did you do?" asked the manager of the messenger. + +"Oh, dey gave me carfare, an' a tip, and I come back here." + +"But where did they go?" asked Russ. + +"Off in de taxi. I didn't notice." + +Russ looked hopeless, but Ruth exclaimed: + +"We've got to go back to the taxi office and see the chauffeur of +that car. He's the only one who can tell us where the men are." + +"Good!" cried Russ. "We'll do it." + +Back again they went, to find that the car had just come in, after a +long trip. The chauffeur readily gave the address to which he had +driven the two men, after the messenger boy had gotten out. It was in +an obscure section of Jersey City. + +"And there's where I'm going!" cried Russ. "Wolley and Brisket are +probably going to try to work their scheme from there. But maybe I +can stop them." + +"I--I think we had better go home, Alice dear," said Ruth gently, at +this point. + +"Yes," sighed the other, "though I'd love to be there at the finish!" + +"Alice!" gasped her sister. + +"Well, I would," she said, defiantly. + +"Maybe it wouldn't be best," suggested Russ. "I'll get a friend of +mine, though. Now shall I take you home?" + +"No, indeed!" cried Ruth. "That will delay you. You go right on after +them. Alice and I can get home all right. It isn't late." + +"It will give me pleasure if the young ladies will allow me to send +them home in one of our cabs," put in the manager. "I am sorry that +any of our men was used in a criminal manner." + +"It wasn't your fault," spoke Russ. "But I guess the girls will be +glad to be sent home. I'll keep on. I haven't any time to lose." + +And while he sped off in his taxi, in pursuit of the men who were +trying to cheat him out of his patent, Ruth and Alice took their +places in another cab, and were driven back to the Fenmore Apartment. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +THE CAPTURE + + +Mr. DeVere was rather worried when he reached home, and found his +daughters' note. He puzzled over what could have taken them out with +Russ, and went across the hall to inquire. By this time Mrs. Dalwood +had returned, and found the note her son had left. + +There was not much information in it--Russ had not had time for +that--and the mystery seemed all the deeper. + +"I wonder what I had better do?" asked Mr. DeVere of Mrs. Dalwood. + +"Just don't do anything--and don't worry," she advised. "I know your +daughters are able to take care of themselves--especially Miss +Alice." + +"Yes, she seems very capable--of late," he agreed, remembering how +she had worked to get him into the moving picture business. + +"And with Russ no harm will come to them," went on Mrs. Dalwood. +"He's a good boy." + +"Indeed he is! But I wish I knew what it was all about." + +There was the honk of an auto horn in the street below, and as they +looked out, they saw, in the gleam of a street lamp, Ruth and Alice +alighting. + +"There they are now!" exclaimed Mr. DeVere, with a note of relief in +his voice. + +"But Russ isn't with them!" said Mrs. Dalwood, in surprise. "I wonder +what can have happened to him?" + +Anxiously the two parents waited until the girls came up. + +"Oh, such a time!" cried Alice, breathlessly. + +"Where's Russ?" demanded his mother. + +"After the men--Simp Wolley and Bud Brisket!" + +"Oh, those horrid men!" + +"He's all right," said Ruth, gently. "He is going to get Mr. Pertell +and an officer to go with him." + +"But what is it all about?" asked Mr. DeVere. + +Then, rather disjointedly, and with many interruptions, the girls +told the story of the afternoon and evening, for it was now nearly +nine o'clock. Of course Mr. DeVere and Mrs. Dalwood were much worried +when they learned what had happened, and the widow was not at her +ease when she thought of her son still not out of danger. + +"But I'm sure he will soon be back," declared Alice, confidently. She +was a great comfort in trouble--a real optimist. + +Then followed a period of anxious waiting. + +It was broken by the return of Russ, rather disheveled, tired and +excited, but with his precious model safe in the taxicab with him and +Mr. Pertell. + +"Why, Russ, where have you been?" cried Mrs. Dalwood. + +"I just wish I'd been there!" exclaimed Billy. "Was there a fight, +Russ?" + +"A--little one," he admitted, with a glance at the girls. "But it was +soon over." + +"And where are the men now?" asked Alice. + +"Safe in jail." + +Then he told what had happened. + +After Alice and Ruth had gone home in the taxicab he had called for +Mr. Pertell, explaining what had occurred. A special officer was +engaged, and the three went to the address in Jersey City, where +Wolley and Brisket had gone with the model. The place was in a rather +disreputable neighborhood. In a back room, which was approached with +caution, the two plotters were found with a draughtsman whom they +had hired to make drawings of the model. + +The two scoundrels were taken by surprise and easily overpowered, +after a short resistance. The draughtsman was an innocent party, and +was allowed to go, after promising to give evidence against Wolley +and Brisket. The latter were put under arrest, and with his precious +model safe in his possession Russ started for home. + +"They didn't have time to do a thing!" exclaimed the young inventor, +enthusiastically. "Thanks to you girls." + +"Oh, we didn't do anything," said Ruth, modestly. + +"I think you did!" cried Russ, looking at her admiringly. + +"It was all Alice!" she said. + +"'Twas you who thought of the most practical plans!" insisted the +younger girl. "Oh, Russ! I'm so glad!" + +"And so am I," said Ruth, softly. + +"Well, I must say, for two girls who haven't been much in public +life, you two are coming on," said Mr. DeVere, in his hoarse tones. +"But I am glad of it!" + +The prompt action of Alice and Ruth, enabling Russ to recover his +invention, worked against the plans of the plotters. They were +easily convicted of fraud, and sent to prison. As for the invention +of Russ, he soon perfected it, and put it out on royalty. Many moving +picture machine men agreed to use it on their projectors, and to pay +him a sum each year for the privilege. So Russ was assured of a +goodly income for some time. + + * * * * * + +"Well," said Ruth the next morning, as she and Alice arose late after +their evening of excitement, "now that is over, the next matter to be +considered is: What are we going to do from now on?" + +"Act in moving pictures, I should say," replied Alice. "We seem to be +committed to it now. I wonder how that big drama came out? I hope +it's a success. For I do so want to go on the rural circuit; don't +you?" + +"I think I do," answered Ruth. + +"Russ is going along to make the pictures, I believe," added Alice, +softly. + +"Is he?" asked Ruth, with an air of indifference. "And I suppose Paul +Ardite will be one of the company," she added. + +"How'd you guess?" laughed Alice. + +"A little bird told me." + +Two days later the entire company who had taken part in the making of +the big film, scenes of which were laid on the yacht, were invited +to see the pictures projected. + +From the very first it was seen that the play was going to be a +success--at least from a mechanical standpoint and some time later it +was demonstrated to be a success from a popular one also. + +The girls looked on while the pictures of themselves, their father +and others of the company were thrown on the white screen. They saw +the scene at the gang-plank, where the runaway had almost spoiled it, +but there was no sign of the horse in the pictures. Sandy Apgar had +taken care of that. + +"I really must go out to see his farm," said Mr. Pertell. "I believe +it may be just the place for us. But I wonder what made Sandy so sad, +and so much in need of money? Perhaps I can help him." + +There came the incident of Pepper Sneed falling down with the +lifeboat. + +"Look! Look!" cried the grouchy actor. "I don't like that! It makes +me ridiculous. I demand that it be taken out, Mr. Pertell!" + +"Can't do it! That's the best part of the play!" laughed the manager. + +"And as for me--I positively refuse to act again, if I am to be shown +as a sailor, in those ridiculous white trousers!" cried Wellington +Bunn. + +"Very well, then, I suppose you don't care to go on the rural circuit +with us," said Mr. Pertell. + +"Oh--er--ah! Um! Well, you may with-hold my resignation for a time," +said the Shakespearean actor, stiffly. "But it is against my +principles." + +"Then we are going on the rural circuit?" asked Alice, eagerly. + +"Yes," the manager assured her. "This play is going to be a big +success, I'm sure. I want to try a new kind now--outdoor scenes." + +And that the play was a success was soon evidenced by the receipts +which poured into the treasury of the Comet Film Company. + +"Oh, what do you imagine it will be like--in the country?" asked Ruth +of Alice, a little later, when it was definitely decided that they +were to go. + +"I don't know," answered Alice. "It depends on what happens." + +And what did happen may be learned by reading the next volume of this +series, to be called: "The Moving Picture Girls at Oak Farm; Or, +Queer Happenings While Taking Rural Plays." + +"Well, I'll be glad of a little rest," said Alice, one day, when +they were coming from the studio, after having posed in some scenes +for a little parlor drama. + +"So will I," agreed Ruth. "We have been very busy these last two +weeks." + +"Especially since we helped Russ to get back his patent," added her +sister. "And now for Oak Farm!" + +"Oh, then it's been definitely decided that we are to go there?" + +"Yes, Mr. Pertell said he went out there, met Sandy Apgar and +arranged to use the place. We're to board there, too. I guess it will +be a help to the Apgars. Mr. Pertell said they needed money. And, +Ruth, he said there was some sort of a mystery out there, too." + +"A mystery? What sort?" + +"I don't know. We'll have to wait until we get there. Come on, let's +hurry home and tell daddy." + +And now, for a time, we will take leave of the Moving Picture Girls. + + +THE END + + + + +=THE JANICE DAY SERIES= + +=By HELEN BEECHER LONG= + +_12 mo, cloth, illustrated, and colored jacket_ + +A series of books for girls which have been uniformly successful. +Janice Day is a character that will live long in juvenile fiction. +Every volume is full of inspiration. There is an abundance of humor, +quaint situations, and worth-while effort, and likewise plenty of +plot and mystery. + +An ideal series for girls from nine to sixteen. + +JANICE DAY, THE YOUNG HOMEMAKER + +JANICE DAY AT POKETOWN + +THE TESTING OF JANICE DAY + +HOW JANICE DAY WON + +THE MISSION OF JANICE DAY + + +=THE NAN SHERWOOD SERIES= + +By Annie Roe Carr + +_12 mo, cloth, illustrated, and colored jacket_ + +In Annie Roe Carr we have found a young woman of wide experience +among girls--in schoolroom, in camp and while traveling. She knows +girls of to-day thoroughly--their likes and dislikes--and knows that +they demand almost as much action as do the boys. And she knows +humor--good, clean fun and plenty of it. + +NAN SHERWOOD AT PINE CAMP + or The Old Lumberman's Secret + +NAN SHERWOOD AT LAKEVIEW HALL + or The Mystery of the Haunted Boathouse + +NAN SHERWOOD'S WINTER HOLIDAYS + or Rescuing the Runaways + +NAN SHERWOOD AT ROSE RANCH + or The Old Mexican's Treasure + +NAN SHERWOOD AT PALM BEACH + or Strange Adventures Among the Orange Groves + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Moving Picture Girls, by Laura Lee Hope + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS *** + +***** This file should be named 19171-8.txt or 19171-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/1/7/19171/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Cori Samuel and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/19171-8.zip b/19171-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..16f33c5 --- /dev/null +++ b/19171-8.zip diff --git a/19171-h.zip b/19171-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..733d04c --- /dev/null +++ b/19171-h.zip diff --git a/19171-h/19171-h.htm b/19171-h/19171-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..41dc918 --- /dev/null +++ b/19171-h/19171-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6647 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Moving Picture Girls OR First Appearances in Photo Dramas, by Laura Lee Hope. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 55%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table { margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + width: 45%; + border: 0px;} + + body{margin-left: 15%; + margin-right: 15%; + } + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .centre {text-align: center;} + .right {text-align: right;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + .figcentre {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Moving Picture Girls, by Laura Lee Hope + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Moving Picture Girls + First Appearances in Photo Dramas + +Author: Laura Lee Hope + +Release Date: September 4, 2006 [EBook #19171] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Cori Samuel and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcentre" style="width: 390px;"> +<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="390" height="600" alt="IN ONE SCENE ALICE AND RUTH HOLD THE STAGE ALONE.--p157." title="IN ONE SCENE ALICE AND RUTH HOLD THE STAGE ALONE.--p157." /> +<span class="caption">IN ONE SCENE ALICE AND RUTH HOLD THE STAGE ALONE.--<i>Page 157.</i></span> +</div> + +<h1><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1"></a><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a> +The<br /> +Moving Picture Girls</h1> + +<h4>OR</h4> + +<h2>First Appearances in Photo Dramas</h2> + +<h4>BY</h4> + +<h3>LAURA LEE HOPE</h3> + +<h5>AUTHOR OF THE BOBBSEY TWINS, THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY,<br />THE +BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE, THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE,<br />THE +OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE, ETC.</h5> + +<h4><i>ILLUSTRATED</i></h4> + +<h4> +THE WORLD SYNDICATE PUBLISHING CO.<br /> +<br /> +CLEVELAND NEW YORK<br /> +Made in U. S. A.<br /> +<a name="Page_3" id="Page_3"></a></h4> + +<h4 class="smcap">Copyright, 1914, by GROSSET & DUNLAP</h4> + +<h4>PRESS OF THE COMMERCIAL BOOKBINDING CO. CLEVELAND</h4> + +<hr /> + +<h3><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a>CONTENTS</h3> +<table summary="Table of Contents" > +<tr><td><b>CHAPTER</b><br /> </td><td class="right"><b>PAGE</b><br /> </td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_I">I <span class="smcap"> An Unceremonious Departure</span></a></td><td class="right"> 1</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_II">II <span class="smcap"> Russ Dalwood Apologizes</span></a></td><td class="right">11</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_III">III <span class="smcap"> The Old Trouble</span></a></td><td class="right">20</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">IV <span class="smcap"> Despondency</span></a></td><td class="right">33</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_V">V <span class="smcap"> Replaced</span></a></td><td class="right">43</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">VI <span class="smcap"> A New Proposition</span></a></td><td class="right">51</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">VII <span class="smcap"> Alice Changes Her Mind</span></a></td><td class="right">60</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">VIII <span class="smcap"> "Pay Your Rent, or——"</span></a></td><td class="right">70</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">IX <span class="smcap"> Mr. DeVere Decides</span></a></td><td class="right">78</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_X">X <span class="smcap"> The Man in the Kitchen</span></a></td><td class="right">87</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">XI <span class="smcap"> Russ is Worried</span></a></td><td class="right">96</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">XII <span class="smcap"> The Photo Drama</span></a></td><td class="right">106</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">XIII <span class="smcap"> Mr. DeVere's Success</span></a></td><td class="right">113</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">XIV <span class="smcap"> An Emergency</span></a></td><td class="right">124</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">XV <span class="smcap"> Jealousies</span></a></td><td class="right">132</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">XVI <span class="smcap"> The Moving Picture Girls</span></a></td><td class="right">140</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">XVII <span class="smcap"> A Promise</span></a></td><td class="right">151</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">XVIII <span class="smcap"> A Hit</span></a></td><td class="right">159</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">XIX <span class="smcap"> A Bit of Outdoors</span></a></td><td class="right">170</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">XX <span class="smcap"> Farmer Sandy Apgar</span></a></td><td class="right"> 181</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">XXI <span class="smcap"> Overheard</span></a></td><td class="right">189</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">XXII <span class="smcap"> The Warning</span></a></td><td class="right">197</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">XXIII <span class="smcap"> The Missing Model</span></a></td><td class="right">205</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">XXIV <span class="smcap"> The Pursuit</span></a></td><td class="right">214</td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">XXV <span class="smcap"> The Capture</span></a></td><td class="right">221</td></tr> +</table> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I" /><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>AN UNCEREMONIOUS DEPARTURE</h3> + + +<p>"Oh, isn't it just splendid, Ruth? Don't you feel like singing and +dancing? Come on, let's have a two-step! I'll whistle!"</p> + +<p>"Alice! How can you be so—so boisterous?" expostulated the taller of +two girls, who stood in the middle of their small and rather shabby +parlor.</p> + +<p>"Boisterous! Weren't you going to say—rude?" laughingly asked the +one who had first spoken. "Come, now, 'fess up! Weren't you?" and the +shorter of the twain, a girl rather plump and pretty, with merry +brown eyes, put her arm about the waist of her sister and endeavored +to lead her through the maze of chairs in the whirl of a dance, +whistling, meanwhile, a joyous strain from one of the latest Broadway +successes.<a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, Alice!" came in rather fretful tones. "I don't—"</p> + +<p>"You don't know what to make of me? That's it; isn't it, sister mine? +Oh, I can read you like a book. But, Ruth, why aren't you jolly once +in a while? Why always that 'maiden all forlorn' look on your face? +Why that far-away, distant look in your eyes—'Anne, Sister Anne, +dost see anyone approaching?' Talk about Bluebeard! Come on, do one +turn with me. I'm learning the one-step, you know, and it's lovely!</p> + +<p>"Come on, laugh and sing! Really, aren't you glad that dad has an +engagement at last? A real engagement that will bring in some real +money! Aren't you glad? It will mean so much to us! Money! Why, I +haven't seen enough real money of late to have a speaking +acquaintance with it. We've been trusted for everything, except +carfare, and it would have come to that pretty soon. Say you're glad, +Ruth!"</p> + +<p>The younger girl gave up the attempt to entice her sister into a +dance, and stood facing her, arm still about her waist, the laughing +brown eyes gazing mischievously up into the rather sad blue ones of +the taller girl.<a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a></p> + +<p>"Glad? Of course I'm glad, Alice DeVere, and you know it. I'm just as +glad as you are that daddy has an engagement. He's waited long enough +for one, goodness knows!"</p> + +<p>"You have a queer way of showing your gladness," commented the other +drily, shrugging her shapely shoulders. "Why, I can hardly keep +still. La-la-la-la! La-la-la-la! La-la-la!" She hummed the air of a +Viennese waltz song, meanwhile whirling gracefully about with +extended arms, her dress floating about her balloonwise.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Alice! Don't!" objected her sister.</p> + +<p>"Can't help it, Ruth. I've just got to dance. La-la!"</p> + +<p>She stopped suddenly as a vase crashed to the floor from a table, +shattering into many pieces.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Alice, aghast, as she stood looking at the ruin she had +unwittingly wrought. "Oh, dear, and daddy was so fond of that vase!"</p> + +<p>"There, you see what you've done!" exclaimed Ruth, who, though only +seventeen, and but two years older than her sister, was of a much +more sedate disposition. "I told you not to dance!"</p> + +<p>"You did nothing of the sort, Ruth DeVere.<a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a> You just stood and looked +at me, and you wouldn't join in, and maybe if you had this wouldn't +have happened—and—and—"</p> + +<p>She did not finish, her voice trailing off rather dismally as she +stooped to pick up the pieces of the vase.</p> + +<p>"It can't be mended, either," she went on, and when she looked up the +merry brown eyes were veiled in a mist of tears. Ruth's heart +softened at once.</p> + +<p>"There, dear!" she said in consoling tones. "Of course you couldn't +help it. Don't worry. Daddy won't mind when you tell him you were +just doing a little waltz of happiness because he has an engagement +at last."</p> + +<p>She, too, stooped and her light hair mingled with the dark brown +tresses of her sister as they gathered up the fragments.</p> + +<p>"I don't care!" announced Alice, finally, as she sank into a chair. +"I'll tell dad myself. I'm glad, anyhow, even if the vase is broken. +I never liked it. I don't see why dad set such store by the old +thing."</p> + +<p>"You forget, Alice, that it was one of—"</p> + +<p>"Mother's—yes, I know," and she sighed. "Father gave it to her when +they were married, but really, mother was like me—she never cared +for it."<a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a></p> + +<p>"Yes, Alice, you are much as mother was," returned Ruth, with gentle +dignity. "You are growing more like her every day."</p> + +<p>"Am I, really?" and in delight the younger girl sprang up, her grief +over the vase for the moment forgotten. "Am I really like her, Ruth? +I'm so glad! Tell me more of her. I scarcely remember her. I was only +seven when she died, Ruth."</p> + +<p>"Eight, my dear. You were eight years old, but such a tiny little +thing! I could hold you in my arms."</p> + +<p>"You couldn't do it now!" laughed Alice, with a downward glance at +her plump figure. Yet she was not over-plump, but with the rounding +curves and graces of coming womanhood.</p> + +<p>"Well, I couldn't hold you long," laughed Ruth. "But I wonder what is +keeping daddy? He telephoned that he would come right home. I'm so +anxious to have him tell us all about it!"</p> + +<p>"So am I. Probably he had to stay to arrange about rehearsals," +replied Alice. "What theater did he say he was going to open at?"</p> + +<p>"The New Columbia. It's one of the nicest in New York, too."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm so glad. Now we can go to a play once in a while—I'm almost +starved for the sight of the footlights, and to hear the orchestra +tun<a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a>ing up. And you know, while he had no engagement dad wouldn't let +us take advantage of his professional privilege, and present his card +at the box office."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know he is peculiar that way. But I shall be glad, too, to +attend a play now and again. I'm getting quite rusty. I did so want +to see Maude Adams when she was here. But—"</p> + +<p>"I'd never have gone in the dress I had!" broke in Alice. "I want +something pretty to wear; don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I do, dear. But with things the way they were—"</p> + +<p>"We had to eat our prospective dresses," laughed Alice. "It was like +being shipwrecked, when the sailors have to cut their boots into +lengths and make a stew of them."</p> + +<p>"Alice!" cried Ruth, rather shocked.</p> + +<p>"It was so!" affirmed the other. "Why, you must have read of it +dozens of times in those novels you're always poring over. The hero +and heroine on a raft—she looks up into his eyes and sighs. 'Have +another morsel of boot soup, darling!' Why, the time dad had to use +the money he had half promised me for that charmeuse, and we bought +the supper at the delicatessen—you know, when Mr. Blake stopped and +you asked him to stay to tea, when there wasn't <a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a>a thing in the house +to eat—do you remember that?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but I don't see what it has to do with shipwrecked sailors +eating their boots. Really, Alice—"</p> + +<p>"Of course it was just the same," explained the younger girl, +merrily. "There was nothing fit to give Mr. Blake, and I took the +money that was to have been paid for my charmeuse, and slipped out to +Mr. Dinkelspatcher's—or whatever his name is—and bought a meal. +Well, we ate my dress, that's all, Ruth."</p> + +<p>"Why, Alice!"</p> + +<p>"And I wish we had it to eat over again," went on the other, with a +half sigh. "I don't know what we are going to do for supper. How much +have we in the purse?"</p> + +<p>"Only a few dollars."</p> + +<p>"And we must save that, I suppose, until dad gets some salary, which +won't be for a time yet. And we really ought to celebrate in some +way, now that he's had this bit of good luck! Oh, isn't it just awful +to be poor!"</p> + +<p>"Hush, Alice! The neighbors will hear you. The walls of this +apartment house are so terribly thin!"</p> + +<p>"I don't care if they do hear. They all know dad hasn't had a +theatrical engagement for ever <a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a>so long. And they know we haven't any +what you might call—resources—or we wouldn't live here. Of course +they know we're poor—that's no news!"</p> + +<p>"I know, my dear. But you are so—so out-spoken."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad of it. Oh, Ruth, when will you ever give up trying to +pretend we are what we are not? You're a dear, nice, sweet, romantic +sister, and some day I hope the Fairy Prince will come riding past on +his milk-white steed—and, say, Ruth, why should a prince always ride +a milk-white steed? There's something that's never been explained.</p> + +<p>"All the novels and fairy stories have milk-white steeds for the hero +to prance up on when he rescues the doleful maiden. And if there's +any color that gets dirtier sooner, and makes a horse look most like +a lost hope, it's white. Of course I know they can keep a circus +horse milk-white, but it isn't practical for princes or heroes. The +first mud puddle he splashed through—And, oh, say! If the prince +should fail in his fortunes later, and have to hire out to drive a +coal wagon! Wouldn't his milk-white steed look sweet then? There goes +one now," and she pointed out of the window to the street below.<a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a></p> + +<p>"Do, Ruth, if your prince comes, insist on his changing his steed for +one of sober brown. It will wear better."</p> + +<p>"Don't be silly, Alice!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I can't help it. Hark, is that dad's step?"</p> + +<p>The two girls listened, turning their heads toward the hall entrance +door.</p> + +<p>"No, it's someone over at the Dalwoods'—across the corridor."</p> + +<p>The noise in the hallway increased. There were hasty footsteps, and +then rather loud voices.</p> + +<p>"I tell you I won't have anything to do with you, and you needn't +come sneaking around here any more. I'm done with you!"</p> + +<p>"That's Russ," whispered Alice.</p> + +<p>"Yes," agreed Ruth, and her sister noted a slight flush on her fair +cheeks.</p> + +<p>Then came a voice in expostulation:</p> + +<p>"But I tell you I can market it for you, and get you something for +it. If you try to go it alone—"</p> + +<p>"Well, that's just what I'm going to do—go it alone, and I don't +want to hear any more from you. Now you get out!"</p> + +<p>"But look here—"<a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a></p> + +<p>There was a sound of a scuffle, and a body crashed up against the +door of the DeVere apartment.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Ruth and Alice together.</p> + +<p>Their door swung open, for someone had seemingly caught at the knob +to save himself from falling. The girls had a glimpse of their +neighbor across the hall, Russ Dalwood by name, pushing a strange man +toward the head of the stairs.</p> + +<p>"Now you get out!" cried Russ, and the man left rather +unceremoniously, slipping down two or three steps before he could +recover his balance and grasp the railing.</p> + +<p>"Oh, shut the door, quickly, Alice!" gasped Ruth.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II" /><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>RUSS DALWOOD APOLOGIZES</h3> + + +<p>The portal was closed with a bang—so closed because Alice in a mad +rush threw herself against it and turned the key in the lock. Then +she gained a place by her sister's side, and slipped an arm about her +waist.</p> + +<p>"He—he won't come in," Alice whispered. "I saw him going down the +stairs."</p> + +<p>"Who—who was it?" faltered Ruth. She was very pale.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," Alice made answer. "I don't believe he meant to come +in here. It was—was just an accident. But the door is locked now. +Maybe it was some collector—like those horrid men who have been to +see us lately. The Dalwoods may be short of money, too."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so, Alice. Russ makes good wages at the moving picture +place. Oh, are you sure the door is locked?"<a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a></p> + +<p>"Positive. Don't worry."</p> + +<p>"Let's slip down the back stairs to Mrs. Reilley's flat. She has a +telephone, and we can call the police," suggested the taller girl, in +a hoarse whisper, her eyes never leaving the hall door that had been +so unceremoniously thrust open.</p> + +<p>"Silly!" returned Alice. "There's no danger now. That man has gone. I +tell you I saw him hurrying down the stairs. Russ sent him about his +business, all right—whatever his business was."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's terrible to live this way!" wailed Ruth. "With—with common +fighting going on in the halls! If poor mother were alive now—"</p> + +<p>"She wouldn't be a bit afraid, if what you tell me of her is true!" +insisted Alice, stoutly. "And I'm not a bit afraid, either. Why, Russ +is just across the hall, and it was only the other day you were +saying how strong and manly he was. Have you forgotten?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered Ruth, in a low voice, and again the blush suffused her +cheeks.</p> + +<p>"Then don't be a silly. I'm not going down and ask Mrs. Reilley to +'phone for the police. That would cause excitement indeed. I don't +believe anyone else heard the commotion, and <a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>that was only because +our door flew open by accident."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, maybe it will be all right," assented the taller girl who, +in this emergency, seemed to lean on her younger sister. Perhaps it +was because Alice was so merry-hearted—even unthinking at times; +despising danger because she did not know exactly what it was—or +what it meant. Yet even now Ruth felt that she must play the part of +mother to her younger sister.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure that door is locked?" she asked again.</p> + +<p>"Positive! See, I'll slip on the chain, and then it would tax even a +policeman to get in. But, really, Ruth, I wouldn't go to Mrs. +Reilley's if I were you. She'll tell everyone, and there doesn't seem +to be any need. It's all over, and those below, or above us, seem to +have heard nothing of it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wish daddy would come home!"</p> + +<p>"So do I, for that matter. That's sensible. What did he say," asked +Alice, "when you went down to Mrs. Reilley's telephone to talk to +him?" For that neighbor had summoned one of the girls when she +learned, over the wire, that Mr. DeVere wished to speak with his +daughters about his good fortune.</p> + +<p>"He didn't have time to say much," replied<a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a> Ruth. "He just stole a +minute or two away from the conference to say that he had an +engagement that was very promising."</p> + +<p>"And didn't he say when he'd be home?"</p> + +<p>"No, only that it would be as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>"Well, I suppose he'll come as quickly as he can. Let's see what we +can get up in the way of a lunch. We may have to resort to the +delicatessen again. I do want father to have something nice when he +comes home with his good news."</p> + +<p>"So do I," agreed Ruth. "I'm afraid our ice box doesn't contain much +in the way of refreshments for an impromptu banquet, though, and I +positively won't go out after—after what happened. At least not +right away!"</p> + +<p>"Pooh, I'm not afraid!" laughed Alice, having recovered her spirits. +"On the ice box—charge!" she cried gaily, waltzing about.</p> + +<p>The girls found little enough to reward them, and it came, finally, +to the necessity of making a raid on the nearest delicatessen shop if +they were to "banquet" their father.</p> + +<p>In fact since the DeVere family had come to make their home in the +Fenmore Apartment House, on one of the West Sixtieth streets of New +York City, there had been very little in the <a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a>way of food luxuries, +and not a great deal of the necessities.</p> + +<p>Their life had held a little more of ease and comfort when they lived +in a more fashionable quarter, but with the loss of their father's +theatrical engagement, and the long period of waiting for another, +their savings had been exhausted and they had had recourse to the +pawn shop, in addition to letting as many bills as possible go unpaid +until fortune smiled again.</p> + +<p>Hosmer DeVere, who was a middle-aged, rather corpulent and +exceedingly kind and cultured gentleman, was the father of the two +girls. Their mother had been dead about seven years, a cold caught in +playing on a draughty stage developing into pneumonia, from which she +never rallied.</p> + +<p>Ruth and Alice came of a theatrical family—at least, on their +father's side—for his father and grandfather before him had enviable +histrionic reputations. Mrs. DeVere had been a vivacious country +maid—or, rather, a maid in a small town that was classed as being on +the "country" circuit by the company playing it. Mr. DeVere, then +blossoming into a leading man, was in the troupe, and became +acquainted with his future wife through the medium of the theater. +She had sought an interview with the man<a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a>ager, seeking a chance to +"get on the boards," and Mr. DeVere admired her greatly.</p> + +<p>Their married life was much happier than the usual theatrical union, +and under the guidance and instruction of her husband Mrs. DeVere had +become one of the leading juvenile players. Both her husband and +herself were fond of home life, and they had looked forward to the +day when they could retire and shut themselves away from the public +with their two little daughters.</p> + +<p>But fortunes are seldom made on the stage—not half as often as is +imagined—and the time seemed farther and farther off. Then came Mrs. +DeVere's illness and death, and for a time a broken-hearted man +withdrew himself from the world to devote his life to his daughters.</p> + +<p>But the call of the stage was imperative, not so much from choice as +necessity, for Mr. DeVere could do little to advantage save act, and +in this alone could he make a living. So he had returned to the +"boards," filling various engagements with satisfaction, and taking +his daughters about with him.</p> + +<p>Rather strange to say, up to the present, though literally saturated +with the romance and hard work of the footlights, neither Ruth nor +Alice had shown any desire to go on the stage.<a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a> Or, if they had it, +they had not spoken of it. And their father was glad.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere was a clever character actor, and had created a number of +parts that had won favor. He inclined to whimsical comedy rôles, +rather than to romantic drama, and several of his old men studies are +remembered on Broadway to this day. He had acted in Shakespeare, but +he had none of that burning desire, with which many actors are +credited, to play Hamlet. Mr. DeVere was satisfied to play the +legitimate in his best manner, to look after his daughters, and to +trust that in time he might lay by enough for himself, and see them +happily married.</p> + +<p>But the laying-aside process had been seriously interrupted several +times by lack of engagements, so that the little stock of savings +dwindled away.</p> + +<p>Then came a panicky year. Many theaters were closed, and more actors +"walked the Rialto" looking for engagements than ever before. Mr. +DeVere was among them, and he even accepted a part in a vaudeville +sketch to eke out a scanty livelihood.</p> + +<p>Good times came again, but did not last, and finally it looked to the +actor as though he were doomed to become a "hack," or to linger along +<a name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a>in some stock company. He was willing to do this, though, for the +sake of the girls.</p> + +<p>A rather longer period of inactivity than usual made a decided change +in the DeVere fortunes, if one can call a struggle against poverty +"fortunes." They had to leave their pleasant apartment and take one +more humble. Some of their choice possessions, too, went to the sign +of the three golden balls; but, with all this, it was hard work to +set even their scanty table. And the bills!</p> + +<p>Ruth wept in secret over them, being the house-keeper. And, of late, +some of the tradesmen were not as patient and kind as they had been +at first. Some even sent professional collectors, who used all their +various wiles to humiliate their debtors.</p> + +<p>But now a ray of light seemed to shine through the gloom, and a +tentative promise from one theatrical manager had become a reality. +Mr. DeVere had telephoned that the contract was signed, and that he +would have a leading part at last, after many weeks of idleness.</p> + +<p>"What is the play?" asked Alice of her sister, when they had decided +on what they might safely get from the delicatessen store. "Did dad +say?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. It's 'A Matter of Friendship.' One of those new society +dramas."<a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, I do hope he gets us tickets!"</p> + +<p>"We will need some dresses before we can use tickets," sighed Ruth. +"Positively I wouldn't go anywhere but in the gallery now."</p> + +<p>"No, we wouldn't exactly shine in a box," agreed Alice.</p> + +<p>"Hark!" cautioned her sister. "There's someone in the hall now. I +heard a step——"</p> + +<p>There came a knock on the door, and in spite of themselves both girls +started nervously.</p> + +<p>"That isn't his rap!" whispered Alice.</p> + +<p>"No. Ask who it is," suggested Ruth. Somehow, she looked again to the +younger Alice now.</p> + +<p>"Who—who is it?" faltered the latter. "Maybe it's one of those +horrid collectors," she went on, in her sister's ear. "I wish I'd +kept quiet."</p> + +<p>But the voice that answered reassured them.</p> + +<p>"Are you there, Miss DeVere? This is Russ Dalwood. I want to +apologize for that row outside your door a few minutes ago. It was an +accident. I'm sorry. May I come in?"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III" /><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>THE OLD TROUBLE</h3> + + +<p>For a moment the girls faced each other with wide-opened eyes, the +brown ones of Alice gazing into the deep blue ones of Ruth. Ruth's +eyes were not the ordinary blue—like those of a china doll. They +were more like wood-violets, and in their depths could be read a +liking for the unusual and romantic that was, in a measure, the key +to her character. Not for nothing had Alice laughed at her sister's +longing for a prince, on a milk-white steed, to come riding by. Ruth +was tall, and of that desirable willowy type, so much in demand of +late.</p> + +<p>Alice was just saved from being a "bread-and-butter" girl. That is, +she had wholesomeness, with a round face, and ruddy cheeks—more +damask than red in color—but she also had a rollicking, good-natured +disposition, without being in the least bit tomboyish. She reminded +one of a girl just out of school, eager for a game of tennis or golf.</p> + +<p>"Are you busy?" asked the voice on the other side of the door. "I can +call again!"<a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a></p> + +<p>"No, wait—Russ!" replied Ruth, with an obvious effort. "We had the +chain on. We'll let you in!"</p> + +<p>The DeVeres had only known their neighbors across the hall since +coming to the Fenmore Apartment. Yet one could not live near motherly +Mrs. Sarah Dalwood and not get to know her rather intimately, in a +comparatively short time. She was what would have been called, in the +country, "a good neighbor." In New York, with its hurry and scurry, +where people live for years in adjoining rooms and never speak, she +was an unusual type. She knew nearly every one in the big +apartment—which was almost more than the janitor and his wife could +boast.</p> + +<p>A widow with two sons, Mrs. Dalwood was in fairly good +circumstances—compared with her neighbors. Her husband had left her +a little sum in life insurance that was well invested, and Russ held +a place as moving picture machine operator in one of the largest of +those theaters. He earned a good salary which made it unnecessary for +his mother to go out to work, or to take any in, and his brother +Billy was kept at school. Billy was twelve, a rather nervous, +delicate lad, liked by everyone.<a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a></p> + +<p>There was a rattle as the chain fell from the slotted slide on the +door, and Alice opened the portal, to disclose the smiling and yet +rather worried face of Russ. The girls had come to know him well +enough to call him by his first name, and he did the same to them. It +might not be out of place to say that Russ admired Ruth very much.</p> + +<p>"I'm awfully sorry about what happened," began Russ. "You see I +didn't mean to shove that fellow so hard. But he was awfully +persistent, and I just lost my temper. I was afraid I'd shoved him +downstairs."</p> + +<p>"So were we," admitted Ruth, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Did he try to come in here, to escape from you?" asked Alice, with a +frank laugh.</p> + +<p>"Indeed he did not," replied Russ. "He caught at your door to save +himself from falling. I guess he thought I was going to hit him; but +I wasn't. I just shoved him away to keep him from coming back into +our rooms again. Mother was a little afraid of him."</p> + +<p>"Was he—was he a——" Alice balked at the word "collector."</p> + +<p>"He was a fellow who's trying to steal a patent I'm working on!" +exclaimed Russ, rather fiercely. "He's as unscrupulous as they come, +and I didn't want him to get a foothold. So I <a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>just sent him about +his business in a way I think he won't forget."</p> + +<p>"Oh, are you working on a patent?" cried Ruth. "How nice! What's it +about? Oh, I forgot! Perhaps you can't tell. It's a secret, I +suppose. All patents are."</p> + +<p>"Well, it isn't a secret from you folks," returned Russ. "I don't +mind telling you, even though I haven't perfected it yet."</p> + +<p>"Especially as you can be sure we girls wouldn't understand the least +thing about it—if it has anything to do with machinery," put in +Alice, laughing.</p> + +<p>"Well, it is something about machinery," admitted Russ. "It is +something new to go on moving picture machines, to steady the film as +it moves behind the lens. You've often noticed how jerky the pictures +are at times?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes; though we don't go very often," responded Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Well, I've made a simple little device that fits on the machine. I +needn't go into all details—to tell you the truth I haven't got 'em +all worked out yet; but I think it will be a good thing, and bring me +in some money.</p> + +<p>"I've spoken to Mr. Frank Pertell, manager of the Comet Film Company, +about it. I have <a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a>done some work for him, you know. He says it will +be a good thing, and, while it may not make me a millionaire, it will +help a lot. So I'm working hard on it."</p> + +<p>"But who was this man—what did he have to do with it?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"He didn't have anything to do with it—but he wanted to. His name is +Simpson Wolley—Simp, he's called for short, though he is not as +simple as his name sounds. He heard about my invention—how, I don't +know—and he's trying to get it away from me."</p> + +<p>"Get it away from you?" echoed Alice.</p> + +<p>"Yes. He came to me and wanted me to sell him the rights, just as it +was, for a certain sum. I refused. Then to-day I came home +unexpectedly. I found him in the room where I work, looking over my +drawings and models. Mother had let him in to wait for me. She put +him in the parlor, but he sneaked into my room. That's why I sent him +flying."</p> + +<p>"I don't blame you!" exclaimed Alice, with flashing eyes.</p> + +<p>"Only I'm sorry he disturbed you," went on Russ. "I didn't mean to be +quite so hasty; but he got on my nerves, I expect."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right," said Ruth, graciously.</p> + +<p>"Mother said you might be frightened," went <a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>on the young man, "so +she sent me here to tell you what it was."</p> + +<p>"Don't mention it," laughed Alice. "We were a bit frightened at +first, and we put the chain on the door. But are you sure you're all +right—that he won't come back again?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you need not worry," Russ assured her. "He won't come here +again; though I don't fancy I'm through with him. Simp Wolley hasn't +much principle, and I know a lot of fellows who have done business +with him to their sorrow. But he'll have to work hard to fool me. So +my apology is accepted; is it?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," laughed Ruth, blushing more than before.</p> + +<p>Another step was heard in the hall.</p> + +<p>"There's dad!" cried Alice. "Oh, where have you been?" she exclaimed, +as she ran to her father's arms.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't come sooner," the latter explained in his deep, mellow +voice—a voice that had endeared him to many audiences. "We had to +arrange about the rehearsals. Haven't you a kiss for dad, Ruth," he +went on, putting his arms about the taller girl. "How are you, Russ?" +and he nodded cordially. "Isn't it fine to have two such daughters as +these?" He held them to him—one on either side.<a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a></p> + +<p>"Father!" objected Ruth, blushing.</p> + +<p>"Ha! Ashamed of her old daddy hugging and kissing her; is she?" Mr. +DeVere laughed. "Well, I am surprised; aren't you, Russ? Some +day——"</p> + +<p>"Dad!" expostulated Ruth, blushing more vividly, and clapping a small +hand over her father's mouth. "You mustn't say such things!"</p> + +<p>"What things?" with a simulated look of innocent wonder.</p> + +<p>"What you were going to say!"</p> + +<p>"Well, as long as I didn't, no harm is done. What about lunch? I must +go back this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"I'll see you again," called Russ, retiring, for he knew father and +daughters would want to exchange confidences.</p> + +<p>"It's good news, Russ!" called Alice, as he departed across the hall. +"Daddy has an engagement at last!"</p> + +<p>"Glad to hear it, Mr. DeVere. I knew you'd land one sooner or later."</p> + +<p>"Well, it came near being later, Russ, my boy."</p> + +<p>"Now, Daddy dear, tell us all about it," begged Alice, when they were +by themselves. "Isn't it just splendid! I wanted to get up a +<a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a>banquet, only there's nothing much on which to bank——"</p> + +<p>"Alice, dear—such slang!" reproved Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, better days are coming," said the actor. "At last I have +a part just suited to me—one of the best for which I have ever been +cast. It's with the 'A Matter of Friendship' company, and we open in +about three weeks at the New Columbia. I feel sure I'll make a hit, +and the play is a very good one—I may say a fine one."</p> + +<p>"And you open in three weeks, you say, Dad?" asked Ruth, +thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Yes; or, rather, in two weeks from to-night. There are two weeks' +rehearsals. But what—oh, I see. You mean there won't be any money +coming in for three weeks—or until after the play has run a week. +Well, never mind. I dare say we will manage somehow. I can likely get +an advance on my salary. I'll see. And now for lunch. I'm as hungry +as a stranded road company. What have you?"</p> + +<p>"Not so very much," confessed Ruth. "I was hoping——"</p> + +<p>There came a knock at the door.</p> + +<p>"Come!" invited Mr. DeVere, and Russ appeared.</p> + +<p>"Excuse this interruption," the young mov<a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a>ing picture operator began, +"but mother sent over to ask if you wouldn't take dinner with us. We +have a big one. We expected my uncle and aunt, and they've +disappointed us. Do come!"</p> + +<p>Alice and Ruth looked at each other. Then they glanced up at their +father, who regarded them thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know," began the actor, slowly. "I—er——"</p> + +<p>"Mother will be disappointed if you don't come," urged Russ. "She has +chicken and biscuit for dinner, and she rather prides herself on it. +The dinner will be spoiled if it isn't eaten hot—especially the +biscuit, so she'll take it as a favor if you'll come over, and take +the places of my uncle and aunt. Do come!" and he looked earnestly at +Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you say, girls? Shall we accept of our neighbor's +hospitality?" asked Mr. DeVere.</p> + +<p>"Please do!" exclaimed Alice, in a tense whisper. "You know we +haven't got a decent thing to eat in the ice box, and that +delicatessen stuff——"</p> + +<p>"Alice!" chided Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's the truth!" insisted the merry girl, her brown eyes +dancing with mischief. "Russ <a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a>knows we aren't millionaires, and with +papa out of an engagement so long—oh, chicken! Come on. I haven't +tasted any in so long——"</p> + +<p>"Alice—dear!" objected Ruth, sharply. "You mustn't mind her, Russ," +she went on, rather embarrassed.</p> + +<p>"I don't," he laughed. "But if you'll all come I'll promise you some +of the best chicken you ever tasted. And mother's hot biscuits in the +chicken gravy——"</p> + +<p>"Don't you say another word, Russ Dalwood!" interrupted Alice. "We're +coming!"</p> + +<p>"I—I think we will," agreed Mr. DeVere, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>Thus was his new engagement fittingly celebrated.</p> + +<p>The memory of that chicken dinner lingered long with the DeVere +family. For though there was daylight ahead there were dark and +dreary days to be lived through.</p> + +<p>As usual in theatrical companies, no salaries were paid while "A +Matter of Friendship" was being rehearsed. Neither Mr. DeVere, nor +any of the company, received any money for those two weeks of hard +work. Those actors or actresses who had nothing put by lived as best +they could on the charity of others. It was indeed "a matter of +friendship" that some of <a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>them lived at all. And for a week after the +play opened they could expect nothing. Then if the play should be a +failure——</p> + +<p>But no one liked to think of that.</p> + +<p>The rehearsals went on, and the play was going to be a great success, +according to Mr. DeVere. But then he always said that. What actor has +not?</p> + +<p>How he and his family lived those two weeks none but themselves knew. +They had pawned all they dared, until their flat was quite bare of +needed comforts. Tradesmen were insistent, and one man in particular +threatened to have Mr. DeVere arrested if his bill was not paid. But +it was out of the question to meet it. What little money was on hand +was needed for food, and there was little enough of that.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere did negotiate some small loans, but not enough to afford +permanent relief. Perhaps motherly Mrs. Dalwood suspected, or Russ +may have hinted at their neighbors' straits, for many a nourishing +dish was sent to Ruth and Alice, on the plea that there was more of +it than Mrs. Dalwood and her sons could eat.</p> + +<p>There were more invitations from the Dalwoods to dinner or supper, +but Mr. DeVere was proud, and declined, though in the most +delightfully polite way.<a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a></p> + +<p>"I—I don't see how he can refuse, when he knows we are really +hungry!" sighed Alice.</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't want him to be a beggar; would you?" flashed Ruth.</p> + +<p>"No. But it's awfully hard; isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"It is. Too bad they don't pay for rehearsals. And there'll be +another full week! Oh, Alice, I wish there was something we could do +to earn money!"</p> + +<p>"So do I! But what is there?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Oh, dear!"</p> + +<p>They sat in the gloaming—silent, waiting for their father to come +home.</p> + +<p>"There's his step!" exclaimed Ruth, jumping up.</p> + +<p>"Yes—but," said Alice, in puzzled, frightened tones, "it—it doesn't +sound like him, somehow. How—how slowly he walks! Oh, I hope nothing +has happened!"</p> + +<p>"Happened? How could there?" asked Ruth, yet with blanched face.</p> + +<p>The door opened, and Mr. DeVere entered. It needed but a glance at +his white face to show that something had happened—something +tragic—and not the tragedy of the theater.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father—Daddy—what is it!" cried Alice, springing to his arms.</p> + +<p>"I—I—my——" Mr. DeVere could hardly <a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a>speak, so hoarse was he. Only +a husky whisper came from his lips.</p> + +<p>"Are you—are you hurt?" cried Ruth. "Shall I get a doctor?"</p> + +<p>"It—it's my voice!" gasped the actor. "It has gone back on me—I +can't speak a word to be heard over the footlights! It's my old +trouble come back!" and he sank weakly into a chair.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV" /><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>DESPONDENCY</h3> + + +<p>Startled and alarmed the two girls hastened to the side of their +father. They flitted helplessly about him for a moment, like pretty, +distressed birds. As for Mr. DeVere, his hand went to his aching +throat as though to clutch the malady that had so suddenly gripped +him, and tear it out. For none realized as keenly as he what the +attack meant. It was as though some enemy had struck at his very +life, for to him his voice was his only means of livelihood.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Father!" gasped Ruth. "What is it? Speak! Tell us! What shall we +do?"</p> + +<p>"It—it's—" but his voice trailed off into a hoarse gurgle, and +signs of distress and pain appeared on his face.</p> + +<p>"Oh, tell us! Tell us!" begged Ruth, clasping her hands, her blue +eyes filling with tears.</p> + +<p>"Can't you see he can't speak!" exclaimed Alice, a bit sharply. She +had a better grasp of the <a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a>situation in this emergency than had her +sister. "Something has happened to him! Was it dust in your throat on +the street?" asked Alice. "Don't answer—wait, Dad! I have some +lozenges. I'll get them for you!"</p> + +<p>She was in and out of her room on the instant, with a box of troches, +one of which she held out to her father. He had not moved since +sinking into the chair, but stared straight ahead—and the future +that he saw was not a pleasant one to contemplate.</p> + +<p>"Take this, Father," begged Alice, slipping her arm about him, as she +sank to the floor at his feet. "This will help your throat. Don't you +remember what a terrible cold I had? These helped me a lot. Take +one!"</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere shook his head slightly, and seemed about to refuse the +lozenge. But a glance at his daughters' worried faces evidently made +him change his mind. He slipped the tablet into his mouth, and then +straightened up in his chair. Whatever happened to him he knew he +must make a brave fight for the sake of the girls. It would not do to +show the white feather before them, even though his heart was quaking +with the terrible fear that had come upon him.</p> + +<p>"What happened, Dad?" asked Ruth. "Can't you tell us? Oh, I am so +worried!"<a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a></p> + +<p>He tried to smile at her, but it was a pathetic attempt. Then, with +an effort, he spoke—so hoarsely that they could barely understand +him.</p> + +<p>"It—it's my voice," he whispered, gratingly. "Some sort of affection +of my vocal chords. You'd better get a doctor. I—I must be better by +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Poor Daddy!" whispered Ruth. "I'll go down stairs and telephone for +Dr. Haldon."</p> + +<p>"No—not him—some—some other physician. We—we haven't paid Dr. +Haldon's bill," said Mr. DeVere quickly, and this time he spoke more +distinctly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you're better!" cried Alice in delight, clapping her hands. "I +knew my medicine would help you, Dad! It's good; isn't it?"</p> + +<p>He nodded and smiled at her, but there was little of conviction in +his manner, had the girls but noticed it.</p> + +<p>"I know just how it is," went on Alice, and her tone did as much as +anything to relieve the strain they were all under. "I caught cold +once, and I got hoarse so suddenly that I was afraid I was going to +be terribly ill. But it passed off in a day or two. Yours will, Dad!"</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere tried to act as though he believed it, but there was a +despondent look on his face.<a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a></p> + +<p>"I'll slip over and ask Mrs. Dalwood the name of a good doctor," +offered Alice. "It's too bad we can't pay Dr. Haldon, but we will as +soon as we can. Mrs. Dalwood may know of a good throat specialist +nearby."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you had better go," said Mr. DeVere in a low voice. "I must be +able to go on with the rehearsals to-morrow."</p> + +<p>Alice fairly flew across the hall, and the tragic little story was +soon told. Mrs. Dalwood, fortunately, did know of a good doctor in +the vicinity. He had attended Billy several times, and, while not +exactly a throat specialist, was to be depended upon.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll go downstairs and telephone for him," said Alice. "Poor +daddy is so worried."</p> + +<p>"I'll go over and see what I can do," volunteered Mrs. Dalwood. "I +have an old-fashioned cough medicine I used for the children."</p> + +<p>She took a bottle with her as she slipped across the hall to the flat +of her neighbors. Russ went with her, anxious to do what he could.</p> + +<p>But Mr. DeVere shook his head as the bottle of simple home remedy was +proffered.</p> + +<p>"Thank you very much, Mrs. Dalwood," he said hoarsely. "It is very +kind of you, but I'm afraid to try it. I have had this trouble +before, and——"<a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a></p> + +<p>"You have, Father?" cried Ruth in surprise. "You never told us about +it."</p> + +<p>"I will—after the doctor comes," he said in a low voice.</p> + +<p>Alice came back from using the telephone of the neighbor on the floor +below to say that Dr. Rathby would soon be over.</p> + +<p>"And then we'll have you all right again, Daddy!" she said, and the +merry, laughing light that had disappeared came back into her eyes.</p> + +<p>It was rather anxious waiting for the physician, but when he came his +cheery, breezy presence seemed to fill them all with hope. He took +Mr. DeVere into a room by himself, and made a careful examination. +The girls could hear the young doctor's sharp, quick questioning, and +their father's hoarse, mumbled replies. Then followed a period of +nervous silence, broken by more talk.</p> + +<p>Presently physician and patient came out Dr. Rathby looked serious, +but he tried to smile. Mr. DeVere looked serious—but he did not +smile. That was the difference.</p> + +<p>"Well?" asked Ruth, with a sharp intaking of her breath.</p> + +<p>"Nothing serious—at least, so far," was the doctor's verdict. "I +think we have taken it in time. There is considerable inflammation of +the <a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a>vocal chords, and they have suffered a partial paralysis."</p> + +<p>"As bad as that?" gasped Alice.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that isn't half as bad as it sounds!" laughed Dr. Rathby. "I +have had cases worse than this. Now, I'll leave you some medicine to +be used in an atomizer, as a spray, Mr. DeVere, and I want you—in +fact as a doctor I order you—to speak as little as possible. Don't +use your voice at all, if you can help it—at least not for several +days."</p> + +<p>He turned to write a prescription, but was startled at the hoarse cry +of expostulation from Mr. DeVere.</p> + +<p>"But, doctor!" exclaimed the actor, "I—I——"</p> + +<p>"There, now, I told you not to speak!" chided the physician, with +upraised finger.</p> + +<p>"But I have to! I'm an actor—I'm rehearsing a new part. I must use +my voice! It's imperative!"</p> + +<p>The doctor seemed startled.</p> + +<p>"An actor," he said in low tones. "You did not tell me that. I did +not understand ... Hm! Yes!"</p> + +<p>He thought deeply for a moment.</p> + +<p>"You could not take a rest for a week?" he asked.<a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a></p> + +<p>"A week? No! I have been 'resting' enough weeks as it is. I must go +on with this. I've had it before. It has passed away. Can't you give +me something that will enable me to go on—some medicine that will +act quickly? I must be at rehearsal to-morrow."</p> + +<p>The doctor shrugged his shoulders as though to clear himself from all +blame.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you have to—you have to, I suppose," he said. "I +understand. I can give you an astringent mixture that will shrink the +chords, and may relieve some of the inflammation. It may enable you +to go on—but at the risk of permanent injury to your throat."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" exclaimed both girls.</p> + +<p>"Never mind!" responded Mr. DeVere, hoarsely. "I—I must risk the +future for the sake of the present. I cannot give up this engagement. +I must keep on with the rehearsals. Give me something speedy, if you +please, Doctor. I'll—I'll have to take the chance."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry," spoke Dr. Rathby. "But of course I understand. I have a +mixture that some singers have used with good effect. I'll try it on +you. You can use it several times to-night, and on your way to +rehearsal stop in at my office in the morning, and I'll swab out your +throat. That may help some."<a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, Doctor. You don't know what this means to me. I—I +feel better already."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid it's only temporary relief," returned the physician. "But +there. Don't worry. Get that filled and see what effect it has. Then +come and see me in the morning."</p> + +<p>He wrote the prescription and hurried away, nodding to the girls.</p> + +<p>"I'll get it filled," offered Ruth, and she could hardly keep back a +sigh as she looked at the scanty supply of money in the household +purse. As she was going out to the drug store she met Russ in the +hallway.</p> + +<p>"Is he any better?" the young moving picture operator asked.</p> + +<p>"I think so," answered Ruth. "But isn't it too bad? Just when +everything looked so bright."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, it will come out all right, I'm sure," spoke Russ. "Don't +you want to come to see our show to-night? We've got some fine +pictures. I'm going down a little early to get the reels in shape."</p> + +<p>"We very seldom go to the 'movies,'" answered Ruth. "Though I have +seen some I liked."</p> + +<p>"We have some fine ones," went on Russ.<a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a></p> + +<p>"Better come on down. I'll get you a pass in!" and he laughed +genially.</p> + +<p>"Not this time," answered Ruth gently. "I must get back and help +Alice look after my father. Thank you."</p> + +<p>She left him at the corner, and he passed on whistling softly and +thinking of many things.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere seemed better when Ruth got back with the medicine. And +when his throat was sprayed he could talk with less effort. But his +tones were still very husky, and it was evident that unless there was +a great improvement in the morning he would hardly be able to go to +rehearsal.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad the show doesn't open until next week," he said with a +smile. "I'd never be able to make myself heard beyond the first three +rows. But I'll surely be better by the time we open."</p> + +<p>"What did you mean by saying you had this same trouble before, Dad?" +asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"Well, it did come on me last summer, when I was taking my little +vacation," he replied. "It wasn't quite as bad as this, though."</p> + +<p>"You never told us," accused Ruth.</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't want to worry you. It passed over, and I'm sure this +will."</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere spoke little the next morning.<a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a> Perhaps he did not want +his daughters to know how very hoarse his voice was. He left for the +doctor's before going to the theater, and most anxiously did the +girls await his return.</p> + +<p>"There he is!" exclaimed Ruth at length, late that afternoon.</p> + +<p>"But he's earlier than usual!" said Alice. "I wonder——"</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere fairly staggered into the room. His face was white as he +sank into a chair Alice pushed forward.</p> + +<p>"Daddy!" exclaimed the girls.</p> + +<p>He shook his head mournfully.</p> + +<p>"It—it's no use!" he said, and they could barely make out his words. +"My voice failed completely. I—I had to give up the rehearsal," and +he covered his face with his hands.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V" /><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>REPLACED</h3> + + +<p>For a few moments the two girls said nothing. They simply stood +there, looking at their father, who was bowed with grief. It was +something new for him—a strange rôle, for usually he was so jolly +and happy—going about reciting odd snatches from the plays in which +he had taken part.</p> + +<p>"Does—does it hurt you, Daddy?" asked Ruth softly, as she stepped +closer to him, and put her hand on his shoulder.</p> + +<p>He raised himself with an effort, and seemed to shake off the gloom +that held him prisoner.</p> + +<p>"No—no," he answered in queer, croaking tones, so different from his +usual deep and vibrant ones. "That's the odd part of it. I have no +real pain. It isn't sore at all—just a sort of numbness."</p> + +<p>"Did it come on suddenly?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"Well, it did yesterday—very suddenly. But <a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>this time I was hoarse +when I started to rehearse and it kept getting worse until I couldn't +be heard ten feet away. Of course it was no use to go on then, so the +stage manager called me off."</p> + +<p>"Then he'll wait until you're better?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>Her father shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"He'll wait until to-morrow, at any rate," was the hesitating answer.</p> + +<p>"Didn't going to the doctor's office help any?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"For a few minutes—yes. But as soon as I got to the theater I was as +bad as ever. I had some of his spray with me, too, but it did little +good. I think I must see him again. I'll go to his office now."</p> + +<p>"No, he must come here!" insisted Ruth. "You shouldn't take any +chances going out in the air, Father, even though it is a warm spring +day. Let him come here. I'll go telephone."</p> + +<p>She was out into the hall before he could remonstrate, had he had the +energy to do it. But Mr. DeVere seemed incapable of thinking for +himself, now that this trouble had come upon him.</p> + +<p>Dr. Rathby came a little later. He had a cheery, confident air that +was good for the mind, if not for the body.<a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a></p> + +<p>"Well, how goes it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Not—very well," was Mr. DeVere's hoarse reply.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid you'll have to do as I suggested and take a complete +rest," went on the doctor. "That's the only thing for these cases. +I'll take another look at you."</p> + +<p>The examination of the throat was soon over.</p> + +<p>"Hum!" mused the physician. "Well, Mr. DeVere, I can tell you one +thing. If you keep on talking and rehearsing, you won't have any +voice at all by the end of the week."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried the girls, together.</p> + +<p>"Now, don't be frightened," went on the doctor quickly, seeing their +alarm. "This may not be at all serious. There is a good chance of Mr. +DeVere getting his voice back; but I confess I see little hope of it +at the present time. At any rate he must give himself absolute rest, +and not use his voice—even to talk to you girls," and he smiled at +them.</p> + +<p>"I know that is going to be hard," the doctor went on; "but it must +be done sir, it must be done."</p> + +<p>"Impossible!" murmured Mr. DeVere. "It cannot be!"</p> + +<p>"It must be, my dear sir. Your vocal chords are in such shape that +the least additional strain <a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a>may permanently injure them. As it is +now—you have a chance."</p> + +<p>"Only a chance did you say?" asked the actor, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, only a chance. It would be cruel to deceive you, and try to +tell you that this is only temporary, and will pass off. It may, but +it is sure to come back again, unless you give your throat an +absolute rest."</p> + +<p>"For—for how long?"</p> + +<p>"I can't say—six months—maybe a year—maybe——"</p> + +<p>"A year! Why, Doctor, I never could do that."</p> + +<p>"You may have to. You can speak now, but if you keep on you will get +to the point where you will be next to absolutely dumb!"</p> + +<p>The girls caught their breaths in sharp gasps. Even Mr. DeVere seemed +unnerved.</p> + +<p>"It may seem harsh to say this to you," went on Dr. Rathby, "but it +is the kindest in the end. Rest is what you need."</p> + +<p>"Then I can't go to rehearsal in the morning?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not. I must forbid it as your physician. Can't you get a +few days off?"</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Aren't there such things as understudies?<a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a> Seems to me I have heard +of them," persisted the physician.</p> + +<p>"I—I wouldn't like to have to put one on," said the actor.</p> + +<p>His daughters knew the reason. Times were but little better than they +had been in the theatrical business. Many good men and women, too, +were out of engagements, and every available part was quickly snapped +up. Mr. DeVere had waited long enough for this opening, and now to +have to put on an understudy when the play was on the eve of opening, +might mean the loss of his chances. Theatrical managers were +uncertain at best, and an actor in an important part, with a voice +that would not carry beyond the first few rows, was out of the +question.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere knew this as well as did his daughters.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what I'll do," went on Dr. Rathby. "I'll speak to your +manager myself. I'll explain how things are, and say it is imperative +that you have one or two days of rest. It may be that your chords +will clear up enough in that time so that I can treat them better and +you can resume your duties."</p> + +<p>"Will you do that?" cried the actor, eagerly. "It will be awfully +good of you. Just say to Mr. Gans Cross—he's the manager of the New<a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a> +Columbia theater—that I will be back in two days—less, if you will +allow me, Doctor."</p> + +<p>The physician shook his head.</p> + +<p>"It must be at least two days," he said, and he went off to +telephone, promising to come back as soon as he could.</p> + +<p>He did return, later in the evening, with a new remedy of which he +said he had heard from a fellow doctor.</p> + +<p>"What did Mr. Cross say?" Mr. DeVere asked eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I have good news for you. He agreed to use an understudy for two +days. He said you were letter-perfect in the part, anyway, and it was +the others who really needed the rehearsing. So now we have two full +days in which to do our best. And in that time I want you to talk the +deaf and dumb language," laughed Dr. Rathby.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere eagerly promised.</p> + +<p>Then began a two-days' warfare against the throat ailment. Ruth and +Alice were untiring in attendance on their father. They saw to it +that he used the medicine faithfully, and they even got pads and +pencils that he might write messages to them instead of speaking.</p> + +<p>On his part the actor was faithful. He did not use his voice at all, +and on the second day<a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a> Dr. Rathby said there was some improvement. He +was not very enthusiastic, however, and when Mr. DeVere asked if he +could attend rehearsals next day the doctor said:</p> + +<p>"Well, it's a risk, but I know how you feel about it. You may try it; +but, frankly, I am fearful of the outcome."</p> + +<p>"I—I've got to try," whispered Mr. DeVere.</p> + +<p>He went to the rehearsal, and the worst fears of the physician were +realized. After the first act Mr. DeVere was hoarser than ever +before. The other players could not hear him to get their "cues," or +signals when to reply, and come on the stage. The rehearsal had to be +stopped. There was a hasty conference between the manager of the +company and the treasurer of the same.</p> + +<p>"The play will have to open on time," said the manager.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we've had a big advance sale," replied the treasurer.</p> + +<p>"And DeVere can't do it."</p> + +<p>"No. I'll have to put his understudy in until we can cast someone +else. I'll tell him."</p> + +<p>The actor must have guessed what was coming, for he was washing off +his make-up in the dressing-room when the manager entered.</p> + +<p>"I'm awfully sorry about this, DeVere," be<a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>gan Mr. Cross. "But I'm +afraid you won't be able to go on Monday night."</p> + +<p>"No, Mr. Cross, I myself am of the same opinion. My voice has failed +me utterly."</p> + +<p>"And yet—and yet—you understand how it is. We must open on time."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know. The show must go on—the show must go on."'</p> + +<p>"And the only way——"</p> + +<p>"Is to replace me. I know. You can't help it, Mr. Cross. I know just +how it is. It isn't your fault—it's my misfortune. I thank you for +your patience. You'll have to—to replace me. It's the only thing to +do. And yet," he added so softly that the manager did not hear "what +am I to do? What are my daughters to do?"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI" /><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>A NEW PROPOSITION</h3> + + +<p>There was no need for Ruth and Alice to ask their father what had +happened. One look at his ashen face when he came home from the +theater was enough.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Daddy!" cried Alice. "Couldn't you make it go?"</p> + +<p>He answered with a shake of the head. The strain of the rehearsal had +pained him.</p> + +<p>"Did—did they put in someone else?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I'm out of it for good—at least for this engagement."</p> + +<p>"The mean things!" burst out Alice "I think that Mr. Cross is rightly +named. I wish I could tell him so, too!"</p> + +<p>"Alice!" reproved Ruth, gently.</p> + +<p>"I don't care!" cried the younger girl, her brown eyes sparkling. +"The idea of not waiting a few days with their show until papa was +better; and he the leading man, too."</p> + +<p>"They couldn't wait, Alice, my dear," ex<a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a>plained Mr. DeVere. "Cross +did all he could for me, and allowed me two days. But it is out of +the question. Dr. Rathby was right. I need a long rest—and I guess +I'll have to take it whether I want to or not."</p> + +<p>Then, seeing the anxious looks on the faces of his daughters, he went +on, in more cheerful, though in no less husky tones:</p> + +<p>"Now don't worry, girls. There'll be some way out of this. If I can't +act I can do something else. I'm well and strong, for which I must be +thankful. I'm not ill and, aside from my voice, nothing is the +matter. I'll look for a place doing something else beside stage work, +until my voice is restored. Then I'll take up my profession again. +Come, there is nothing to worry about."</p> + +<p>There was—a-plenty; but he chose to ignore it for the time being. He +knew, as well as did the girls, that there was little money left, and +that pressing bills must soon be met. Added to them, now, would be +one from the physician and Mr. DeVere would need more medical +attention.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to start out, the first thing in the morning, and look for +a place," went on the actor.<a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, but you must be careful of your voice," said Alice. "If you +don't you may harm it permanently."</p> + +<p>"Oh I'll be careful," her father promised. "I'll take along a pad and +pencil, and pretend to be dumb. But I'll speak if it's absolutely +necessary. Now that there is no particular object in holding myself +for the place in 'A Matter of Friendship,' and with the strain of +rehearsal over, I won't be so afraid of talking. Yes, in the morning +I'll start out."</p> + +<p>"I wish we could start out," said Alice to Ruth in the latter's room, +later that night. "Why can't we do something to earn money?"</p> + +<p>"We may have to—if it comes to that," agreed Ruth. "There are some +bills that must be paid or——"</p> + +<p>"Or what, Sister?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind, don't you worry. Perhaps it will come out all right, +after all. Father may get a place. He knows many persons in the +theatrical business, and if he can't get behind the footlights he may +get a place in front—in the box office, or something like that."</p> + +<p>"Fancy poor father, with all his talents as an actor, taking tickets, +though!"</p> + +<p>"Well, it will be a humiliation, of course,"<a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a> agreed Ruth. "But what +can be done? We have to live."</p> + +<p>"Oh, if only I were a boy!" cried Alice, with a flash of her brown +eyes. "I'd do something then!"</p> + +<p>"What would you do?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"I—I'd turn the crank of a moving picture machine if I couldn't get +anything else to do. Look at Russ—he earns good money at the +business."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know. But we can't be boys, Alice."</p> + +<p>"No—more's the pity. But I'm going to do something!"</p> + +<p>"What, Alice? Nothing rash, I hope," said the older sister, quickly. +"You know father—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't worry. I won't cause any sensation. But I'm going to do +something. There's no use in two strong, healthy girls sitting +around, and letting poor old daddy, with a voice like a crow's, doing +all the work and worrying."</p> + +<p>"No, I agree with you, and if there is anything I could do I'd do +it."</p> + +<p>"That's it!" exclaimed Alice, petulantly. "Girls ought to be brought +up able to do something so they could earn their living if they had +to, instead of sitting around doing embroidery <a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a>or tinkling on the +piano. I wouldn't know even how to clerk in a store if I had to."</p> + +<p>"I hope you won't have to, Alice."</p> + +<p>"So do I. I shouldn't like it, but there are worse things than that. +I know what I am going to do, though."</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to look through the advertisements in the paper to-morrow, +and start out after the most promising places."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Alice!"</p> + +<p>"Well, what else is there to be done?" asked the younger girl, +fiercely. "We've got to live. We've got to have a place to stay, and +we've got to pay the bills that are piling up. Can you think of +anything else to do?"</p> + +<p>"No, but something may—turn up."</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to wait for it. I'm not like Mr. Micawber. I'm going +out and turn up something for myself. There's one thing I can do, and +that's manicure. I could get a place at that, maybe," and Alice +looked at her pretty and well-kept nails, while Ruth glanced at her +own hands.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, you do that nicely. But isn't it—er—rather common?"</p> + +<p>"All work is 'common,' I suppose. It's also common to starve—but I'm +not going to do it if<a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a> I can help it. Good-night!" and she flounced +into her own room.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" sighed Ruth. "I wish Alice were not so—so lively" and +she cried softly before she fell asleep.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere was up early the next morning. He seemed more cheerful, +though his voice, if anything, was hoarser and more husky than ever.</p> + +<p>"Here's where I start out to seek my fortune!" he said raspingly, +though cheerfully, after a rather scanty breakfast. "I'll come back +with good news—never fear!"</p> + +<p>He kissed the girls good-bye, and went off with a gay wave of his +hand.</p> + +<p>"Brave daddy!" murmured Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he is brave," said Alice "and we've got to be brave, too."</p> + +<p>"Where are you going?" asked Ruth, as she saw her sister dressing for +the street.</p> + +<p>"Out."</p> + +<p>"Out where? I must know."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you must, I'm going to make the rounds of the manicuring +parlors."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Alice, I hate to have you do it. Some of those places where men +go——"</p> + +<p>"I'm only going to apply at the ladies' parlors."<a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, well, I—I suppose it's the only thing to do."</p> + +<p>"And if worse comes to worst!" cried Alice, gaily, "I'll get some +orange-sticks and we'll stew them for soup. It can't be much worse +than boot-leg consomme."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Alice!" cried Ruth. "You are hopeless."</p> + +<p>"Hopeless—but not—helpless! <i>Auf Wiedersehen!</i>"</p> + +<p>But in spite of her gay laugh as she closed the hall door after her, +Alice DeVere's face wore a look of despondency. She knew how little +chance she stood in New York—in big New York.</p> + +<p>And perhaps it was this despondent look that caused Russ Dalwood to +utter an exclamation as he met her down at the street door of the +apartment house.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" Alice replied to his startled ejaculation. "Is +my hat on crooked; or did one of my feathers get into your eye? +Foolish styles; aren't they?"</p> + +<p>"No—nothing like that; only you looked—say, Alice, has anything +happened?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Russ, there is something the matter," replied Alice, frankly. +"Do you know of any<a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>body who wants a young lady to do anything—that +a young lady, such as I, could do?"</p> + +<p>He laughed.</p> + +<p>"I'm serious," she said, and a glance at her pretty face confirmed +this. There was a resolute look in her brown eyes.</p> + +<p>"Are you looking for work?" Russ asked.</p> + +<p>"I am. I was thinking of trying to be a manicurist——"</p> + +<p>He made a gesture of disapproval.</p> + +<p>"Well, what can I do? I must do something. Poor daddy's voice has +failed utterly. He can't take his new part in the play unless he does +it in pantomime, and I'm afraid that would hardly be the thing. He +simply can't speak his lines, though he can act them."</p> + +<p>"That's too bad," said Russ, sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"So they had to get another actor in his place," went on Alice, "and +poor father has started out to look for something else to do. That's +my errand this morning, also."</p> + +<p>Russ was in deep thought for a moment. Then he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I have it!"</p> + +<p>"What? A place for me?" demanded Alice. "Tell me at once, and I'll +hurry there."</p> + +<p>"No, Alice, not a place for you; but a place <a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>for your father. You +say he can't speak, but he can act?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then the movies is the very place for him! He won't have to say a +word—just move his lips. He can act parts in photoplays as well as +if he never had a voice. I just thought of it. It will be the very +thing he can do. Say, I'm glad I met you. We must get busy with this +at once.</p> + +<p>"Come on! I'm on my way now to see about my new patent, and I can +take you to the manager of the film company. I know him well. I'm +sure he'll give your father a place in the company, and it pays well. +If Mr. DeVere can't act at the New Columbia he can in the movies! +Come on!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII" /><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>ALICE CHANGES HER MIND</h3> + + +<p>Filled with enthusiasm over his new project for aiding Mr. DeVere, +Russ Dalwood caught Alice by the hand, and guided her steps with his. +She had been about to turn off at a corner, to carry out her +intention of seeking employment in one of the many manicure parlors +on a certain street. Now she hesitated.</p> + +<p>"Well," asked Russ, impatiently, "don't you like the idea?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's fine—it's splendid of you!" Alice replied, with fervor, +"but you know——"</p> + +<p>She hesitated, her cheeks taking on a more ruddy hue. There was an +uncertain look in her brown eyes.</p> + +<p>"Well, what?" asked Russ, smilingly. "Surely you don't mind going +with me to the manager's office? It's a public place. Lots of girls +go there, looking for engagements."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, it isn't that!" she hastened to assure him.<a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a></p> + +<p>"Or, if you don't like going with me, I can give you a note to Mr. +Pertell, the manager. I know him quite well, as I've been negotiating +with him about my patent."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Russ, you know it isn't that!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"And, if you like, we'll go back and get Ruth. Maybe that would be +better!" he exclaimed eagerly, and as Alice looked into his honest +gray eyes she read his little secret, and smiled at him +understandingly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, never that!" she cried gaily. "Ruth would be the last one in the +world to be let into this secret, until it is more assured of +success. Besides, I guess when you walk with Ruth you don't want me," +she challenged.</p> + +<p>"Oh, now——" he began.</p> + +<p>"That's all right. I understand," she laughed at him. "No, we won't +tell Ruth."</p> + +<p>"Then you'll go and see the manager—I know he'll give your father a +trial, and that's all that's needed, for I'm sure he can do the +acting. And they're always looking for new characters. Come on!"</p> + +<p>Once more, in his enthusiasm, he tried to lead her down the street. +But she hung back.</p> + +<p>"No, really, Russ," she said earnestly enough now, and her eyes took +on a more grave and <a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a>serious look. "It isn't that. It's only—well, I +might as well tell you, though it may be rather mean after your +kindness. But my father thinks the movies are so—so vulgar! +There—I've said it."</p> + +<p>She looked at her companion anxiously. To her surprise Russ laughed.</p> + +<p>"So, you were afraid of hurting my feelings; were you?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she answered, in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"Nothing like that!" he assured her. "I've heard worse things than +that said about the movies. But I want to tell you that you're wrong, +and, with all due respect to him, your father is wrong too. There's +nothing vulgar or low about the movies—except the price."</p> + +<p>He was becoming really enthusiastic now. His voice rang, and his eyes +sparkled.</p> + +<p>"I'm not saying that because I make my living at them, either," Russ +went on. "It's because it's true. The moving picture shows were once, +perhaps, places where nice persons didn't go. But it's different now. +All that has been changed. Why, look at Sarah Bernhardt, doing her +famous plays before the camera? Even Andrew Carnegie consented to +give one of his speeches in front of the camera, with a phonograph +attachment, the other day."<a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a></p> + +<p>"Did he, really?" cried Alice.</p> + +<p>"He certainly did. And a lot of the best actors and actresses in this +and other countries aren't ashamed to be seen in the movies. They're +glad to do it, and glad to get the money, too, I guess," he added, +with a grin.</p> + +<p>"I think it would be the very thing for your father. Of course, if +his voice had held out he might like it better to be an actor on the +real stage. But in the movies he won't have to talk. He'll just have +to act. Then, when his voice gets better, as I hope it will, he can +take up the legitimate again."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know his heart is set on that!" exclaimed Alice.</p> + +<p>"But don't you think he'd consider this?" asked Russ. He was very +anxious to help—Alice could tell that.</p> + +<p>"I—I'm afraid he wouldn't," confessed the girl. "He thinks the +movies too common. I know, for I've heard him say so many times."</p> + +<p>"They're not common!" defended Russ, sturdily. "The moving pictures +are getting better and better all the while. Of course some poor +films are shown, but they're gradually being done away with. The +board of censorship is becoming more strict.</p> + +<p>"Common! Why do you know that it costs <a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>as much as $20,000, +sometimes, to stage one of the big plays—one with lots of outdoor +scenes in it, burning buildings, railroad accidents made to order, +and all that."</p> + +<p>"Really?" cried Alice, her eyes now shining with excitement.</p> + +<p>"That's right!" exclaimed Russ. "I'm just at the beginning of the +business. I've learned the projecting end of it so far. Almost anyone +can put the film in the machine, switch on the light, get the right +focus and turn the handle. But it's harder to film a real drama with +lots of excitement in it—outdoor stuff—cattle stampeded—the sports +of cowboys—a fake Indian fight; it takes lots of grit to stand up in +front of an oncoming troop of horsemen, and snap them until they get +so close you can see the whites of their eyes. Then if they turn at +the right time—well and good. But if there's a slip, and they ride +into you—good-night! Excuse my slang," he added, hastily.</p> + +<p>"Did that ever happen?" she asked, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Well, if not that, something near enough like it. I've heard the +operators—those who take the negatives—tell of 'em many a time. +That's what I'm going to be soon—a taker of the moving picture plays +instead of just projecting them on the screen. Mr. Pertell has +promised to give me a <a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>chance. He's organizing some new companies.</p> + +<p>"Just as soon as I get my patent perfected he's promised to put it on +his machines. Then I'm going with his company."</p> + +<p>"Did you hear any more about that man you say tried to steal your +invention?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"Who, Simp Wolley? Oh, yes, he's been sneaking around after me, and I +told him what I thought of him. He's got another fellow in with +him—Bud Brisket—and he's about the same type. But I'm not going to +worry about it."</p> + +<p>"Don't be too confident," warned Alice. "I've heard of many inventors +whose patents were gotten away from them."</p> + +<p>"Thanks, I'll be careful. But just now I'm interested in getting your +father to take up this work. I know he'll like it, once he tries it. +Won't you come and see the manager? I'm sure he'll give your father a +trial."</p> + +<p>Alice stood in deep thought for a moment. Then with a little gesture, +as though putting the past behind her, she exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Yes, Russ, I will, and I thank you! I told Ruth I was going to do +something, and I am. If father can get an engagement I won't have to +go to work. Not that I'm ashamed to work—I love it!" she added +hastily. "But I wouldn't like to be a public manicurist, and that's +the only <a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a>situation that seemed open to me. I will go see your +manager, Russ, and I'll do my best to get father to take up this +work. It's quite different from what I thought it was."</p> + +<p>"I knew you'd say that," chuckled Russ. "Come on."</p> + +<p>"What would Ruth say if she saw me now?" Alice asked, as she and Russ +walked off together. "She would certainly think I was defying all +conventionality."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry." Russ advised her. "It's the sensible thing to do. And +I'll explain to Ruth, too."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I believe you could explain to anyone!" Alice declared with +enthusiasm. "You've made it so clear and different to me. But how do +they make moving pictures?"</p> + +<p>"You'll soon see," he answered. "We're going to one of the film +studios now. This is about the time they begin to make the scenes. +It's very interesting."</p> + +<p>Soon they found themselves before a rather bare brick building. It +had nothing of the look of a theater about it. There were no gaudy +lithographs out in front, no big frames with the pictures of the +actors and actresses, or of scenes from the plays. There was no box +office—no tiled foyer. It might have been a factory. Alice's <a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a>face +must have shown the surprise she felt, for Russ said:</p> + +<p>"This is where the films are made. It's all business here. They make +the inside scenes here—anything from the interior of a miner's shack +to a ballroom in a king's palace. Of course, for outside scenes they +go wherever the scenery best suits the story of the play. And here +the film negatives are developed, and duplicate positives made for +the projecting machines. This is Mr. Pertell's principal factory."</p> + +<p>"Fancy a play-factory!" exclaimed Alice.</p> + +<p>"That's exactly what it is—a play-factory," agreed Russ. "Come on +in."</p> + +<p>If Alice was surprised at the exterior appearance of the building the +interior was more bewildering. They passed rapidly through the +departments devoted to the mechanical end of the business—where the +films were developed and printed. Russ promised to show her more of +that later.</p> + +<p>"We'll go right up to the theatre studio," he said.</p> + +<p>Alice looked about the big room, that seemed filled with all sorts of +scenery, parts of buildings, rustic bridges—in short, all sorts of +"props." She had been behind the scenes often in some of the plays in +which her father took part, so this was <a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a>not startlingly new to her. +Yet it was different from the usual theatre.</p> + +<p>And such strange "business" seemed going on. There were men and women +going through plays—Alice could tell that, but the odd part of it +was that in one section of the room what seemed a tragedy in a +mountain log cabin was being enacted; while, not ten feet away, was a +parlor scene, showing men in evening dress, and women in ball +costumes, gliding through the mazes of a waltz. Next to this was a +scene representing a counterfeiter's den in some low cellar, with the +police breaking through the door with drawn revolvers, to capture the +criminals.</p> + +<p>And in front of these varied scenes stood a battery of queer +cameras—moving picture cameras, looking like flat fig boxes with a +tube sticking out, and a handle on one side, at which earnest-faced +young men were vigorously clicking.</p> + +<p>And, off to one side, stood several men in their shirt sleeves +superintending the performances. They gave many directions.</p> + +<p>"No, not that way! When you faint, fall good and hard, Miss +Pennington!"</p> + +<p>"Hurry now, Mr. Switzer; get in some of that funny business! Look +funny; don't act as though this was your funeral!"<a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a></p> + +<p>"Come on there Mr. Bunn; this isn't 'Hamlet.' You needn't stalk about +that way. There's no grave in this!"</p> + +<p>"Hold on, there! Cut that part out. Stop the camera; that will have +to be done over. There's no life in it!"</p> + +<p>And so it went on, in the glaring light that filtered in through the +roof, composed wholly of skylights, while a battery of arc lamps, in +addition, on some of the scenes, poured out their hissing glare to +make the taking of the negatives more certain.</p> + +<p>Alice was enthralled by it all. She stood close to Russ's side, +clasping his arm. Many of the men engaged in taking the pictures knew +the young operator, and nodded to him in friendly fashion, as they +hurried about. Some of the actors and actresses, too, bowed to the +young fellow and smiled. He seemed a general favorite.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it wonderful?" whispered Alice. "I had no idea the making of a +moving picture was anything like this!"</p> + +<p>"I thought you'd change your mind," replied Russ, with a laugh. "But +you haven't seen half of it yet. Here comes Mr. Pertell now. I'll +speak to him about your father."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII" /><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>"PAY YOUR RENT, OR——"</h3> + + +<p>Alice liked the appearance of Mr. Pertell, manager of the Comet Film +Company, from her first glimpse of him. He seemed so sturdy, kind and +wholesome. He was in his shirt sleeves, and his clothing was in +almost as much disorder as his ruffled hair. But there was a kindly +gleam in his snapping eyes, and a firm look about his mouth that +showed his character.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mr. Pertell, can you spare a moment?" Russ called to him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, hello, Russ; is that you?" was the cordial greeting. "How is the +patent? I could use it if I had it now. Spare a minute? Yes, several +of 'em. They've spoiled that one act and it's got to be done over. I +don't see why they can't do as they're told instead of injecting a +lot of new business into the thing! I've got to sit still <a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a>and do +nothing now for ten minutes while they fix that scene up over again. +Go ahead, Russ—what can I do for you?"</p> + +<p>He sat down on an overturned box, and motioned for Russ and Alice to +occupy adjoining ones. Clearly there was not much ceremony about this +manager. He was like others Alice had observed behind the scenes in +real theatres, except that he did not appear so irascible.</p> + +<p>"This is Miss Alice DeVere," began Russ, "and she has come to you +about her father. He has lost his voice, and she and I think he might +fit in some of your productions, where you don't need any talking."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sometimes the less talking in the movies the better," agreed +Mr. Pertell. "But you do need acting. Can your father act, Miss?"</p> + +<p>"He is Hosmer DeVere," broke in Russ. "He was with the New Columbia +Theatre Company. They were to open in 'A Matter of Friendship,' but +Mr. DeVere's throat trouble made him give it up."</p> + +<p>"Hosmer DeVere! Yes, I've heard of him, and I've seen him act. So he +wants an engagement here; eh?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it isn't exactly that!" interrupted Alice, eagerly. "He—he +doesn't know a thing about it yet."<a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a></p> + +<p>"He doesn't know about it?" repeated the manager, wonderingly.</p> + +<p>"No. He—I—Oh, perhaps you'd better tell him, Russ," she finished.</p> + +<p>"I will," Russ agreed, with a smile. And, while Alice looked at some +of the other dramas being enacted before the clicking eyes of the +cameras, her companion told how it had been planned to overcome the +prejudice of Mr. DeVere and get him to try his art with the "movies."</p> + +<p>Alice was tremendously interested, and looked on with eager eyes as +the actors and actresses enacted their rôles. Some of them spoke, now +and then, as their lines required it, for it has been found that +often audiences can read the lips of the players on the screen. But +there was no need for any loud talking—in fact, no need of any at +all—whispering would have answered. Indeed some actors find that +they can do better work without saying a word—merely using gestures. +Others, who have long been identified with the legitimate drama, find +it hard to break away from the habit of years and speak their lines +aloud.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm sure father would like this," thought Alice. "And he +wouldn't have to use his poor throat at all. I must tell him all +about it."</p> + +<p>She looked at two girls—they did not seem <a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>much older than herself +and Ruth, who were playing a scene in a "society" drama. They were +both pretty, but Alice thought they were rather too flippant in +manner when out of the scene. They laughed and joked with the other +actors, and with the machine men.</p> + +<p>But the latter were too busy focusing their cameras, and getting all +that went on in the scenes, to pay much attention to anything else. +The least slip meant the spoiling of many feet of film, and while +this in itself was not so expensive, it often meant the making of a +whole scene over again at a great cost.</p> + +<p>"Well," Mr. Pertell said at length, "I am greatly interested in Mr. +DeVere. I know him to be a good actor, and I greatly regret his +affliction. I think I can use him in some of these plays. Can he ride +a horse—does he know anything about cowboy life, or miners?" he +asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm sure daddy wouldn't want to do any outdoor plays," the girl +exclaimed. "He is so used to theatrical scenes."</p> + +<p>"Well, I might keep him in "parlor" drama," Mr. Pertell remarked. +"Please tell him to come and see me," he went on. "I would like to +talk to him."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, so much!" returned Alice, grate<a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a>fully. "I shall tell him, +and—well, there's no use saying I'm sure he'll come," she went on +with a shrug of her shoulders. "It's going to be rather difficult to +break this to him. It—it's so—different from what he has been used +to."</p> + +<p>"I can understand," responded Mr. Pertell. "But I think if he +understood he would like it. Tell him to come here and see how we do +things."</p> + +<p>"I will!" Alice promised.</p> + +<p>Russ escorted her to the street, and then, as he had to see about +some changes in the working of his proposed patent, he bade her +good-bye. She said she would find her way home all right.</p> + +<p>"Well?" asked Ruth, as Alice entered the apartment a little later, +"did you do anything rash?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps!" Alice admitted, as she took off her hat, jabbed the pins +in it and tossed it to one chair, while she sank into another.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Alice! You—aren't going to be one of those—manicures; are +you?"</p> + +<p>"I hope not, though there are lots worse things. A manicure can be +just as much a lady as a typist. But, Ruth, I have such news for you! +I have found an engagement for dad!"</p> + +<p>"An engagement for daddy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. In the movies! Listen. Oh, it was so exciting!"<a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a></p> + +<p>Then, with many digressions, and in rather piece-meal manner, +interrupting herself often to go back and emphasize some point she +had forgotten, Alice told of her morning trip with Russ. She enlarged +on the manner in which the moving pictures were made, until Ruth grew +quite excited.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wish I could see how it is done!" she cried.</p> + +<p>"You may—when dad takes this engagement," said Alice.</p> + +<p>"He never will," declared her sister. "You know what he thinks of the +movies."</p> + +<p>"But he thinks wrong!" exclaimed Alice. "It's so different from what +I thought."</p> + +<p>"He'll never consent," repeated Ruth. "Hark! Here he comes now. +Perhaps he has found something to do."</p> + +<p>Footsteps were heard coming along the hallway. Alice glanced at the +table before which her sister was sitting.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Looking over our bills, and trying to make five dollars do the work +of fifteen," answered Ruth, with a wry smile. "Money doesn't stretch +well," she added.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere came in. It needed but a look at his face to show that he +had been unsuccessful, but Ruth could not forbear asking:<a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a></p> + +<p>"Well, Daddy?"</p> + +<p>"No good news," he answered, hoarsely. "I could hardly make myself +understood, and there seem few places where one can labor without +using one's voice. I never appreciated that before."</p> + +<p>"But I have found a place!" cried Alice, with girlish enthusiasm. "I +have a place for you Daddy, where you won't have to speak a word."</p> + +<p>"Where—where is it?" he whispered, and they both noted his pitiful +eagerness.</p> + +<p>"In the movies!" Alice went on. "Oh, it's the nicest place! I've been +there, and the manager——"</p> + +<p>"Not another word!" exclaimed Mr. DeVere. "I never would consent to +acting in the moving pictures. I would not so debase my profession—a +profession honored by Shakespeare. I never would consent to it. The +movies! Never!"</p> + +<p>There was a knock at the door.</p> + +<p>"I'll see who it is," offered Ruth, with a sympathetic glance at +Alice, who seemed distressed. Then, as Ruth saw who it was, she drew +back. "Oh!" she exclaimed, helplessly.</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" asked Mr. DeVere, rising.</p> + +<p>"I've come for the rent!" exclaimed a rasping voice. "This is about +the tenth time, I guess.<a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a> Have you got it?" and a burly man thrust +himself into the room from the hall.</p> + +<p>"The rent—Oh!" murmured Mr. DeVere, helplessly. "Let me see; have we +the rent ready, Ruth?"</p> + +<p>"No," she answered, with a quick glance at the table where she had +been going over the accounts, and where a little pile of bills lay. +"No, we haven't the rent—to-day."</p> + +<p>"And I didn't expect you'd have it," sneered the man. "But I've come +to tell you this. It's either pay your rent or——" He paused +significantly and nodded in the direction of the street.</p> + +<p>"Three days more—this is the final notice," and thrusting a paper +into the nerveless hand of Mr. DeVere, the collector strode out.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX" /><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>MR. DEVERE DECIDES</h3> + + +<p>Mr. DeVere sank into a chair. Ruth looked distressed as her father +glanced over the dispossess notice, for such it was. But on the face +of Alice there was a triumphant smile. For she saw that this was the +very thing needed to arouse her father to action. Despite the +distastefulness of the work, she felt sure he would come finally to +like acting before the camera.</p> + +<p>The collector's call had been very opportune, though it was +embarrassing.</p> + +<p>"This—this," said Mr. DeVere, haltingly—"this is very—er—very +unfortunate. Then we are behind with the rent, Ruth?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Dad. You know I told you——"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose so," he added, with a sigh. "I had forgotten. There +have been so many things——"</p> + +<p>He was lost in thought for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Do we owe much more, Ruth?" he asked.<a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a></p> + +<p>"Quite some, Daddy. But don't worry. You are not well, and——"</p> + +<p>"No, I am not well. I feel very poorly, but it is mainly mental, and +not physical—except for my throat. And even that does not really +hurt. It is only—only that I cannot speak."</p> + +<p>His voice trailed off into a hoarse whisper, which the girls could +barely distinguish.</p> + +<p>"I—I must find something to do," went on the stricken actor. "I'll +go out again this afternoon. Let us have a little lunch and I will +try again. I'll do anything——"</p> + +<p>"Then, Daddy, why don't you let me tell about the moving pictures?" +broke in Alice. "I'm sure——"</p> + +<p>"Alice, dear, you know that isn't in my line," replied her father. +"It is very good of you to suggest it; but it will not do. I could +not bring myself to it——"</p> + +<p>He paused, and looked dejectedly at the dispossess notice in his +hand.</p> + +<p>"I—I could not do it," he added with a sigh. "I must try to get +something in the line of my profession. Perhaps I might get a place +in some dramatic school. I have trained you girls in the rudiments of +acting, and I'm sure I could do it with a larger class. I did not +think of it before. Get me some lunch, Ruth, and I'll go out again."<a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a></p> + +<p>"But what about the rent?" asked Alice. "We can't be put out on the +street, Dad."</p> + +<p>"No, I suppose not. I'll see Mr. Cross, and get another loan. I'll +pay him back out of my first salary. We must have a roof over us. Oh, +girls, I am so sorry for you!"</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about us, Daddy! You just get better and take care of +your throat!" urged Alice. "You might try the movies, just for a +little while, and then——"</p> + +<p>"Never! Never!" he interrupted with vigor. "I could not think of it!"</p> + +<p>Again there came a knock at the door.</p> + +<p>"I'll go," offered Alice.</p> + +<p>"No, let me," said Ruth, quickly.</p> + +<p>She slipped out into the hall, and closed the door after her. There +was a low murmur of voices, gradually growing louder on the part of +the unseen caller. Ruth seemed pleading. Then Mr. DeVere and Alice +heard:</p> + +<p>"It's no use. The boss says he won't send around any more meat until +the bill is paid. He told me to tell you he couldn't wait any +longer—that's all there is to it!"</p> + +<p>"Oh!" 'said Alice, in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"What does that mean?" asked Mr. DeVere, from the reverie into which +he had fallen.</p> + +<p>"I think it means," replied Alice, with a laugh <a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>in which there was +little mirth, "think it means that we won't have any meat for lunch, +Dad."</p> + +<p>"Bless my soul!" exclaimed the actor.</p> + +<p>Ruth came in with flushed face.</p> + +<p>"Who was it?" asked her father, though there was no need.</p> + +<p>"Only the butcher's boy. He said——"</p> + +<p>"We heard," interrupted Alice, significantly. "Have we any eggs?" she +asked, grimly.</p> + +<p>"This—this is positively too much!" said Mr. DeVere. "I shall tell +that meat man——"</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid he wouldn't listen to you, Daddy," interposed Ruth, +gently. "We do owe him quite a bill. I suppose we can't blame him," +and she sighed.</p> + +<p>"I—I'll go at once and see Mr. Cross, my former manager," exclaimed +Mr. DeVere. "He will make me a loan, I'm sure. Then I'll pay this +butcher bill, and tell the insulting fellow that we shall seek a new +tradesman."</p> + +<p>"Then there's the rent, Daddy," said Ruth, in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes—the rent. I forgot about that." The dispossess notice +rustled in his hand. "The rent—Oh, yes. That must be paid first. +I—I will have to get a larger loan. Well, get me what lunch you can, +Ruth, my dear, and I'll go out at once."<a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a></p> + +<p>Alice did not say "movies" again, not even when the very modest and +frugal lunch was set. And it was about the "slimmest" meal, from a +housekeeper's standpoint, that had ever graced the DeVere table, used +as they had become to scanty rations of late. Mr. DeVere said little, +but he appeared to be doing considerable thinking and Alice allowed +him to do it without interruption. She seemed to know how, and when, +to hold her tongue.</p> + +<p>When he had gone out Ruth and Alice talked matters over. First they +counted up what money they had, and figured how far it would go. If +they paid the rent they would not have enough to live on for a week, +and food was almost as vital a necessity as was a place to stay. +There were other pressing bills, in addition to those of the butcher +and the landlord.</p> + +<p>"Don't you see, Ruth, that daddy's going into the movies will be our +only salvation?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"It does seem so. Yet could he do it?"</p> + +<p>"He could—if he would. I saw some very poor actors there to-day."</p> + +<p>"But is the pay sufficient?"</p> + +<p>"It is very good, Russ says. And it increases with the fame of the +actor. I wish I could get into the movies myself."<a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a></p> + +<p>"Alice DeVere!"</p> + +<p>"I don't care; I do! It's just lovely, I think. You don't have to act +before a whole big audience that is staring at you. Just some nice +men, in their shirt sleeves, turning cranks——"</p> + +<p>"In their shirt sleeves?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes. It's quite warm, with all those arc lights glowing, you +know. And besides, what are shirt sleeves? Didn't dad act in his +during the duel scene in "Lord Graham's Secret?" Of course he did! +Shirt sleeves are no disgrace. Oh, Ruth, what are we to do, anyhow? +What is to become of us?"</p> + +<p>Alice put her head down on the table.</p> + +<p>"There, dear, don't cry," urged her sister. "There must be a way out. +Father will get a loan—his voice will come back, and——"</p> + +<p>"It will be too late," replied Alice, in a low voice. "We will be put +out—disgraced before all the neighbors! I can't stand it. I'm going +to do something!"</p> + +<p>She arose quickly, and there was a look on her face that caused Ruth +to give start and to cry out:</p> + +<p>"Alice! What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I mean I'm going to see Russ Dalwood and ask him if I can't get work +in the movies. If father won't, I will! And I'll ask Russ for the +<a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a>loan of some money. I can pay him back when I get my salary!"</p> + +<p>"Alice, I'll never let you do that!" and Ruth planted herself before +the door.</p> + +<p>For a tense moment the sisters confronted each other.</p> + +<p>"But we—we must do something," faltered Alice.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but not that—at least, not yet. We have some pride left. +Wait—wait until father comes back."</p> + +<p>With a gesture Alice consented. She sank wearily into a chair.</p> + +<p>It was tedious waiting. The girls talked but little—they had no +heart for it. Around them hummed the noise of the apartment house. +Noises came to them through the thin, cheap walls. The crying of +babies, the quarrels of a couple in the flat back of them, the wheeze +of a rusty phonograph, and the thump-thump of a playerpiano, operated +with every violation of the musical code, added to the nerve-racking +din.</p> + +<p>Ruth made a gesture of despair.</p> + +<p>"Beautiful!" murmured Alice as the paper roll in the mechanical piano +got a "kink," and played a crash of discords. Ruth covered her ears +with her hands.</p> + +<p>There was a step in the corridor.<a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a></p> + +<p>"There's father!" exclaimed Ruth.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what success he had negotiating a loan?" observed Alice.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere entered wearily.</p> + +<p>The girls waited for him to speak, and it was with an obvious effort +that he croaked:</p> + +<p>"I—I didn't get it. Mr. Cross wouldn't even see me. He sent out word +that he was too busy. He is getting ready for the first performance +of 'A Matter of Friendship,' to-night."</p> + +<p>"A matter of friendship," repeated Alice. "What a play on the words!"</p> + +<p>"I sent in my card," explained Mr. DeVere, "and told him I must have +a little money. He sent back word that he was sorry, but that he had +invested so much in the play that he could spare none."</p> + +<p>There was a period of silence. The girls looked pityingly at their +father.</p> + +<p>"Something must be done," he declared, finally. "I can try elsewhere. +I will go see——"</p> + +<p>A knock at the door interrupted him. Before Alice could speak Ruth +had gained it. She tried to close it, but was not in time to prevent +the caller from being heard.</p> + +<p>"The boss says there's no use orderin' any more groceries, until +youse has paid for what <a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a>youse has got," said a coarse voice. "Take +it from me—nothin' doin'!"</p> + +<p>"Oh!" Ruth was heard to murmur.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere started from his chair.</p> + +<p>"The insulting——" he began.</p> + +<p>Alice touched him on the arm.</p> + +<p>"Don't!" she begged, softly.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere turned aside. He slipped his arm around Alice, and, as +Ruth came in, with tears in her eyes, she, too, found a haven in her +father's embrace. Then the actor spoke.</p> + +<p>"Alice, dear," he faltered, "What is the address of that—that moving +picture manager?"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X" /><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>THE MAN IN THE KITCHEN</h3> + + +<p>Let it be said of Alice that, even in this moment of triumph, she did +not gloat over her victory—for victory it was. Had she planned it, +events could not have transpired to better purpose. The combination +of circumstances had forced her father along the line of least +resistance into the very path she would had chosen for him, and she +felt in her soul that it was best.</p> + +<p>But she did not say: "There, I knew you'd come to it, Daddy!" Many a +girl would, and so have spoiled matters. Alice merely looked demurely +at her father—and gave him the address.</p> + +<p>The girl was perhaps wiser than her years would indicate, and +certainly in this matter she was more resourceful than was Ruth. But +then chance had played into her hands. That meeting with Russ had +done much.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think I must come to it," sighed Mr.<a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a> DeVere. "It is being +forced on me—the movies. I never thought I would descend to them!"</p> + +<p>"It isn't a fall at all, Daddy!" declared Alice, stoutly. "I'm glad +you are going into them. You'll like them, I'm sure."</p> + +<p>"The actors—and actresses—if one can call them such—who take parts +in moving picture plays must be very—very crude sort of persons," he +said.</p> + +<p>"Not at all!" cried Alice. "I was there and saw them, and there were +some as nice as you'd want to meet. They were real gentlemen and +ladies, even if the men were in their shirt sleeves."</p> + +<p>"But they can't act!" asserted Mr. DeVere. "I have seen bills up +advertising the moving pictures—all they seemed to be doing—the +so-called actors, I mean—was falling off horses, roping steers—I +believe "roping" is the proper term—or else jumping off bridges or +standing in the way of railroad trains. And they call that acting!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you wouldn't have to do that, Daddy!" cried Alice, with a laugh. +"Mr Pertell is putting on some real dramas—just like society plays, +you know. Of course all the scenes won't take place in a parlor, I +suppose. You won't have to do outdoor work, though, and I'm sure you +<a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>won't have to catch a wild steer, or stop a runaway locomotive."</p> + +<p>"I should hope not," he replied, with a tragic gesture.</p> + +<p>"But that is real acting, all the same," went on Alice. In that +little while she had come to have a great liking and interest in the +moving picture side of acting. "You should see some of the scenes I +saw. Why, Daddy, some of the men and women were just as good as some +of the actors with whom you have been on the road."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, if you include the road companies of the barn-storming +days, perhaps," admitted Mr. DeVere. "But I refer to the real art of +the drama, Alice. However, let us not discuss it. The subject is too +painful. I have decided to take up the work, since I can do nothing +else on account of my unfortunate voice—and I will do my best in the +movies. It is due to myself that I should, and it is due to you girls +that I provide for you in any way that I can."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dad!" exclaimed Ruth. "It is too bad if you have to sacrifice +your art to mere bread and butter."</p> + +<p>"Tut! Tut!" he exclaimed, smiling and holding up a chiding hand. "I +don't look at it that way at all. I am not so foolish. Art may be a +very nice thing, but bread and butter is <a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>better. We have to live, my +dear. And, after all, my art is not so wonderful. I hope I have not +exaggerated my worth to myself. I am very willing to try this new +line, and I am very glad that Alice suggested it. Only it—it was +rather a shock—at first. Now let us consider."</p> + +<p>They talked it all over, and Alice went more into detail as to what +she had seen at the moving picture theatre. Mr. DeVere grew more and +more interested.</p> + +<p>"It is very kind of Russ and Mr. Pertell to think of me," he said. "I +will go and see this manager to-morrow."</p> + +<p>The interview must have been a very satisfactory one, for Mr. DeVere +returned from it with a smiling face—something he had not worn often +since the failure of his voice.</p> + +<p>"Well, Daddy?" queried Alice, as she entered the dining room, where +she and Ruth were trying to make the most of a scanty supply of food. +"How was it?"</p> + +<p>For answer he pulled out a roll of bills—not a large one, but of a +size to which the girls had not been accustomed of late.</p> + +<p>"See, it is real money!" he cried, and he struck an attitude of one +of the characters in which he had successfully starred. He was the +old Hosmer DeVere once more.<a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a></p> + +<p>"Where did you get it?" asked Ruth, with a little laugh. She foresaw +that some of her housekeeping problems bade fair to be solved.</p> + +<p>"It is an advance on my salary as a moving picture actor," he +replied, hoarsely, but still with that same gay air. "See, I have put +my other life behind me. Henceforth—or at least until my voice +promises to behave," he went on, "I shall live, move and have my +being on the screen. I have signed a contract with Mr. Pertell—a +very fair contract, too, much more so than some I have signed with +managers of legitimate theaters. This is part of my first week's +salary. I have taken his money—there is no going back now. I have +burned my bridges."</p> + +<p>"And—are you sorry?" asked Alice, softly.</p> + +<p>"No, little girl—no! I'm glad!" And truly he seemed so.</p> + +<p>"Tell us about it," suggested Ruth, and he did—in detail.</p> + +<p>"Then it wasn't so bad as you expected; was it, Daddy?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"No, I found many of the company to be very fine characters, and some +with exceptional ability. Mr. Wellington Bunn, by the way, is a man +after my own heart."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes. He seemed very anxious to play Shakespeare," remarked +Alice, with a smile.<a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a> "I heard Mr. Pertell caution him about not +letting Hamlet get into the parlor scene they were presenting," and +she laughed at the recollection.</p> + +<p>"Of course it was rather new and strange to me," went on Mr. DeVere, +"but I dare say I shall get accustomed to it. There were some of the +young ladies, though, for whom I felt no liking—Miss Pearl +Pennington, who plays light leads, and her friend, Miss Laura Dixon, +the ingenue."</p> + +<p>"They were in vaudeville until recently," remarked Alice. "So Russ +told me. Miss Pennington seemed very pretty."</p> + +<p>"Passably so," agreed Mr. DeVere. "Well, our living problem is solved +for us, anyway. Now I must study my new part. It is to be a sort of +society drama, and will be put on in a few days. Mr. Pertell gave me +some instructions. I shall have to unlearn many things that are +traditional with those who have played all their parts in a real +theatre. It is like teaching an old dog new tricks, but I dare say I +shall master them."</p> + +<p>"You're not really old, Daddy!" said Alice, slipping her arms about +him, and nestling her cheek against his.</p> + +<p>"There—there!" he returned, indulgently, "don't try to flatter your +old father. You are just like your dear mother. Run along now,<a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a> I +must take up this new work. What a relief not to have to declaim my +lines! I shall only move my lips, and who knows but, in time, my +voice may come back?"</p> + +<p>"I hope it will," answered Ruth, with a sigh. Somehow she could not +quite bring herself to like her father in moving picture rôles. Alice +was entirely different.</p> + +<p>"But, even if it does come back," said the younger girl, "you may +like this new work so well, Dad, that you'll keep at it."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," he assented. "Here, Ruth, take care of this money—my +first moving picture salary," and he handed her the bills.</p> + +<p>As he went to his room with the typewritten sheets of his new part, +Alice whispered to her sister:</p> + +<p>"Hurray! Now we can have a real dinner. I'll go and buy out a +delicatessen store."</p> + +<p>The meal was a great success—not only from a gastronomic standpoint, +but because of the jollity—real or assumed—of Mr. DeVere. He went +over the lines of his new part, telling the girls how at certain +places he was to "register," or denote, different emotions. +"Register" is the word used in moving picture scenarios to indicate +the showing of fear, hate, revenge or other emotion. All this must be +done by facial express<a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a>ion or gestures, for of course no talking +comes from the moving pictures—except in the latest kind, with a +phonographic arrangement, and with that sort we are not dealing.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm sure it will be fine!" cried Alice. "Can we go and see you +act for the camera, Daddy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I guess so," he replied. "Would you like it, Ruth?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I should!" she exclaimed, with more interest than she had +before shown. "It sounds interesting."</p> + +<p>"Maybe we'll act ourselves, some day," added Alice.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no!" protested her sister. "But let's sit down. The meal is +spoiling. Oh!" she cried, with a hasty glance at the table. "Not a +bit of salt. I forgot it. Alice, dear, just slip across the hall and +borrow some from Mrs. Dalwood."</p> + +<p>Humming, in the lightness of her heart, a little tune, Alice crossed +to the apartment of their neighbor, not pausing after her first knock +at the rear kitchen door.</p> + +<p>She heard a rattling among the pots and pans, and naturally supposed +Mrs. Dalwood was there.</p> + +<p>"May we have some salt?" Alice called, as she entered the kitchen, +but the next moment she drew back in surprise and fear, for a strange +man, <a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a>rising suddenly from under the sink, confronted her.</p> + +<p>He, too, seemed startled.</p> + +<p>"Oh—Oh!" gasped Alice. "Isn't Mrs. Dalwood here?"</p> + +<p>"I—I believe not," stammered the man. "I—I'm the plumber—there's a +leak——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, excuse me," murmured Alice, but even in her embarrassment she +could not help thinking that the man looked like anything but a +plumber. She backed out of the kitchen, after picking up a salt +cellar, and was more startled as she observed the man following her.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI" /><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>RUSS IS WORRIED</h3> + + +<p>Alice was racking her brain to recall where she had seen the man +before. If he was a plumber, as he said he was, it might be that he +had been in the apartment house on other occasions to repair breaks. +But Alice was not certain.</p> + +<p>"And yet I've seen him before, and lately, too," she thought. The +girls was in the hall, now. The man, who seemed ill at ease, had +followed and stood near.</p> + +<p>"The leak wasn't a bad one; it is repaired now," he said.</p> + +<p>"I—I didn't know Mrs. Dalwood was out," faltered Alice. And then, as +the man turned to go down the stairs, like a flash it came to her who +he was.</p> + +<p>"The man Russ had the trouble with that day—Simp Wolley—who tried +to get his patent!" Alice almost spoke the words aloud.<a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a></p> + +<p>"The—the leak is fixed," the man went on.</p> + +<p>"You—you—" stammered Alice. But the man did not stay to hear, but +hurried downstairs.</p> + +<p>Alice burst in on her sister and father.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" she exclaimed. "That man—he—he was in the Dalwood kitchen!"</p> + +<p>"What man?" asked Mr. DeVere, starting forward.</p> + +<p>"The one who was after Russ's patent! Quick, can't you get him?"</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere ran into the hall, but the man had gone. The Dalwood +kitchen door was still open, and a hasty look through the apartment +showed none of the family could be at home.</p> + +<p>"Could he have stolen the patent?" cried Alice, when the excitement +had quieted down.</p> + +<p>"We can't tell until Russ comes home," replied her father. "I'll +leave our door ajar, and we can hear if anyone goes into the Dalwood +rooms. As soon as some of them return we will tell them what has +taken place."</p> + +<p>Alice helped herself to the needed salt, and the meal began, with +pauses now and then to learn if there was any movement in the flat +across the hallway. Presently footsteps were heard, and proved to be +those of Russ himself.</p> + +<p>"Plumber!" he exclaimed. "So he was masquerading as that; eh?" the +moving picture <a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a>operator exclaimed when Alice told him what had +occurred. "You're right, he was after my patent," and a worried look +came over his face.</p> + +<p>"Did he get it?" asked Ruth, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"No, for it isn't here. The model is at a machine shop on the East +Side, and several of the attachments are being made from it to be +tested."</p> + +<p>"Then it's all right," declared Alice, in a tone of relief.</p> + +<p>"Yes—and no," returned Russ. "It's all right, for the time being, +but I don't like what has happened. Simp Wolley must be getting +desperate to come here in broad daylight and rummage the house under +the pretense of being a plumber. It shows, too, that he must be +watching this place, or he wouldn't have known when I went out."</p> + +<p>"Hadn't you better notify the police?" suggested Mr. DeVere.</p> + +<p>"I'll think about it," agreed Russ. "Of course he hasn't really done +anything yet that they could arrest him for, unless coming into our +apartment without being invited is illegal, and he could wriggle out +of a charge of that sort. No, I'll keep my eyes open. In a little +while, after I obtain my patent, and the attach<a name="Page_104" id="Page_104"></a>ment is on the +market, he can't bother me. But I don't mind admitting that I'm +worried."</p> + +<p>"Then sit down and have something to eat with us," urged Alice, and +Ruth, with a nod and a blush, seconded the request. "You'll be eating +some of your own salt, anyhow," Alice suggested, in fun.</p> + +<p>Russ lost a little of his apprehensive air as the meal progressed. +Perhaps it was because Ruth sat opposite. Alice said as much to her +sister afterward, when they were getting ready for bed.</p> + +<p>"Don't be silly!" was Ruth's sole reply.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere attended several rehearsals at the moving picture theater +and, one morning, said:</p> + +<p>"Girls, how would you like to come and see me in my new rôle? We have +a dress rehearsal to-day, so to speak, and we'll "film" the play, as +they call it, to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Oh, let's go, Ruth!" cried Alice, clapping her hands. "I know you'll +enjoy it!"</p> + +<p>"I'm sure I will," agreed Ruth. Her attitude toward the movies was +also changing.</p> + +<p>Together father and daughters went. It did Alice good to see how Mr. +DeVere was welcomed by his fellow actors. He had already made himself +friendly with most of them.</p> + +<p>As Alice and Ruth came into the big studio, <a name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a>where a battery of +cameras were clicking away, the two girls became aware of the looks +cast at them by those not actually engaged in some scene. And, while +most of the looks were friendly, those from two of the players were +not.</p> + +<p>Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, standing together at one side of a +section of a log cabin, whispered to each other.</p> + +<p>"Ah, Mr. DeVere!" called Mr. Pertell. "Glad you're here; we were +waiting for you."</p> + +<p>"I hope I'm not late!" replied the actor, huskily, with a proper +regard for not delaying a rehearsal.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no. You're ahead of time if anything, and I'm glad of it. We'll +have to set the smuggling play aside for a time. One of my men isn't +here, and I can slip in your scenes now, and be that much ahead. So +if you'll get ready we'll go on with 'A Turn of the Card.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Pertell—certainly. Let me present you to my daughters. I +believe you have met one."</p> + +<p>"Yes—Miss Alice. I am glad to know the other one," and he bowed to +Ruth. Then he hurried away. Mr. Pertell always seemed to be in a +hurry.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere went to his dressing room to don the costume of the +character he was to repre<a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a>sent—a wealthy banker—and Ruth and Alice +gazed with interest at the various scenes going on about them.</p> + +<p>While there were many persons connected with the Comet Film Company, +there were certain principals who did most of the work. Among them, +excepting Mr. DeVere, was Wellington Bunn, an old-time actor, who had +long aspired to Hamlet, but who had given it up for the more certain +income of the movies. Then there was Mrs. Margaret Maguire (on the +bills as Cora Ashleigh) who did "old women" parts, and did them +exceedingly well. She had two grandchildren, Tommy and Nellie, who +were often cast for juvenile rôles.</p> + +<p>Carl Switzer was a joy to know. A German, with an accent that was +"t'icker dan cheese," to use his own expression, he was a fund of +happy philosophy under the most adverse circumstances. And on his +round face was always a smile. He did the "comic relief," when it was +needed, which was often.</p> + +<p>Exactly opposite him in character was Pepper Sneed, the "grouch" of +the company. Nothing ever went the way Pepper wanted it to go, from +the depiction of a play to the meals he ate. No wonder he had +dyspepsia. He was always apprehensive of something going to happen +and <a name="Page_107" id="Page_107"></a>when it did—well, they used to say that Pepper was the original +"I told you so!"</p> + +<p>Pearl Pennington and Laura Dixon have already been mentioned. Paul +Ardite, who played opposite to Miss Dixon, was a good looking chap, +with considerable ability. It was rumored that he and the +ingenue—but there, I am not supposed to tell secrets.</p> + +<p>Had it not been for "Pop" Snooks, I am sure the Comet Film Company +would never have enjoyed the success it did. For Pop was the property +man—the one of all work and little play. On him devolved the task of +manufacturing at short notice anything from a castle to a police +station.</p> + +<p>And the best part of it was that Pop could do it. He was ingenuity +itself, and they tell the story yet of how, when on the theatrical +circuit, he made a queen's throne out of two cheese boxes and a +board, and a little later in the same play, made from the same +materials a very serviceable dog-cart.</p> + +<p>As usual in the studio, several plays were going on at the same +time—or, rather, parts of plays.</p> + +<p>"Come on now!" called Mr. Pertell, sharply. "Get ready for that safe +robbery scene. Pop, where's that safe?"<a name="Page_108" id="Page_108"></a></p> + +<p>"It's being used as part of the wall in the dungeon in that 'Lord +Scatterwait' scene," answered the property man.</p> + +<p>"Well, hustle it over here, and get something else for the dungeon +wall. I need that safe."</p> + +<p>"That's the way it goes!" grumbled Pop as he scurried about. But that +was all the fault he found, and presently the hole in the dungeon +wall, caused by the removal of the safe with a painted canvas on it +to represent stones, was filled by some boards taken from a fence +used in a rural love drama.</p> + +<p>"I say now, dot's not right!" spluttered Mr. Switzer, who as a +country boy was making love to a country lass, (Miss Dixon). "Dot's +not right, Pop. You dake our fence avay, und vat I goin' t' lean on +ven I makes eyes at Miss Dixon? Ve got t' haf dot fence, yet!"</p> + +<p>"I'll make you another in a minute!" cried Pop. "You don't go on for +ten minutes."</p> + +<p>"Mine gracious! Vot a business!" exclaimed the German, his round face +showing as much woe as he ever allowed it to depict. "Dot vos a fine +fence, mit der evening-glory vines trailing 'round mit it. Ach, yah!"</p> + +<p>"Never mind," said Miss Dixon, "Pop will fix us up," and while she +was waiting she strolled over to where Paul Ardite was talking to +Alice.<a name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a> Russ Dalwood had come in and had greeted Ruth and Alice, and +then, in response to an unseen gesture from Paul, had introduced him. +Both girls liked the young fellow, who seemed quite interested in +Alice.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to play parts here?" asked Miss Dixon, with the +freemasonry of the theater, speaking without being introduced.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no!" replied Ruth, quickly. "We just came to see my father."</p> + +<p>"Maybe they think they're too good for the movies," sneered Pearl +Pennington, but only Russ heard her, and he glanced at her sharply.</p> + +<p>"All ready for 'A Turn of the Card' now!" called Mr. Pertell, as Mr. +DeVere came out of his dressing room. "Is your camera all ready, +Russ?" for Russ had obtained a place with the film company, and had +given up his position in the little moving picture theatre.</p> + +<p>"All ready," was the answer. "I've got a thousand-foot reel in."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't want this particular scene to run more than eighty +feet. Got to save most of the film for the bigger scenes. Now, watch +yourselves, ladies and gentlemen. This is going to be one of our best +yet, or I'm mistaken. Pop—where's Pop?"</p> + +<p>"Here I am. What is it?"<a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a></p> + +<p>"Get me a big armchair. I want Mr. DeVere to be sitting in that when +the adventuress comes in. Miss Pennington, you're the adventuress, +and I wish you'd look the part more."</p> + +<p>"I'm doing the best I can."</p> + +<p>"Well, fix your hair a little differently—a little more fluffy, you +know—I don't know what you call it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's easily remedied," she laughed. "I'm ready now," and with +dexterous use of a side-comb she produced the desired result.</p> + +<p>"Got that chair, Pop?" called the manager.</p> + +<p>"Yep. Just as soon as I fix that fence for the rural scene."</p> + +<p>"Yah! Py gracious, ve got t' haf our fence or dot love scene mit der +evening-glory flowers vill be terrible!" insisted Mr. Switzer.</p> + +<p>"All ready, now!" Mr. Pertell said, as the chair was placed in what +was to represent a parlor. Mr. DeVere took his seat, and the action +of the drama began. Ruth and Alice looked on with interest.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII" /><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>THE PHOTO DRAMA</h3> + + +<p>Mr. DeVere was an excellent actor. In his time he had played many +parts, so the necessary action, or "business," as it is called, was +not hard for him. He had learned readily what was expected of him, +and though it seemed rather odd to make his gestures, his exits and +entrances before nothing more than the eye of a camera, he soon had +become accustomed to it after the days of rehearsal. And the great +point was that he did not have to use his voice. Or, at the most, +when some vital part of the little play called for speaking, he had +only to whisper to give the "cue" to the others.</p> + +<p>The plot was not a very complicated one, telling the story of a +wealthy young fellow (played by Paul Ardite) the son of a wealthy +banker, (Mr. DeVere) getting into bad company, and how he was saved +by the influence of a good girl.<a name="Page_112" id="Page_112"></a></p> + +<p>The "card" in question, was a visiting card, which seemed to +compromise the young man, but the "turn" of it cleared him.</p> + +<p>To save time, different scenes had already been set up in various +parts of the big studio, and to these scenes—mere sections of rooms +or offices—the actors moved.</p> + +<p>With them moved Russ Dalwood, who was "filming" this particular play. +He placed his little box-machine, on its tripod, before each scene, +and used as many feet of film to get the succeeding pictures as Mr. +Pertell thought was necessary.</p> + +<p>I presume all my readers have seen moving pictures many times, and +perhaps many of you know how they are made. But at the risk of +repeating what is already known I will give just a little description +of how the work is done.</p> + +<p>In the first place there has to be a play to be "filmed," or taken. +It may be a parlor drama an outdoor scene—anything from a burning +building to a flood. With the play decided on, the actors and +actresses for the different parts are selected and carefully +rehearsed. This is necessary as the camera is instantaneous and one +false move or gestures may spoil the film.</p> + +<p>Next comes the selection of the location for the various scenes. +Indoor ones are compara<a name="Page_113" id="Page_113"></a>tively easy, for the scenic artist can build +almost anything. But to get the proper outdoor setting is not so +easy, and often moving picture companies go many miles to get just +the proper scenery for a background.</p> + +<p>So careful are some managers that they will send to California, or to +the Holy Land, in order that their actors may have the proper +historical surroundings. This costs many thousands of dollars, so it +can be seen how important it is to get the film right at first.</p> + +<p>There are two main parts to the moving picture business—the taking +of the pictures and later the projection, or showing, of them on a +white screen in some theatre.</p> + +<p>For this two different machines are needed. The first is a camera, +similar in the main principle to the same camera with which you may +have taken snapshots. But there is a difference. Where you take one +picture in a second, the moving picture camera takes sixteen. That is +the uniform rate maintained, though there may be exceptions. And in +your camera you take a picture on a short strip of celluloid film, or +on a glass plate, but in the moving picture machine the pictures are +taken on a narrow strip of celluloid film perhaps a thousand feet +long.</p> + +<p>The camera consists of a narrow box. On one <a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a>side is a handle, and +there is a lens that can be adjusted or focused. Inside is varied +machinery, but I will not tire you with a description of it. +Sufficient to say that there are two wheels, or reels. On one—the +upper—is wound the unexposed film. One end of this film is fastened +to the empty, or lower, reel. The film is passed back of lens, which +is fitted with a shutter that opens and closes at the rate of sixteen +times a second.</p> + +<p>Turning a handle on the outside of the camera operates it. So that +when the scene is ready to be photographed the actors, whether men or +animals, begin to move. The handle turns, and the unexposed film is +wound from one reel to the other, inside the camera, passing behind +the lens, so that the picture falls on it in a flash, just as you +take one snapshot. But, as I have said, the moving picture camera +takes snapshot after snapshot—sixteen a second—until many thousands +are taken, so that when the pictures are shown afterward they give +the effect of continuous motion.</p> + +<p>The film is moved forward by means of toothed sprocket wheels inside +the camera, the shutter opening and closing automatically.</p> + +<p>When the reel of film has all been exposed, it is taken to the dark +room, and there developed, <a name="Page_115" id="Page_115"></a>just as a small roll from your camera +would be. This film is called the negative. From it any number of +positives can be made, all depending on the popularity of the +subject.</p> + +<p>To make positives, the negative film is laid on another strip of +sensitive celluloid of the same size. The two films are placed in a +suitable machine, and then set in front of a bright light. The two +films are then moved along so as to print each of the thousands of +pictures previously taken.</p> + +<p>The positive film is then developed, "fixed" to prevent it from +fading, and it is then ready for the projecting machine. This latter +is like the old-fashioned stereopticon, and by means of suitable +lenses, and a brilliant light, the small pictures, hardly more than +an inch square, are so magnified that they appear life-size on the +screen.</p> + +<p>That, in brief, is how moving pictures are made and shown, but it +tells nothing of the hard work involved, on the part of operators, +and actors and actresses. Often the performers risk their lives to +make a "snappy" film, and many accidents have occurred where daring +men and women took parts with wild beasts in the cast, or dared +serious injury by long jumps.</p> + +<p>Ruth and Alice watched their father enact his <a name="Page_116" id="Page_116"></a>rôle. He did it well, +and the girls were gratified to hear Mr. Pertell say from time to +time:</p> + +<p>"Good! That's the way to do it! Oh, that's great!"</p> + +<p>The play was not a long one, but if it had taken three times the +half-hour it consumed Ruth and Alice would not have been weary.</p> + +<p>The last scene had been "filmed" by Russ, who was getting ready to +take his camera to the dark room for development, when there came a +crash from where Mr. Switzer was going through a love scene with Miss +Dixon.</p> + +<p>"Look out!" someone called.</p> + +<p>There was a sound as of rending, splintering wood.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" screamed Miss Dixon.</p> + +<p>"Py gracious goodness!" ejaculated Mr. Switzer. "I am caught fast!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, what has happened?" gasped Ruth, clinging to Alice.</p> + +<p>"It sounded like an explosion!" the latter answered.</p> + +<p>"Don't be alarmed," Russ assured them. "It's nothing. Only Switzer +leaned too hard on that fence and it went down with him."</p> + +<p>And that was what had happened. Amid the wreckage of the property +fence, which had collapsed with the weight of the German actor, <a name="Page_117" id="Page_117"></a>sat +he and Miss Dixon, while the manager, with a gesture of despair +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"That's another scene to be done over."</p> + +<p>"I knew that would happen!" observed Pepper Sneed, gloomily.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII" /><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h3>MR. DEVERE'S SUCCESS</h3> + + +<p>Amid laughter, now that it was seen that nothing serious had +happened, the wreckage was cleared away, and the German actor, and +his partner in the rural love scene, were assisted to their feet.</p> + +<p>"Are you hurt?" asked Mr. Pertell, anxiously, when quiet had in a +measure been restored.</p> + +<p>"Only my feelings iss hurted!" replied Mr. Switzer, with an odd look +on his round, fat face. "It iss not seemly und proper dot ven a +feller is telling a nice girl vot he dinks of her, dot he should be +upset head ofer heels alretty yet; ain't it?"</p> + +<p>"It certainly is," agreed Miss Dixon, a little spasm of pain flitting +across her face as she limped to one side.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear, I hope you're not hurt!" exclaimed Miss Pennington, +hastening to her friend's side, <a name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></a>and supporting her with an arm about +her waist.</p> + +<p>"It's only my ankle; it's a bit sprained, I think. A good thing I +haven't a dancing part," said Miss Dixon.</p> + +<p>"Will you be able to go on, when we make the film over again?" asked +the manager anxiously. He did not make this inquiry because he was +heartless, but the foremost thought with those who provide amusement +for the public—whether they be managers or actors—is that "the show +must go on." For that reason sickness, and even the death of loved +ones, often does not stop the player from appearing on the stage. +And, in a measure, this is no less so with those who help to make the +moving pictures.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think I'll be able to go on after a bit," declared Miss Dixon, +sinking into a chair that Pepper Sneed pushed forward for her.</p> + +<p>"Go on! You'll never be able to go on inside of a week, little girl!" +exclaimed the actor with the perpetual "grouch." He looked gloomily +at those about him. "This is the worst business in the world," he +went on. "Something is always happening. I know something will go +wrong in that safe-blowing act I'm to do next. I——"</p> + +<p>"Say, you go do that act, and then let us know if anything happens!" +interrupted the manager. "They're waiting for you over there," and he +<a name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></a>motioned to an office setting, in which a safe robbery, one of the +scenes of another play, was to take place.</p> + +<p>"All right!" sighed Pepper Sneed, as he moved off to take his part. +"But, mind what I'm telling you," he said to Miss Dixon. "You'll be +laid up for a week."</p> + +<p>"An' it all de fault of dot property man!" exclaimed Mr. Switzer. "He +made dot fence like paper yet alretty! It vouldn't holt up a fly!"</p> + +<p>"That was a good fence!" defended Pop Snooks. "The trouble was you +leaned your ton weight on it."</p> + +<p>"Ton veight! Huh! Vot you tink I am? A hipperperpotamusses? A ton +veight—huh!" spluttered Mr. Switzer.</p> + +<p>"Never mind now!" called the manager sharply, with a reassuring +glance at Ruth and Alice, who were regarding this little flurry with +anxious eyes. They glanced over toward their father. "Pop, make a new +fence—a strong one—and we'll film that scene over again," went on +Mr. Pertell. "To your places, the rest of you. Mr. DeVere, I think +that will be all we will require of you to-day. But come into the +office. I have a new play I'm thinking of filming, and I'd like your +advice on some of the scenes. Miss Dixon, shall I send for a +doctor?"<a name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, no, indeed, I'll be all right!" was her hasty answer.</p> + +<p>"If you're not, don't be afraid to say so," spoke Mr. Pertell. "I can +understudy you——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, indeed!" she exclaimed, energetically. If there is one thing +more than another that an actor or actress fears, it is being +supplanted in a rôle. Of course, all the important parts in a play +are "understudied"; that is, some other actor or actress than the +principal has learned the lines and "business" so, in case the latter +is taken ill, the play can go on, after a fashion. But players are +jealous of one another to a marked degree, and rather than permit +their understudy to succeed him, many a performer has gone on when +physically unfit. Perhaps it was this that induced Miss Dixon to +conceal the pain she was really suffering.</p> + +<p>Mr. Pertell glanced sharply at her, and then his gaze roved to Ruth +and Alice, who were standing with their father. A musing look was on +the face of the manager. Miss Dixon saw it, and arose.</p> + +<p>"I am perfectly able to go on, Mr. Pertell," she said, quickly. +"There is no need of getting anyone in my place."</p> + +<p>She walked across the room, with a slight limp, and the spasm of pain +that showed on her face <a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"></a>was quickly replaced by a smile. But it was +an obvious effort.</p> + +<p>Miss Dixon staggered, and would have fallen had not Alice stepped +forward quickly and caught her.</p> + +<p>"You really ought to have a doctor," Alice said, anxiously. "A +sprained ankle is sometimes quite serious."</p> + +<p>"I don't need a doctor!" exclaimed the ingenue, sharply. "I shall be +all right. It will take some little time to repair the fence, and by +then——"</p> + +<p>"You must let me attend to you," broke in a motherly voice, and Mrs. +Maguire, who, as Cora Ashleigh, had finished her part in a little +drama, came bustling over. "I'll put some hot compresses on your +ankle, and that will take out the pain," went on the elderly actress. +"Come along."</p> + +<p>And Miss Dixon was glad enough to go. Mrs. Maguire was really a sort +of "mother" to the others of the company, and many a physical ache +and pain, as well as some mental ones, yielded to her ministering +care.</p> + +<p>"Now, then, Pop, how are you coming on with that fence?" asked the +manager a little later.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll get her done some time to-day if you don't give me too much +else to do," was the an<a name="Page_123" id="Page_123"></a>swer. "But I've had to quit work on that +trick auto you wanted—the one that turns into an airship."</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! And I needed that, too. Well, go ahead. Do the best you can, +and when you've finished I want a fake stone tower made for that +fairy picture we're going to do next week."</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed Pop. "I'll do it."</p> + +<p>Nothing seemed too hard for him. He responded to the most exacting +and diverse commands as easily as to the smallest. He was an +invaluable property man.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mr. Ardite," continued the manager to the leading juvenile, "I'm +going to change your part in that runaway drama. I'll want some +exterior scenes. One on the Brooklyn Bridge and another at the Grand +Central Terminal. Get ready to go up there. Miss Fillmore will be +here soon. She's in that with you. I'll send Charlie Blake up to film +it. Here's the "register" list—look it over," and he tossed a sheaf +of typewritten sheets to the young actor.</p> + +<p>"I wish we could go see that taken," whispered Alice.</p> + +<p>"You can, if you like," responded the manager, overhearing her.</p> + +<p>"I—I'll be delighted to take you along," said Paul, coloring as he +glanced at Alice.<a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a></p> + +<p>Miss Dixon, who had come back from her room, after having her ankle +bathed, looked up quickly at these words. She glanced from Alice to +Paul, and back again, and then said something in a low voice to Miss +Pennington.</p> + +<p>"May I go, Daddy?" asked Alice. "I'm so interested in these moving +pictures."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I think so," he assented. "Perhaps Ruth——"</p> + +<p>"No, I'll go home with you," Ruth answered. "I'm a bit tired to-day."</p> + +<p>"I'd never tire of this!" exclaimed Alice, with enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>"Come along then!" invited Paul. "Here's Miss Fillmore now," he +added, as another member of the company entered.</p> + +<p>There was a sudden cry of pain from the other side of the studio, and +a moving picture camera ceased clicking.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter now?" asked the manager, as he looked to where the +safe robbery scene was being filmed.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I caught my hand in the safe door!" exclaimed Pepper Sneed. +"Nearly took my finger off! I just knew something would happen to me +to-day!"</p> + +<p>"Great Scott! Another scene spoiled!" groaned Mr. Pertell. "Well, do +it over. Had <a name="Page_125" id="Page_125"></a>you run out much film?" he asked the operator.</p> + +<p>"No, only a few feet."</p> + +<p>"Well, try again. And, Pepper, look out for your head this time, that +you don't get that caught in the safe. You might lose it."</p> + +<p>"Uh!" grunted the human grouch.</p> + +<p>Russ Dalwood came out of the developing room.</p> + +<p>"That's going to be a great film!" he declared. It's one of the best +I've ever seen. The pictures will show up fine."</p> + +<p>"Glad to hear it," remarked the manager. "That's some good news in +this day of trouble."</p> + +<p>"Did I do all right?" asked Mr. DeVere, hoarsely. "I would like to +see myself—as others see me—and that's possible now, in the +movies."</p> + +<p>"Your pictures are fine," answered Ross.</p> + +<p>"And I want to congratulate you," went on Mr. Pertell. "You are doing +splendid work, and we are glad to have you with us. It is not +everyone who can come from the legitimate stage and go into the +movies with success; but you have."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear it," declared the actor. "There was great +necessity, or I should not have done it; but I am not sorry now. It +is a great relief not to have to speak my lines."</p> + +<p>"And you mustn't do much talking now,<a name="Page_126" id="Page_126"></a> Daddy," cautioned Ruth. "You +want your throat to get well, you know."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know, dear," replied her father, patting her on the shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye!" called Alice, who with Paul, Miss Fillmore, and the +camera operator, were going out for the exterior scenes. "I'll be +home soon."</p> + +<p>"I'll take care of her," promised Paul, and, as he and Alice went +out, side by side, Ruth caught a sharp glance from Miss Dixon, who +was narrowly watching the two.</p> + +<p>"Well, everything seems to be going on all right now," observed Mr. +Pertell. "Here's Pop with the fence. Now, Mr. Switzer, and Miss +Dixon——well, what is it?" he broke off with, as he saw Wellington +Bunn approaching with an irritated air.</p> + +<p>"I must refuse, sir, positively refuse, to go on with the part you +have assigned to me!" exclaimed the former Shakespearean player, +striking what he thought was a dignified attitude. "I cannot do it, +Mr. Pertell, and I wonder that you expect it of me."</p> + +<p>"What part is it you object to?" asked the manager. "Let's see, +you're in 'A Man's Home;' aren't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and in one scene I am supposed to come home from the office, +and get down on the floor <a name="Page_127" id="Page_127"></a>to play with blocks with the children. I +do not mind that so much, but I have to play horse, and ride the +children around on my back, and then, to cap the climax, I have to +turn a somersault."</p> + +<p>"Well?" asked the manager, as the actor paused.</p> + +<p>"Well, I positively refuse to do that somersault! The idea of +me—Wellington Bunn—who has played in Shakespearean dramas, +groveling on the floor and turning somersaults! The somersaults +positively must be cut out."</p> + +<p>"But they can't very well, Mr. Pertell!" broke in one of the other +actors in the same drama. "Because when Mr. Bunn goes over that way +he is supposed accidentally to upset the table, and the supper things +fly all over, and the children laugh and think it's a great joke. The +whole scene will be spoiled if Mr. Bunn doesn't turn his somersault."</p> + +<p>"Then he'll turn it!" announced the manager, grimly.</p> + +<p>"What! But I protest, sir! I protest!" cried the tragedian. "I will +not do it! The idea of me—Wellington Bunn——"</p> + +<p>"Somersault—or look for another engagement," was the terse +rejoinder, and with a ges<a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a>ture of despair Mr. Bunn turned aside +murmuring;</p> + +<p>"Oh, that I should come to this! Oh, the pity of it! The pity! I'll +never do it!"</p> + +<p>But a little later, for the sake of his salary, he turned the +somersault.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV" /><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h3>AN EMERGENCY</h3> + + +<p>"Did you enjoy yourself, Alice?" asked Ruth, a little later that +afternoon, when her sister had returned from her trip to the Brooklyn +Bridge, and the Grand Central Terminal, with Paul.</p> + +<p>"Indeed I did!" replied the younger girl. "It was really exciting. +And Paul is so nice!"</p> + +<p>"Do you call him Paul?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly—why not."</p> + +<p>"And does he call you Alice?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. He asked me if he couldn't, and I don't see any harm. He's just +like a brother would be."</p> + +<p>"Oh," remarked Ruth, with a little smile. "Tell me about it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, there isn't much to tell. We went up in a car until we got to +where the scenes were to be filmed. Then Paul and Miss Fillmore did +what they had to do, and the pictures were taken.<a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a></p> + +<p>"There was quite a crowd looking, on, too, and some of them got in +the pictures," Alice went on.</p> + +<p>"Purposely, do you mean—to spoil them?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, they belonged in. You see this was supposed to be a natural +scene of Paul and Miss Fillmore meeting on the bridge. They walk +along a little way, and part of the plot develops there. So there had +to be other persons walking along to make it look natural. How odd it +must be if those same persons happen to see the film play later, and +recognize themselves in the pictures."</p> + +<p>"Rather, I should say," agreed Ruth. "What next?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, then we went up to the Grand Central, and there Paul had to +pretend to get on a train, and Miss Fillmore bade him a tearful +good-bye. She's quite an emotional actress, too.</p> + +<p>"It was quite exciting. Paul had some work getting the station master +to let us out on the train platform without tickets. But when he +explained about the moving pictures, it was all right.</p> + +<p>"It was as real as anything—just as if it wasn't for the films at +all. Paul got on the platform, and a porter took someone else's grip +<a name="Page_131" id="Page_131"></a>to make it look as though he were going on a journey.</p> + +<p>"That porter enjoyed it more than anyone else. He grinned so much +that Paul had to tell him to stop, or the top of his head might come +off. And laugh! I wish you could have heard him laugh at that. It +took us a little longer to get those films, for there was such a +crowd. But it was all right. I've had a lovely time!" cried Alice, +her brown eyes brilliant with excitement, and her cheeks flushed.</p> + +<p>"And what happened next?" asked Ruth, after a pause.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Miss Fillmore had an engagement, so Paul and I went and had +lunch together. He's an awfully nice boy!"</p> + +<p>"Alice!"</p> + +<p>"I don't care; he is! And he's in papa's company, so I don't see any +harm—especially as it was in daylight, and it was only in one of +those dairy lunches, you know. Paul wanted to take me to a better +place, but I know he doesn't earn much yet, and I wasn't going to +have him waste his money."</p> + +<p>"Thoughtful of you," murmured Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Wasn't it. Where's daddy?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, he went back to the studio. There was some mistake in one of his +acts and he wanted <a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a>to have it corrected so he could study over it +to-night."</p> + +<p>"Oh, hasn't it been a day!" exclaimed Alice, as she laid aside her +hat. "Do you know, I think outdoor pictures are better, and more +interesting. I'd like to be in some myself."</p> + +<p>"It is interesting," agreed Ruth. "And really it doesn't seem like +acting when you don't have any audience except a camera. But I +suppose that makes it all the more difficult. Russ was in a little +while ago."</p> + +<p>"What did he want?" asked Alice with a quick glance at her sister.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he just called to say that all the films in which dad appears +came out fine. He mentioned that his patent was coming on all right, +and he expects soon to have it out on royalty."</p> + +<p>"That's nice. I do hope those horrid men won't get it away from him. +What have we to eat? I'm nearly starved."</p> + +<p>"Why, I thought you had lunch."</p> + +<p>"I did, but we—we took a walk afterward, and my appetite came back."</p> + +<p>Ruth looked curiously at Alice, sighed and then went out to the +kitchen.</p> + +<p>As the days went on Mr. DeVere grew to like his new occupation more +and more. At first he had talked and mused over the coming time when +<a name="Page_133" id="Page_133"></a>he could go back to the regular theatre. But his voice showed no +tendency to lose its whispering hoarseness, and he was, perforce, +compelled to do his acting for the camera. Then came a gradual change +of feeling, and he grew really to like his new occupation. Besides, +it paid almost as well as a legitimate rôle, and was more certain.</p> + +<p>The girls and their father enjoyed a private view of the film in +which Mr. DeVere was depicted. It was an absorbing play, and while it +seemed a bit uncanny, at first, to look at yourself moving about, Mr. +DeVere grew accustomed to it.</p> + +<p>"And it is surprising what faults one can see in onesself," he +remarked, after the film had been thrown on the screen for him. "I +can pick out a number of places where I can improve in my gestures. +And I see places where the action can be more easily and plainly +explained to the audience."</p> + +<p>"I am glad you do," spoke Mr. Pertell. "It is a good thing to try to +improve the movies. They have, in my opinion, a great lesson to teach +to the masses, as well as to provide amusement for them. And all we +can do, individually, to help, adds to it.</p> + +<p>"I am thinking of greatly broadening my fields, I am not satisfied to +film merely parlor <a name="Page_134" id="Page_134"></a>dramas and a few city scenes. I want a larger +scenic background, and I'm working to that end."</p> + +<p>"I hope I shall be able to fit into some of them," observed Mr. +DeVere. "I, too, begin to think I would like to get out in the open."</p> + +<p>"I intend to have you with me," declared the manager. "I am looking +around for a locality to serve as a background for certain rural +plays. But I have not found it yet."</p> + +<p>Ruth and Alice paid many visits to the film studio, and watched the +making of many plays. Their father had parts in a number of them, and +for others new actors were engaged temporarily.</p> + +<p>Russ was becoming an expert operator, and meanwhile was working on +his patent. It was nearly perfected.</p> + +<p>They were exacting days that followed. Many dramas had to be filmed, +and all the actors and actresses were kept busy. Ruth and Alice spent +many afternoons in the studio, growing more and more interested all +the while. There was much fun, as well as much hard work, for Mr. +Switzer, with his odd expressions and mishaps, was a source of +considerable amusement.</p> + +<p>Then, too, the "human grouch," Pepper Sneed, seemed always to find +some new objection to raise, or some dire calamity to predict. And +<a name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a>as for Mr. Bunn, he made many protests at rôles he considered +incongruous with his dignity.</p> + +<p>Once he wanted the story of a play so changed that he might give an +impersonation of Hamlet in a setting that included a Western mining +cabin, and when he was refused by the manager he grew quite +indignant.</p> + +<p>"You might as well try to introduce Macbeth in the clown act," +declared Mr. Pertell.</p> + +<p>Several times Ruth and Alice had expressed a desire to try a little +part in one of the dramas, but their father would not listen. At +last, however, their chance came.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere had just completed his rôle in a difficult part, and Russ, +with his camera, had been shifted over to film another play, a few of +the scenes of which were laid in the studio, the others being set out +of doors.</p> + +<p>"Well, aren't those two young ladies here yet?" asked Mr. Pertell, +coming out of his office, as he noted a delay.</p> + +<p>"Not yet," answered Mrs. Maguire, who was to have a part in the act. +"They said they'd be early, too."</p> + +<p>"That's always the way when you want someone in a hurry," stormed the +manager. "Here we are holding things up just because Miss Parker <a name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a>and +Miss Dengon aren't here. It wouldn't taken them five minutes to do +their parts, either."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't wait much longer," said the principal actor, who was +to take a part with the young ladies who were missing. "I've got to +get that train, you know, Pertell."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know!" was the answer, as the manager snapped shut his watch. +"I can't see what's keeping them. This gets on my nerves!"</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked Mr. DeVere, coming from his dressing room. +"Anything I can do to help you?"</p> + +<p>"No, but two extra young girls I hired for certain parts are missing, +and this thing ought to go on. Harrison has an important engagement, +and can't wait either. I didn't count on this emergency, though +usually I allow for delays. If I only had two girls now—Say!" he +cried, as he looked over at Ruth and Alice. "They might do it—they +might fill in! How about it, Mr. DeVere; would you let them +substitute in this drama? It's a simple thing, and with two minutes' +coaching they can do it. That will let Harrison get his train, and I +can go on with the next scenes. Will you girls try?" he asked, +appealing to them.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV" /><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h3>JEALOUSIES</h3> + + +<p>Alice hesitated, but only a moment, and, while Ruth was looking at +her father, the younger girl exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Oh, do let us try! I don't know that we could do it, Mr. Pertell, +but let us try! Won't you, Daddy?"</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere looked troubled. For some time past he had been watching +the growing liking of his daughters for the moving pictures, and he +was in two minds about the matter. He had seen that this new manner +of presenting plays had a great future, not only for the public but +for the acting profession. And now, when a chance came for his +daughters to get into it, he hardly knew what to say. He had made up +his mind that they should never go on the dramatic stage. But +this——.</p> + +<p>"Something has to be done," urged the manager. "I can't hold things +back much longer."<a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a></p> + +<p>"Wouldn't you like to try it, Ruth?" asked Alice, catching her +sister's hands. "I think it will be just fine!"</p> + +<p>"Why, I—I think I would like it—if they think I can do it," agreed +Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you can do it all right," Mr. Pertell assured her. "It is very +simple. A little coaching is all you need. What do you say, Mr. +DeVere? May the girls go in?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I—er—I hardly know what to say. It is so different from +anything they have ever done. And I never expected——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, they can do it!" interrupted the manager. "They've been around +here long enough to know how we do things. Come, it may be a good +opening for them."</p> + +<p>"All right, I don't mind," said the actor. "I shall be very glad to +let them help you out, Mr. Pertell."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't ask it as a favor. I'm willing to pay for their time. I +was to give Miss Parker and Miss Dengon five dollars each for a few +minutes of their time to-day, but they have disappointed me. I now +offer it to your daughters."</p> + +<p>"Oh, fine!" cried Alice, clapping her hands. "Then I can get that new +hat I've been wanting so much. Come on, Ruth. What do we have to do, +Mr. Pertell?"<a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a></p> + +<p>The manager quickly explained what was wanted. The two girls had +simple parts, with Mr. Harrison as the chief character. Alice and +Ruth soon grasped what was required of them, and, after a little +coaching and rehearsing, they were ready.</p> + +<p>"Now stand over here," directed Mr. Pertell, who took personal charge +this time, "and don't pay any attention to the camera. Don't look at +it, in fact. Keep your eyes on Mr. Harrison, or on some part of +scenery. Just forget everything but what you have to do."</p> + +<p>"Shall we speak the lines aloud?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"If you like. Perhaps it will be better, for the first time, to do +so," suggested Mr. Pertell. "It may help you to get the 'business' +down better. A little more light here!" he called to the electrician, +for in one of the scenes artificial illumination was used. "Are you +all ready, Russ?" he asked the young operator.</p> + +<p>"All ready; yes, sir!"</p> + +<p>"Then—go!"</p> + +<p>The little section, from what was to be a two-reel play of the +movies, was under way. Though a bit nervous Ruth and Alice did very +well, and soon they were in the swing of it.</p> + +<p>When it came time for Alice to act the part of a hoydenish character, +she was exceedingly <a name="Page_140" id="Page_140"></a>natural in it, and her laugh at the simulated +discomfiture of Mr. Harrison was so spontaneous that even some of the +others joined in.</p> + +<p>Ruth, too, who had a more demure part, acquitted herself well. The +camera clicked on, Russ turning the handle steadily. He nodded +reassuringly at Ruth when she had a moment's respite.</p> + +<p>Then came a slight change of scene, and a change of costume on the +part of the girls, Mrs. Maguire finding just what was needed in the +wardrobe of the studio.</p> + +<p>Then, just as the final strip of film had been exposed, and the +emergency work of Ruth and Alice had ended, in came the two tardy +actresses.</p> + +<p>"You're too late!" exclaimed Mr. Pertell. "We couldn't wait for you."</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed Miss Parker. "Do you mean to tell us you went and +filmed our parts with somebody else in the cast?"</p> + +<p>"That's what we did," replied the manager, coolly. "Maybe you'll +learn after this that four o'clock means four o'clock, and not half +past."</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you know about that?" gasped Miss Dengon, sinking into +a plush chair, and dabbing at her nose with a chamois skin, which +gave off puffs of powder like a miniature gun.</p> + +<p>"An' us tryin' as hard as ever we could to <a name="Page_141" id="Page_141"></a>get here!" went on Miss +Parker, vigorously chewing gum. "The nerve of some people is suttinly +amazin'! Come on, Ruby, I never did care much for movies anyhow, an' +how some folks can stay in 'em is suttinly a mystery to me!"</p> + +<p>Then, with heads held high, and with meaning glances at Miss +Pennington and Miss Dixon, who were busy in another drama, the two +young ladies went out, looking superciliously at Ruth and Alice.</p> + +<p>"Business is business—in the movies the same as anywhere else," +chuckled Mr. Pertell, as he gave Ruth and Alice each a crisp +five-dollar bill. "I am very much obliged to you, in the bargain," he +went on.</p> + +<p>"So am I!" added Mr. Harrison. "I can get my train now, and it's a +satisfaction to know that the scenes are completed."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it was fun!" laughed Alice.</p> + +<p>"I liked it, too," confessed Ruth.</p> + +<p>"And I want to tell you that you both did most excellently," said the +manager. "You have a very good grasp of what is wanted, and you put +in the 'business' very naturally. I congratulate you and your +father," and he nodded to Mr. DeVere.</p> + +<p>"I have given them a little instruction in the <a name="Page_142" id="Page_142"></a>fundamentals," +confessed the actor, "and of course they have been about the theatre, +more or less, since they were small children."</p> + +<p>"I suppose that accounts for it," observed Mr. Pertell. "Well, I want +to say that I am very much pleased with you, and, if you think you +would like to try it again, I can make parts for you in a drama that +I am going to film next week."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Ruth! Let's do it!" begged Alice.</p> + +<p>Ruth looked at her father inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"What sort of parts are they?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, very much the same as they undertook to-day, only longer and +more elaborate. There will be several changes of scene and costume. +Do you think you'd like it?"</p> + +<p>"Like it? I'd love it!" cried Alice, gaily, "Do say we may, Daddy +dear!" and she put her arms around his neck.</p> + +<p>"I'll see," was all he would promise. "I must look over the parts, +and then—well, little coaching wouldn't do you any harm, I guess," +he added with a smile.</p> + +<p>"It would make them all the better," declared the manager.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Ruth! I believe he's going to let us go in!" whispered Alice in +delight. "Won't you like it?"<a name="Page_143" id="Page_143"></a></p> + +<p>"Yes, dear! It's more exciting than I imagined. And I think you did +splendidly!"</p> + +<p>"Not half as well as you, Ruth. You are a born actress!"</p> + +<p>"And you're a born ingenue!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, aren't we silly to compliment each other this way!" laughed +Alice. "But, really, Ruth, I just love it; don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear. Oh, I wonder what sort of parts we'll get. I'd like +something romantic."</p> + +<p>"And I want something funny—with laughs in it," declared Alice. "Oh, +say, Ruth," and her voice went to a whisper, "do you really think I'm +an ingenue—like Miss Dixon?"</p> + +<p>"I think you're—better!" responded Ruth, kissing her sister, and +stroking her soft hair.</p> + +<p>The work in the film studio was over for the day and the actors and +actresses were getting ready to go home. From the time Ruth and Alice +had taken the emergency parts Russ had observed Miss Pennington and +Miss Dixon casting sharp looks at them.</p> + +<p>"Jealous!" mused Russ. And his diagnosis was confirmed a little +later, when, as the two former vaudeville performers passed Ruth and +Alice, Miss Pennington, with a sharp glance at the latter, murmured +loudly enough to be heard:</p> + +<p>"Humph! It takes more than one perform<a name="Page_144" id="Page_144"></a>ance in a little part to make +a movie actress! Some folks think they are mighty smart, coming in +over the heads of others!"</p> + +<p>"That's what I say, too!" added Miss Dixon. "It was a shame the way +they took the parts away from Ruby and Maude!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI" /><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h3>THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS</h3> + + +<p>For a moment Ruth and Alice looked at each other with eyes that +showed the pain they felt. Ruth turned pale at hearing the unkind +words, but Alice blushed a rosy red, and started to say something.</p> + +<p>"Don't," advised Mrs. Maguire, coming up beside them, and evidently +guessing her intention. "It would only make matters worse to reply to +them, my dear."</p> + +<p>"But—but——" began Alice.</p> + +<p>"Hush!" begged Ruth. "Oh, how could they say it—as if we <i>wanted</i> to +displace those girls."</p> + +<p>"I'm just going to tell them what I think!" exclaimed Alice, and +there was a hint of real anger in her voice. But she had no chance, +for Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, as though satisfied with what +they had done, swept out to the elevator.</p> + +<p>"Don't mind them, my dears," said motherly<a name="Page_146" id="Page_146"></a> Mrs. Maguire. "It's only +professional jealousy, anyhow; and you'll see plenty of that if you +stay in this business long enough."</p> + +<p>"Then I'm not going to stay!" cried Alice. "I'm not used to having +such things said of me."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Maguire laughed genially. She was standing with Ruth and Alice, +who were waiting for their father to join them. Most of the other +performers had now gone.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you'll get so you won't mind that a bit!" went on Mrs. Maguire. +"Sure, I used to eat my heart over it in my younger days, but now I +only laugh. It's part of the business. It's a tribute to your acting, +my dear, and you ought to take it as such. Don't mind it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, but it was so—so uncalled—for!" murmured Ruth. "I think I +must—"</p> + +<p>"Hush! Here comes daddy!" interrupted Alice. "Don't let him know +about it."</p> + +<p>"That's wise," commented Mrs. Maguire. "Though probably he's seen +enough of it in his time. But perhaps he wouldn't like to know that +it bothered you. Best say nothing to him, my dears. It will wear away +soon enough."</p> + +<p>"No, we won't say anything," agreed Alice, slipping her arm through +her sister's. "Papa has enough trouble as it is."<a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a></p> + +<p>A little later, as the girls were walking along with Mr. DeVere, he +asked them:</p> + +<p>"Well, how did you like your parts in the movies?"</p> + +<p>"Fine. It was so interesting, Dad!" exclaimed Ruth.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to do some more!" echoed Alice, with a meaning look at her +sister.</p> + +<p>"Well, I must see what sort of parts Mr. Pertell will cast you for," +said Mr. DeVere. "But I am glad you like the work. It may be a great +deal better for all of us to be in this than if I was alone in a +regular theater. We can always be together now, and certainly my +voice doesn't seem to be improving very fast."</p> + +<p>This was only too true. Several visits to the physician, and a heroic +course of treatment, had resulted in only a slight improvement. The +pain in the vocal chords had been lessened, but the huskiness +remained, so that it would have been practically impossible for Mr. +DeVere to speak his lines in a regular theater. So the moving +pictures were suited to him.</p> + +<p>The DeVere family was now in much better circumstances than when we +first made their acquaintance. They had been gradually paying the +back bills, the landlord had been appeased, so <a name="Page_148" id="Page_148"></a>that there was no +danger of dispossession, and there was much happiness in the little +flat.</p> + +<p>"We could even afford a better one, if you girls would like to move," +said Mr. DeVere one day.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, let's stay," suggested Ruth. "We can save a little money by +remaining here, and paying less rent."</p> + +<p>"Besides, we have such nice neighbors!" observed Alice, with a glance +at the Dalwood apartments across the hall, at the same time giving +Ruth a sly nudge.</p> + +<p>"Stop it!" commanded Ruth. "What do you mean, Alice?"</p> + +<p>"Just what I said—we have <i>such</i> nice neighbors across the way," and +she gave a little pinch to her sister's blushing cheek.</p> + +<p>"Yes, the Dalwoods are very good friends," remarked Mr. DeVere, all +unconscious of this little by-play between his daughters. "And Russ +is certainly a fine young man."</p> + +<p>"Indeed he is; isn't he, Ruth?" asked Alice tantalizingly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I suppose so," was the blushing answer. "But how should I +know—any more than you do about Paul Ardite?" and she glanced +shrewdly at Alice.</p> + +<p>"A hit, I suppose you would call that. A<a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a> Roland for my Oliver, my +dear!" laughed Alice, frankly. "I don't mind."</p> + +<p>She looked toward her father, but he was so absorbed in looking over +a new part he was to take, that he paid little attention to the +chatter of the girls.</p> + +<p>A few days after the first appearance of Ruth and Alice before the +moving picture camera, in the small rôles they had taken to bridge +over an emergency, Mr. Pertell brought them their parts in a new +drama. Meanwhile it had been ascertained that the films where the +girls filled in had been a success. Ruth and Alice felt a little +diffident about going to the studio again, especially after the scene +with the jealous actresses.</p> + +<p>But Miss Dixon and Miss Pennington appeared to have gotten over their +pique, and they acted as though they had never said anything to wound +or annoy Ruth and Alice. The latter, however, could not forget it, +and were rather cool toward their fellow-players.</p> + +<p>"Here are your new parts," said Mr. Pertell. "Look them over with +your father as soon as you can. He is to be in the play with you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, isn't this exciting!" cried Alice, as she took the typewritten +manuscript. "Real parts at last, Ruth!"<a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a></p> + +<p>"Yes. We will be real actresses if we keep on. I wonder what I am +cast for?"</p> + +<p>"My! We're becoming quite adept in theatrical talk. Ahem!" laughed +Alice with pretended sarcasm.</p> + +<p>Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, who were already rehearsing for +another play, looked over at the two enthusiastic sisters, and +shrugged their shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Wait until they have been in it as long as we have, my dear, then +they won't be so jolly," remarked Miss Pennington.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know as you can include me," was Miss Dixon's rather +tart comment. "<i>I</i> haven't been at it so many years."</p> + +<p>"Oh, haven't you?" asked Miss Pennington, with a raising of her +penciled eyebrows. "Excuse me, my dear!"</p> + +<p>"Don't mention it!"</p> + +<p>"Get on to that, would you!" exclaimed Pop Snooks to Mr. Sneed. "The +two old-timers are scrappin'."</p> + +<p>"I knew they would," was the grouchy rejoinder. "They'll have a real +quarrel, and both quit, and that'll mean some new members in the +company. And just as we are about through rehearsing that piece, and +about to film it, too.<a name="Page_151" id="Page_151"></a> That means I'll have to do it all over again. +I knew something would happen!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, cheer up! The worst is yet to come!" laughed Paul Ardite. +"Here's Switzer looking as red as a lobster. What is it now, Carl?" +he asked.</p> + +<p>"Ach! Vot isn't der matter?" cried the moon-faced one. "I haf a part +vot incessitates me to be bound und gagged by a band of robbers, und +stood in a corner vhile dey loot der blace."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's a nice, romantic part," observed Paul.</p> + +<p>"Yah, but how would you like to haf a rag stuffed in your mout so vot +you couldn't breath yet for five minutes? How vould you like dot; +hey? Dell me dot!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, tell 'em to leave you a breathing hole," laughed Paul.</p> + +<p>"Where is Mr. Pertell? Where is he? I demand to see him at once!" +broke in the voice of Wellington Bunn. "I must see him instantly!"</p> + +<p>"He was here a moment ago, giving the Misses DeVere their parts," +replied Paul. "Why, is the place on fire?"</p> + +<p>"No, but I refuse to take the part he has assigned to me. I utterly +and positively refuse to so demean myself."<a name="Page_152" id="Page_152"></a></p> + +<p>"What part have you?" asked the young fellow, looking over at Alice +and nodding.</p> + +<p>"Why, he has cast me—I, who have played all the principal +Shakespearean characters—he has cast me—Wellington Bunn—as a +waiter in a hotel scene! Where is Mr. Pertell? I refuse to take that +character!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, what's the trouble now?" asked the manager, coming from his +office. The Shakespearean actor explained.</p> + +<p>"Now see here!" exclaimed Mr. Pertell, with more anger than he +usually displayed. "You'll take that part, Mr. Bunn, or leave the +company! It is an important part, and has to do with the development +of the plot. Why, as that waiter you intercept the taking of ten +thousand dollars, and prevent the heroine from being abducted. +Afterward you become rich, and blossom out as a theatrical manager."</p> + +<p>"And do I produce Shakespeare?" asked the old actor, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"There's nothing to stop you—in the play," returned Mr. Pertell, +rather drily.</p> + +<p>"Oh, then it's all right," said Mr. Bunn, with a sigh of relief. +"I'll take the part."</p> + +<p>Rehearsals were going on in various parts of the studio, and some +plays were being filmed. Russ Dalwood was busy at one of the +cameras.<a name="Page_153" id="Page_153"></a></p> + +<p>"Have you got a part you like, Ruth?" asked Alice, when she had +finished looking over her lines.</p> + +<p>"Indeed I have, I'm supposed to be Lady Montgomery, and there are two +counts in love with me. At least, one is a count and the other +pretends to be one. It's quite romantic. What is yours?"</p> + +<p>"Mine's jolly. I'm a school girl, always up to some trick or other, +and—yes, see here—why in one of my tricks I disclose that the +pretended count who's in love with you is only an organ grinder! Oh, +that will be fun," and she laughed gleefully.</p> + +<p>"Do you like your parts?" asked the manager, coming up.</p> + +<p>"Indeed we do!" chorused Ruth and Alice.</p> + +<p>"Then talk to your father about them," he advised. "See what he says, +and if he is willing you may begin rehearsals with him, and the +others of the cast."</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere was fully satisfied with the parts assigned to his +daughters, and agreed to allow them to enter formally into the work +of the moving pictures at a very fair salary for beginners. The +others of the company were called together, including Paul Ardite, +and the best method of getting the finest results out of the drama +was discussed.<a name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a></p> + +<p>In the days that followed, Ruth and Alice, as well as the others, did +hard work. It is not as easy to go through a moving picture play as +it appears merely from seeing the film on the white curtain. Some +scenes have to be rehearsed over and over again, and often, after +being filmed, some defect results and the work has to be all done +once more.</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere rehearsed his daughters at home in the intervals of their +appearance at the studio, and this redounded to their benefit. They +were thus able to do effective work, and Mr. Pertell complimented +them on it.</p> + +<p>The play was soon ready for filming, and Russ was chosen to work the +camera. Some of the scenes were out of doors, in a big flower garden, +and for this the company was taken to Brooklyn, where a private owner +was induced to allow his place to be used for a few minutes. Ruth and +Alice enjoyed their part in the flower garden very much.</p> + +<p>Finally the last rehearsal was had, and the day was set for making +the films of the first real, big play in which the two girls had ever +taken part. As they were leaving the studio together, on the +afternoon of the day before the first "performance," they saw a group +of children standing down near the main entrance.<a name="Page_155" id="Page_155"></a></p> + +<p>"There go some of the moving picture girls now," one boy exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Don't I wish I was them!" sighed a tall, lanky girl next him. "Ain't +they nice, Jimmie?"</p> + +<p>"They sure is!" was the enthusiastic rejoinder.</p> + +<p>"We're achieving fame, Ruth," laughed Alice.</p> + +<p>"Such as it is—yes," replied her sister. "'Moving picture girls'; +eh? Well, I suppose we are."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII" /><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h3>A PROMISE</h3> + + +<p>"Now then, are we all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell. He looked about the +studio, at the groups of actors and actresses, at the camera +men—particularly at Russ. "Everybody here?" he went on.</p> + +<p>"All here," replied Pop Snooks, checking off a list he held.</p> + +<p>"How about your props?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing missing, not even the firecracker Miss Alice sets off under +the chair of the false count," replied the property man.</p> + +<p>"Good! I don't want any failure at the last minute. Now, Russ, how is +the camera working?"</p> + +<p>"Fine, sir."</p> + +<p>"Good fresh film?"</p> + +<p>"Fresh to-day, Mr. Pertell—just like new-laid eggs."</p> + +<p>"All right. You may have a chance to snap <a name="Page_157" id="Page_157"></a>some newly laid eggs if my +future plans work out all right. Well, I guess we'll begin. Take your +places for the first scene."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm so nervous!" confided Ruth to Alice.</p> + +<p>"Silly! You needn't be!" was the response. "You're just perfect in +your part. I only wish I was as sure of myself."</p> + +<p>"Why, you're great, Alice!" said her sister. "Only you do such funny +things—it makes me laugh, and I'm afraid I'll smile in the wrong +place—when I'm being made love to, for instance."</p> + +<p>"Well, it's a funny part, and I have to act funny," insisted the +younger girl. "But I wish it was all over, and on the films. It's +been a little harder than I thought it would be."</p> + +<p>"Indeed it has. But papa was so good to rehearse us. Now we must be a +credit to him."</p> + +<p>"Oh, of course. Come on, the others are ready."</p> + +<p>It was not without a feeling of nervousness that Ruth and Alice +prepared to take their places in the actual depiction of the new +play. The rehearsals had not been so trying; but now, when the +photographs were to be made, there was a strain on all.</p> + +<p>For in making moving pictures mistakes are worse than on the real +stage. There, when one <a name="Page_158" id="Page_158"></a>is speaking, one can correct a false line, or +turn it so that the audience does not notice the "break."</p> + +<p>But in the movies a false move, a wrong gesture, is at once indelibly +registered on the film, to reappear greatly magnified. And though +sometimes the incorrect part of the film can be cut out, mistakes are +generally costly.</p> + +<p>"Are you all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell again, as he stood with watch +in hand beside Russ at the camera, while the actors and actresses +took their places in the first scene.</p> + +<p>"All ready," answered Mr. Harrison, who was one of the principal +characters.</p> + +<p>"Then—go!" cried the manager, and Russ was about to turn the +operating handle.</p> + +<p>"Vait! Vait a minute. Holt on!" cried the voice of Mr. Switzer. +"Don't shoot yet alretty!" and he held up a restraining hand.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what's the matter now?" demanded Mr. Pertell, with a gesture of +annoyance.</p> + +<p>"Vun of mine shoes—he iss unloose, und der lacing is +dingle-dangling. It might trip me!" explained the good-natured German +actor, in all seriousness.</p> + +<p>"Well, fix it, and hurry up!" cried the manager, unable to repress a +smile.</p> + +<p>"Yah! I tie her goot und strong," he said, and soon this was done.<a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a></p> + +<p>"Now then—all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell once more.</p> + +<p>This time there was no delay, and the clicking of the camera was +heard as Russ turned the handle. Mr. DeVere and his two daughters +were not in this first scene, so it gave the girls a chance to lose +some of their nervousness—or "stage fright." As for Mr. DeVere, he +was too much of a veteran actor to mind this. Besides, he had played +many parts before the camera now.</p> + +<p>Mr. Pertell stood with watch in hand, timing the performance. For the +play must be gotten on a certain length of film, and if one scene ran +over its allotted time it might spoil the next one by curtailing the +action.</p> + +<p>"Hurry a little with that," ordered the manager sharply, at a certain +point. "Don't 'screen' the letter too long, and skip part of that +leave-taking. That eats up far too much celluloid."</p> + +<p>Accordingly some parts, not essential to the play, were "cut" to +shorten the time. Russ went on turning the crank, getting hundreds of +the tiny pictures that afterward would be magnified, and thrown on +the screen in dozens of moving picture playhouses, for the Comet +Company supplied a large "circuit."</p> + +<p>"Now then, Mr. DeVere, it's time for you <a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a>to come on," the manager +said. "And then your daughters."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know I'm going to be nervous!" murmured Ruth.</p> + +<p>"No you won't," spoke Russ, encouragingly. She stood near him, and +flashed him a grateful look. "I'll be watching you," he said, "and if +I see anything wrong I'll stop in an instant, so we won't spoil any +film."</p> + +<p>"That's good of you," she replied. "Come on, Alice."</p> + +<p>"All right! Oh, I just know it's going to be splendid!" her sister +exclaimed. There was the flush of excitement on her cheeks, and +though she would not admit, Alice, too, was nervous. So much, she +felt, depended on this first real play—so much for herself and her +sister. It was thrilling to feel that they might be able to make a +comfortable living through the medium of the movies.</p> + +<p>"All ready now, Russ, for this scene," called the manager, indicating +the one where Ruth and Alice were to appear. "Watch your register +closely."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>The play went on. Ruth took her part first, and the little drama was +enacted. Her father, who was in the scene with her, smiled +encourage<a name="Page_161" id="Page_161"></a>ment, and Russ nodded gaily as he continued to turn the +clicking camera.</p> + +<p>"Now, Miss Alice!" called the manager. "Here's where you come in. +Come smiling!"</p> + +<p>It was hardly necessary to tell Alice this, for she generally had a +smile on her face. Nor was it lacking this time.</p> + +<p>She began her part, but in an instant the manager called:</p> + +<p>"Wait. Hold on a minute!"</p> + +<p>The clicking of the camera ceased instantly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, have I done something wrong?" thought Alice, her heart beating +violently.</p> + +<p>"Cut out what's been done so far," ordered the manager to Russ. "It +will have to be done over."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered the operator, as he noted from the automatic +register at the side of the camera how many feet of film had been run +on the new scene. Then, when it came to be developed, it could be +eliminated. The figures also showed how much of the thousand-foot +reel was left for succeeding scenes.</p> + +<p>Everyone was a little nervous, fearing he or she had made the +trouble, but all were reassured a moment later, when the manager +said:</p> + +<p>"I think it will be a little more effective if Miss Alice makes her +entrance from the other side.<a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a> It brings her out better. Try it that +way once, and then, if it goes, film it, Russ."</p> + +<p>The benefit of the change was at once apparent, and after a moment of +rehearsal it was decided on. Again the camera began its clicking and +everyone breathed freely once more, Alice most of all, for failure +would have meant so much to her.</p> + +<p>"Very good—very good," spoke the manager encouragingly, as the play +developed.</p> + +<p>Alice and Ruth had rather difficult parts, and in one scene they held +the stage alone, "plotting" to disclose the false count. It was in +this scene that Alice had some effective work along comedy lines.</p> + +<p>It seemed to go off very well—at least, as far as the girls could +tell. Alice, as a rather hoydenish school girl, home for the summer, +played havoc with the admirers of the romantic Ruth, who seemed to +fill the rôle to perfection.</p> + +<p>"You're doing well, little girl," whispered Paul to Alice, when she +stepped out of the scene for a moment, while another part of the play +went on.</p> + +<p>"Do you really mean it?" she asked him.</p> + +<p>"I certainly do. Say, you've got the other two guessing, all right."</p> + +<p>"What other two?"</p> + +<p>"Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon."<a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm so sorry."</p> + +<p>"Sorry for what?"</p> + +<p>"I mean, I don't want them to dislike me," returned Alice.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't worry about that, little girl. They don't like anyone who +can do better than themselves. But they're the only ones. The rest of +us like you!"</p> + +<p>"Really?"</p> + +<p>"Well I should say!" and there was more energy in the words than was +actually necessary. Alice blushed, but looked pleased.</p> + +<p>"Very good!" observed the manager, after an effective scene in which +Alice and Ruth took part. "You are doing excellent work. If this play +is a hit I'll star you two in something more elaborate next week."</p> + +<p>"Will you, really?" asked Ruth, as she came out of the scene.</p> + +<p>"I really will," answered Mr. Pertell. "That's a promise!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII" /><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h3>A HIT</h3> + + +<p>"Ruth, I do hope it's a success; don't you?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"Of course I do. It means a whole lot."</p> + +<p>"You mean to Mr. Pertell?"</p> + +<p>"And to us, dear."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean? Tell me."</p> + +<p>The two girls were resting after the performance of the play "A False +Count." The last scene had been filmed, and the long strips of +celluloid, with the hidden pictures, sent to the dark room for +development. Not until then could it be told whether the affair had +been a success from a mechanical standpoint. And then, later, would +come the test before the great public.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear what Mr. Pertell said to me?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Well, he said so much, directing us, and all that—I'm sure I don't +recall anything special. What was it?"<a name="Page_165" id="Page_165"></a></p> + +<p>"Why, he told me that if this play was a success—I mean if we showed +up well in it—he'd give us parts in a big drama he's getting ready. +Won't that be splendid?"</p> + +<p>"Of course it will. But I liked this one very much. I wish I could +see the real pictures."</p> + +<p>"You can!" exclaimed a voice back of the girls, and, turning they saw +Russ. "I'll take you to see them when the positives are made," he +said.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but I mean in a regular moving picture theater," went on Alice. +"I'd like to see how the public takes us."</p> + +<p>"I'll do that, too," agreed Russ. "As soon as the pictures are +released we'll find some place where they are being shown, and you +can watch yourself doing your act."</p> + +<p>"That will be fine!" cried Ruth.</p> + +<p>"What does 'released' mean?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"Well, you know the moving picture business is something like the +Associated Press," explained Russ. "The Associated Press is an +organization for getting news. Often news has to be gotten in +advance—say a thing like the President's message, or a speech by a +big man.</p> + +<p>"The Associated Press gets a copy in advance, and sends duplicates of +it out to the newspapers that take its service. And on each duplicate +copy <a name="Page_166" id="Page_166"></a>is stamped a notice that it is to be released for publication +on a certain day—or at even a certain hour. That is, it can't be +used by the newspapers until that time.</p> + +<p>"It's somewhat like that with moving pictures. The reels of new plays +are sent out to the different theaters, and to fix it so a theater +quite a distance from New York won't be at a disadvantage with one +right here, which would get the film sooner, there is a certain date +set for the release of the film. That means that though one theater +gets it first it can't use it until the date set, when all the +playhouses are supposed to have it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's the way they do it?" observed Alice.</p> + +<p>"Yes," went on Russ. "Of course the best stuff is what is called +'first run,'" he went on to explain. "That is, it is a reel of film +of a new play, never before shown in a certain city. The best moving +picture theaters take the first run, and pay good prices for it. +Then, later on, second-rate theaters may get it at a lower price."</p> + +<p>"And is our play a 'first run'?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"It will be for a time," answered Russ. "I think you girls did fine!" +he went on. "Acting comes natural to you, I guess."</p> + +<p>"Well, we've seen enough of it around the house, with daddy getting +ready for some of his <a name="Page_167" id="Page_167"></a>plays," admitted Alice. "Oh, I wish I could do +it all over again!" she cried, gliding over to her sister and +whirling her off in a little waltz to the tune of a piano that was +playing so that the performers in another play, representing a ball +room scene, might keep proper time.</p> + +<p>"Did you like your part, Ruth?" asked Russ, after Alice had allowed +her sister to quiet down.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I always like a romantic character."</p> + +<p>"I like fun!" confessed Alice. "The more the better!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, will you ever grow up?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"I hope not—ever!" laughed Alice, gaily.</p> + +<p>Off in another part of the studio Miss Pennington and her chum, Miss +Dixon, were going through their parts. They looked over at Ruth, +Alice and Russ, and their glances were far from friendly.</p> + +<p>"I don't see what Mr. Pertell can see in those girls," remarked Miss +Pennington, during a lull, when they did not have to be before the +camera.</p> + +<p>"Neither do I," agreed her friend. "They can't act, and the airs they +put on!"</p> + +<p>"Shocking!" commented Miss Pennington.</p> + +<p>"Come, young ladies!" broke in the voice of the manager. "It is time +for you to go on again. And please put a little more vim into your +work. I want that play to be a snappy one."<a name="Page_168" id="Page_168"></a></p> + +<p>"Humph!" sneered Miss Dixon.</p> + +<p>"If he wants more snap he ought to pay more money," whispered her +friend. "All he cares about now are those DeVere girls."</p> + +<p>"Attention!" called the manager. "Get some good business into this, +now. Mr. Switzer, when you come in, after that scene where you apply +for work, and can't get it, you must throw yourself into your chair +despondently. Do it as though you had lost all hope. You know what I +mean."</p> + +<p>"Vot you mean? Dot I should sit in it so?" and the German actor +plumped himself into the chair in question by approaching it so that +he could sit on it in astride, in reverse position, folding his arms +over the rounded back.</p> + +<p>"No—no, not that way—not as if you were riding a horse!" cried the +manager. "Throw yourself into it with abandon, as the stage +directions call for."</p> + +<p>"Let me show him," broke in the melancholy voice of Wellington Bunn.</p> + +<p>Striding into the scene, which had been interrupted to enable this +bit of rehearsal to be gone through with, the old Shakespearean actor +approached the chair and cast himself into it as though he had lost +his last friend, and had no hope left on earth.<a name="Page_169" id="Page_169"></a></p> + +<p>"That's the way—that's the idea—copy that!" cried Mr. Pertell, +enthusiastically.</p> + +<p>But he spoke too soon.</p> + +<p>Mr. Bunn had cast himself into the chair with such "abandon" that the +chair abandoned him. It fell apart, it disintegrated, it parted +company with its legs—all at once—so that chair and actor came to +the ground in a heap.</p> + +<p>"Oh, my! I am injured! A physician, I beseech you!" moaned Mr. Bunn, +while others of the cast rushed to help him to his feet. He was soon +pulled from the ruins of the chair.</p> + +<p>"Ach! So. I unterstandt now!" exclaimed Mr. Switzer. "I haf your +meaning now, of vat 'abandon' is, Mr. Pertell. I am to break der +chair ven I sits on it, yes? Dot is 'abandon' a chair. Vot a queer +lanquitch der English is, alretty. Vell, brings me annuder chair und +I vill abandon it!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Pertell threw his hands upwards in a despairing gesture.</p> + +<p>"No—no!" he cried. "I didn't mean that way."</p> + +<p>"Than vot you means?" asked the German, puzzled.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Wellington Bunn was painfully walking over to a more +substantial chair.</p> + +<p>"That was all a trick!" he cried. "You did <a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a>that on purpose, Mr. +Snooks. You provided a broken chair!"</p> + +<p>"I did not!" protested the property man. "It was the way you threw +yourself into it. What did you think it was made of—iron?"</p> + +<p>"I knew something would happen!" observed Mr. Sneed, gloomily. "I +felt it in my bones."</p> + +<p>"Und I guess me dot he veels it in his bones, now," chuckled Mr. +Switzer. "I am glat dot I, myself, did not abandon dot chair alretty +yet."</p> + +<p>The play went on after a little delay, and for some time after that +the Shakespearean actor was very chary of offering to show other +actors how to put "abandon" into their parts.</p> + +<p>So far as could be told by an inspection of the negatives of the +first important play in which Ruth and Alice had appeared, it was a +success. Of course how it would "take" with the public was yet to be +learned.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile other plays were being considered, and Mr. Pertell repeated +his promise, that if "A False Count" was successful he would give +Ruth and Alice real "star" parts. They were eager for this, and, now +that their father had seen how well they did, he was enthusiastic +over them, and very glad to let them go on in the moving picture +business.</p> + +<p>"Who knows," he said, "but what it may mend <a name="Page_171" id="Page_171"></a>the broken fortunes of +the DeVere family?"</p> + +<p>One evening Russ came over to the apartment of the girls.</p> + +<p>"Come on out!" he called, gaily.</p> + +<p>"Where?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"To the moving pictures. I've got a surprise for you. They are going +to try my new invention for the first time."</p> + +<p>"May we go, Daddy?" asked Alice, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I guess so," he answered, absentmindedly, hardly looking up +from the manuscript of a new play he was studying.</p> + +<p>So Russ took the girls.</p> + +<p>"Oh, let's see what is going on!" begged Ruth, as they came to a halt +outside a nearby moving picture theater.</p> + +<p>"No, don't bother now!" urged Russ, gently urging them away from the +lithographs and pictures in front of the place. "We're a bit late, +and we want to get good seats."</p> + +<p>He got them inside before they had more than a fleeting glimpse of +the advertisements of the films that were to be shown, and soon they +were comfortably settled.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what we'll see?" mused Ruth, looking about the darkened +theater. The performance was just about to start.<a name="Page_172" id="Page_172"></a></p> + +<p>"I wish we could see our play," spoke Alice. "When do you think we +can, Russ?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, soon now," he answered, and the girls thought they heard him +laugh. They wondered why.</p> + +<p>The first film was shown—a western scene, and the girls were not +much interested in it, except that Ruth remarked:</p> + +<p>"The pictures seem much clearer than usual."</p> + +<p>"That's on account of my invention," said Russ, proudly. "I'm glad +you noticed it." Then the girls were more interested. A little later, +when the title of the next play was shown, Ruth and Alice could not +repress exclamations of pleased surprise. For it was "A False Count!"</p> + +<p>"Why, Russ Dalwood!" whispered Alice. "Did you know this was here?"</p> + +<p>"Sure!" he chuckled.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's why you hurried us in without giving us a chance to see +what the bill was," reproached Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I wanted to surprise you."</p> + +<p>"Well, you did it all right," remarked Alice.</p> + +<p>And then the girls gave themselves up to watching the moving pictures +of themselves on the screen.</p> + +<p>It was rather an uncanny experience at first, but they soon became +used to it, and gave them<a name="Page_173" id="Page_173"></a>selves up to the enjoyment of the little +play, made doubly delightful from the fact that they had helped to +make it.</p> + +<p>"I'd hardly know myself," whispered Alice.</p> + +<p>"Nor I," added her sister.</p> + +<p>From the darkness behind them came a voice saying:</p> + +<p>"I saw this play this afternoon, Mollie. It's fine. I like the tall +actress best," and she referred to Ruth, whose presentment was then +on the screen. "She's so romantic, I think."</p> + +<p>"Listen to that!" Alice said to her sister. "Don't your ears burn?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed they do. Oh! isn't it queer to see yourself, and hear +yourself criticised?"</p> + +<p>"Wasn't that fine?" demanded the unseen critic behind the sisters, as +Ruth did an effective bit of acting. "Oh, I know I'm just going to +love her. I hope she is in lots of films."</p> + +<p>"So do I," added her companion. "But I like the small one best—the +one that was in the scene before this."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you mean the jolly one?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"That's you, Alice," whispered Ruth. "Now it's your turn for your +ears to burn."</p> + +<p>"I thought you'd like this," commented Russ. "This film is a hit, all +right."<a name="Page_174" id="Page_174"></a></p> + +<p>And so it seemed, for the audience applauded when the little photo +play was over, and that is a pretty good test.</p> + +<p>"I think they were perfectly splendid," said another voice off to the +left.</p> + +<p>"Who, those two girls in that play?" some one asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes. They're new ones, too. I haven't seen them in any of the +Comet's other plays."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I guess they must be new," and this was a girl's voice back in +the darkness of the theater. "Oh, I'd like to meet them! I wish I +could act for the movies!"</p> + +<p>"She doesn't know how near she is to meeting us!" whispered Alice to +her sister, as the next film was flashed on the white screen. "Did +you ever have an experience like this before?"</p> + +<p>"I never did!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX" /><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h3>A BIT OF OUTDOORS</h3> + + +<p>"Wasn't it fine!"</p> + +<p>"Splendid! I never expected to see myself like that."</p> + +<p>"Neither did I. Russ, how did you come to think of it?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it just came to me," he answered, chuckling.</p> + +<p>The two "moving picture girls," as they laughingly called themselves, +with Russ, were on their way home from the little theater where they +had just witnessed the depiction of themselves on the screen. They +had listened with amusement, not unmixed with pride, at the whispered +comments on the play in which they had taken part.</p> + +<p>"Do you think—I mean—would you call that a successful film, Russ?" +asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"I certainly would," he replied. "Didn't I take it myself?"<a name="Page_176" id="Page_176"></a></p> + +<p>"That's so!" exclaimed Ruth. "But I wish Mr. Pertell could know how +well it went. Not on our account," she added quickly, "but on account +of his own business, and because dear daddy is in it. And the others, +too—they'd be glad to know the audience liked it, I think."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry," returned Russ. "Mr. Pertell will know it soon enough. +He keeps track of all his films, and he knows which are successful or +not. He'll hear of this one the first thing in the morning. The +owners of the theaters where our films are used report as to which go +the best. And their own re-orders also show that. So you'll be +discovered, all right."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it wasn't so much that!" declared Alice, quickly. "But it is new +and strange to us, and I suppose we're too enthusiastic about it."</p> + +<p>"Not a bit too enthusiastic!" Russ assured her. "That's what I like +to see, and I guess the manager does, too. It would be a good thing +if some of the others were a little more enthusiastic. They'd do +better acting. Say!" he broke in, "what do you say to an ice cream +soda? It's warm this evening," and he paused before a brilliantly +lighted drug store.</p> + +<p>"Shall we, Ruth?" asked Alice, with a queer little look at her +sister.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know," began Ruth, hesitatingly.<a name="Page_177" id="Page_177"></a></p> + +<p>"Which means—yes!" Alice cried, gaily. "Come on!"</p> + +<p>Mr. DeVere looked up inquiringly from his bundle of manuscript as the +girls and Russ entered the little apartment later.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Daddy! It was just fine!" cried Alice, going over to him, and +covering his eyes with her hands.</p> + +<p>"We saw ourselves—and you, too, as others see us!" added Ruth.</p> + +<p>"I—er—I don't understand," their father whispered.</p> + +<p>"The moving pictures," explained Alice. "It was that play, 'A False +Count,' you know. Oh, it made a great hit, I can tell you!"</p> + +<p>"Ah, I'm glad to hear it," he said. "Sit down, Russ."</p> + +<p>"No, I can't stay," answered the visitor from across the hall. "I've +brought your daughters safely home, and now I have to get back. I've +got a little work to do yet."</p> + +<p>"Not at the studio; have you—so late?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it isn't late," he laughed. "But I want to do a little work on +my invention. I've sort of struck a snag, and it's bothering me. I +want it as nearly perfect as I can get it, and I've thought <a name="Page_178" id="Page_178"></a>of an +improvement I can put on it. So I'll say good-night."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, ever so much, for taking us!" said Alice, warmly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, it was fine!" added Ruth, her eyes sparkling. "To think +of seeing ourselves! It was a great surprise."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you'll get used to it after a while," returned Russ. And then he +went to his own room to labor ambitiously over his patent.</p> + +<p>"No more work to-night, Dad!" announced Ruth, firmly, as she saw her +father preparing to resume the study of the manuscript containing his +part in a new moving picture drama. "Your eyes must be tired, and you +must save them. It won't do to have them spoiled, as well as your +voice."</p> + +<p>"No, I suppose not," he answered, somewhat wearily. "This work is +rather trying. I believe I would like to get out in the open for a +change. Though I always said I never would do open-air parts in the +movies."</p> + +<p>"I'd like to get out, too," said Alice. "I enjoyed what little we did +in the Brooklyn garden very much."</p> + +<p>"I heard something at the studio about a prospect of the whole +company being given a chance <a name="Page_179" id="Page_179"></a>to do some outdoor dramas," observed +Ruth, musingly. "I wonder what was meant?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Pertell will probably tell us when he has his plans perfected," +Alice returned. "You know, though, that he promised if this 'A False +Count' play should be a success he'd give us a chance in a more +pretentious drama. I'm counting on that."</p> + +<p>"And so am I," said Ruth. "Come, now, Daddy. No more work to-night."</p> + +<p>As Russ had predicted, Mr. Pertell was not long in learning of the +success of the play in which Ruth and Alice had main parts. In a day +or so there came an increased demand for the films of the drama, and +the manager was well pleased.</p> + +<p>"And now I'm going to keep the promise I made you," he said to Ruth +and Alice. "I've been holding back on a big drama, waiting until I +saw how that one turned out. I didn't have any doubts, though, after +I saw you two act. Now I'm going to star you in that. And afterward, +well, we'll see what will happen. I've got a lot of ideas I want to +try," he added.</p> + +<p>"Mr. DeVere," the manager went on, "I believe you told me at one time +that you did not care to do any acting that took you out in the open; +am I right?"<a name="Page_180" id="Page_180"></a></p> + +<p>"I did say that," admitted the actor, in his husky voice; "but I +think I have changed my mind since then. I believe I would like to +get out of doors more."</p> + +<p>"Then I have the very thing for you and your daughters, too," the +manager said. "That is, if they have no objection to going out of +doors?" and he looked questioningly at them.</p> + +<p>"We'd love it!" cried Alice.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll make my plans," went on Mr. Pertell, after a confirmatory +nod from Mr. DeVere. "I think you'll like your parts. One of the acts +takes place on a yacht. I've hired one for a little trip down the +bay, and you can play at being millionaires for a day."</p> + +<p>"How lovely!" cried Ruth, and clapped her hands gleefully.</p> + +<p>"It is fine on the water these days!" exclaimed Alice.</p> + +<p>"I'll have your parts ready soon," went on the manager. "I must start +some of the other dramas going now," and he glanced about the studio. +Off in one corner, talking together, were Miss Pennington and Miss +Dixon, and, as the two actresses conversed they cast envious glances, +from time to time, at Alice and Ruth. They were plainly jealous of +the rapid rise of our two friends, but the moving picture girls bore +in mind <a name="Page_181" id="Page_181"></a>what motherly Mrs. Maguire had told them, and did not worry.</p> + +<p>Mr. Pertell and his assistants gave out the parts in another play, +and the rehearsals began. Almost at the start there was trouble.</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to play that part!" objected Wellington Bunn, stalking +with a tragic air toward the manager.</p> + +<p>"Why, what's the matter with your part?"</p> + +<p>"Why, you have been promising that you would put on one of +Shakespeare's plays, and give me a chance in Hamlet, and here you go +and cast me for one of a gang of counterfeiters. I have to wear a +black mask. The public will not know that it is Wellington Bunn +playing."</p> + +<p>"Well, maybe it's a good thing they won't," murmured the manager, but +what he said, aloud, was:</p> + +<p>"You will have to take that part, Mr. Bunn, or look for another +engagement."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll leave!" the old actor declared gloomily.</p> + +<p>But a little later he was observed to be putting on his mask, and +taking his place in the "den of the counterfeiters," as the screen +announced the place to be. It was one of the masterpieces of scenery +evolved by Pop Snooks. And a little later he transformed the same +scene, with a little <a name="Page_182" id="Page_182"></a>manipulation, into the cave of a thirteenth +century monk. Such was Pop Snooks.</p> + +<p>"Ha! Ha! I haf a funny part!" laughed Carl Switzer, a little later.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked Russ, who was getting a camera in readiness for +action.</p> + +<p>"Ha! It iss dot I go in a restaurant, und order a meal. Der vaiter he +brings me some cheese und I am so thoughtfulness dot I put red pepper +and horse radish on it. Den, ven I eat it I jumps ofer der table +alretty yet. Dot is a fine part!" and he laughed gleefully, for Mr. +Switzer was a simple soul.</p> + +<p>A little later Alice and Ruth were given their new parts to study. It +was announced that rehearsals would take place in a day or two, and +many of the scenes were to be out of doors, some of them taking place +on a yacht. Meanwhile Mr. DeVere went through with his rôle in a film +drama, Ruth and Alice not being called on.</p> + +<p>Finally announcement was made that the work of preparation for +filming the big drama would be undertaken. This was the most +ambitious play yet planned by Mr. Pertell, and he was anxious to make +it a success.</p> + +<p>That the price of success is high was amply proven in the next week. +Everyone worked hard at the rehearsals, and none harder than<a name="Page_183" id="Page_183"></a> Ruth +and Alice. They were determined that their parts should be a credit +to the performance. Later they learned that Miss Pennington and Miss +Dixon had pleaded for the rôles assigned to them.</p> + +<p>But Mr. Pertell was true to his promise, and kept Alice and Ruth in +their assigned places. The drama was an elaborate one, involving the +making of special scenery, and Pop Snooks had to call in several +assistants. But he liked that.</p> + +<p>Then, too, the location of the outdoor scenes had to be chosen with +care, to fit properly into the story.</p> + +<p>But at last the rehearsals were complete, including those for the +outdoor scenes. Of course the latter were rehearsed in the studio +first, so that when the time came to film such as the scenes on the +yacht, the pictures could be made without any preliminary trial on +the vessel itself. To this end Pop had set up in the studio enough of +the deck and fittings of a yacht to enable the performers to +familiarize themselves with them.</p> + +<p>"And now for the real thing!" exclaimed Russ, as a goodly part of the +company, including Mr. DeVere and his daughters, started for the +Battery one morning. They were to board the yacht there, and one of +the scenes would show the girls going up the gang-plank.<a name="Page_184" id="Page_184"></a></p> + +<p>It was a beautiful day in early summer, when even New York, with its +rattle of elevated trains, rumble of the surface cars and hurry and +scurry of automobiles, was attractive.</p> + +<p>Quite a throng of curious people gathered when the film theatrical +company prepared to board the vessel which had been chartered for the +occasion. The embarking place was near the round building, now used +as an Aquarium, but which, in former years, was Castle Garden, the +immigrant landing station.</p> + +<p>"All ready now—start aboard," ordered Mr. Pertell. "And, Russ, get +your camera a little more this way. I want to show off the yacht as +well as possible."</p> + +<p>The moving picture operator shifted his three-legged machine to one +side, and was about to start moving the film, as Ruth, Alice and the +others, presumably of a gay yachting party, started up the +gang-plank.</p> + +<p>Several feet of film had been exposed, when there was a series of +shouts and cries back of the crowd that had gathered to see the +pictures made in the open air. Then came a warning:</p> + +<p>"A runaway! A runaway horse! Look out!"</p> + +<p>The crowd parted, and Ruth, looking up, saw a big horse, attached to +a dray, dashing along one of the walks of Battery Park, having +evidently <a name="Page_185" id="Page_185"></a>come from one of the steamship piers nearby.</p> + +<p>"Grab him, somebody!" yelled Mr. Pertell. "He'll spoil the picture!" +That seemed to be his main thought.</p> + +<p>On came the maddened animal, while the crowd scattered still more. +Russ continued to make pictures, for the beast was not yet in focus.</p> + +<p>"Go on! Keep moving!" directed Mr. Pertell to Ruth, Alice and the +others. "Maybe you can get aboard before he gets here. Watch +yourself, Russ!"</p> + +<p>But the horse was charging directly for the gang-plank, and with +frightened eyes Ruth, Alice and some of the others prepared to rush +back to the pier.</p> + +<p>"Go on! I'll get that horse!" cried a voice back of Mr. Pertell, and +a man, apparently a farmer, sprang at the head of the plunging steed.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX" /><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h3>FARMER SANDY APGAR</h3> + + +<p>For a moment there was considerable confusion and excitement. Men in +pursuit of the frantic animal had rushed after him, calling warnings +to those in the zone of danger. Two policemen ran up to intercept the +steed.</p> + +<p>As for the moving picture actresses they hardly knew what to do. If +the plunging animal crashed into the gang-plank he might injure a +number of the performers, and break the rather frail structure, +letting them slip into the water.</p> + +<p>"That picture will be spoiled!" groaned Mr. Pertell.</p> + +<p>"No, it won't!" cried Russ. "Go on! I'm getting you all right. The +horse isn't in range yet and that young fellow has him now. Go on!"</p> + +<p>Ruth and Alice gathered courage and the others followed, going +through with the little gang-plank "business" called for in the +play.<a name="Page_187" id="Page_187"></a></p> + +<p>And indeed the quick-witted, rustic youth had the frantic horse in a +firm grip. He seemed to know just how to handle frightened animals, +and by the time the two policemen had reached him, the beast, though +still restive, had quieted down.</p> + +<p>"Good work, young fellow!" called one of the officers. "Whose horse +is it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, constable," was the answer, given with a country twang +that caused several spectators to smile. "I jest seen him comin' and +I see he was headed for them people what's goin' to Europe, I expect. +I didn't want their voyage spoiled, so I jest jumped at his head."</p> + +<p>"Well, you know how to do it, all right," said the second +"constable," as the young farmer had called the policemen.</p> + +<p>"I ought to know how to handle horses," was the answer, as the youth +relinquished the reins to the officer. "I've been among 'em all my +life. I was brought up on a farm."</p> + +<p>He looked it, but there was something in his simple, manly face, and +in the look of his honest blue eyes, that made one like him.</p> + +<p>"Good work, all right!" repeated the first officer. "I'll take your +name, young fellow, for my report," and he drew out a notebook. "I'll +also want to find out to whom the horse belongs, <a name="Page_188" id="Page_188"></a>but I s'pose the +truckman's license number will be a clue."</p> + +<p>"He's mine," broke in a voice, as a drayman pushed his way through +the crowd. "Some boys got to fooling around him, and he started off. +No damage done, I hope."</p> + +<p>"No," replied the policeman, "but you want to tie your animal after +this. He might have hurt someone—probably would have if it hadn't +been for this chap. What's your name?" he asked the young farmer.</p> + +<p>"Sandy Apgar."</p> + +<p>"And where do you live?"</p> + +<p>"On Oak Farm."</p> + +<p>"Never heard of the place," went on the officer, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's the name of our farm. It's jest outside the town of +Beatonville, about forty miles back in Jersey."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jersey!" laughed the officer. "No wonder! Well, there's your +horse, truckman. And now I want your name."</p> + +<p>"Can I go, or do I have to appear in court?" asked Sandy Apgar. "I +hope I don't, 'caused I'm in a hurry to git back to the farm. I've +got a passel of work to do there, with the weather coming on the way +it is.</p> + +<p>"No, I guess you won't have to go to court,"<a name="Page_189" id="Page_189"></a> laughed the policeman. +"We're much obliged to you."</p> + +<p>"And so am I," added the truckman. "I haven't got any money to give +you, because business is poor——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right," said Sandy with a generous wave of his hand. +"I don't stop runaway horses for a livin'. I farm it."</p> + +<p>"If you ever want any carting done," went on the drayman, "you send +for me, young feller, and it won't cost you a cent."</p> + +<p>"Guess you wouldn't want to do any cartin' as far as Beatonville," +laughed Sandy. "Folks out there don't ever move—they jest die and +are buried in the same place. And I guess this is my last trip to New +York in a long while. I'm jest as much obliged though," and patting +the nose of the now quieted horse, he moved off through the thinning +crowd. But he was not to escape unnoticed.</p> + +<p>Mr. Pertell had learned, by a hasty talk with Russ, that the horse +had been stopped just in time to avoid spoiling any of the film. Russ +had continued to make the pictures and the first act of the new drama +was a success. The other scenes would take place on board the +chartered yacht.</p> + +<p>So when the manager saw Sandy Apgar, who <a name="Page_190" id="Page_190"></a>by his quick work had saved +a film from being spoiled, making his way out of the throng, the +theatrical man called to him:</p> + +<p>"One moment, please. I want to thank you."</p> + +<p>"Gosh! I'm getting thanked all around to-day!" laughed the young +fellow.</p> + +<p>"Well, I want to make it a little more substantial, then," went on +the manager. "You saved me a few dollars."</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw, that's nothing!" returned Sandy. "I guess your trip to +Europe could have gone on."</p> + +<p>"Europe?" questioned Mr. Pertell.</p> + +<p>"Yes; ain't you folks going to Europe?"</p> + +<p>"No, this is only a make-believe trip," laughed the manager. "It's +for moving pictures. See, there's the chap who was taking the films, +and they'd been spoiled if that horse got on the gang-plank. So you +see what you did for us."</p> + +<p>"Moving pictures; eh?" mused Sandy. "I thought they had to be took in +the dark. Leastways, all I ever saw was in the dark."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's just to show them," the manager explained. "But we ought +to be under way now. Can you come aboard for a little trip? We'll +soon be back, and I want to thank you properly. I haven't time now. +Come, take a little trip with us."<a name="Page_191" id="Page_191"></a></p> + +<p>"Well, I s'pose I can," responded Sandy, slowly. "But I ought to be +gettin' back to Oak Farm."</p> + +<p>However, he went aboard the yacht, looking curiously about him, and +more curiously at Russ, who began making more pictures as the yacht +steamed off down the bay.</p> + +<p>There were to be a number of scenes on board, but they would not be +filmed until the yacht was farther out. Meanwhile, however, the +progress of the ship down the bay was to be depicted on the screen, +so Russ took pictures from either rail, no members of the company +being required in these. Mr. Pertell thus had a chance to talk to +Sandy.</p> + +<p>The young fellow was very willing to tell about himself.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I live on a farm," he said. "It's a right nice place, too, in +summer, though lonesome in winter. I've lived there all my twenty-two +years—never knew any other place."</p> + +<p>"Do you live there all alone?" asked Ruth, for the young farmer had +been introduced to the members of the company.</p> + +<p>"No, my father and mother are there with me. Father is Mr. Felix +Apgar—maybe you've heard of him?" the young man asked the manager, +innocently.<a name="Page_192" id="Page_192"></a></p> + +<p>"No, I don't think so," and Mr. Pertell had hard work to repress a +smile.</p> + +<p>"Well, he used to ship a lot of asparagus to New York, but maybe that +was before your day," went on Sandy. "Pop is too feeble to work now, +so I'm running the farm for him. And it—it's sorter hard," he added, +rather pathetically. "Especially when you ain't got any too much +money. I come to New York to raise some," he went on, "but folks +don't seem to want to part with any—especially on a second +mortgage."</p> + +<p>"Is that what you came for?" asked Mr. Pertell.</p> + +<p>"Yep. I come to raise some money—we need it bad, out our way, but I +couldn't do it."</p> + +<p>"Suppose you tell me," suggested Mr. Pertell. "I may be able to help +you."</p> + +<p>"Say, Mister, I reckon you've got enough troubles of your own, +without bothering with mine," said Sandy. "Besides, maybe Pop +wouldn't like me to tell. No, I'll jest make another try somewhere +else. But we sure do need cash!"</p> + +<p>"What for?" asked the manager, impulsively.</p> + +<p>"Oh, maybe pop wouldn't like me to say. Never mind. It was sure good +of you to ask me for this ride. The folks at Beatonville won't +believe me when I tell 'em. But say, if ever you <a name="Page_193" id="Page_193"></a>folks come out +there, we'll give you a right good time—at Oak Farm!" he added, +generously.</p> + +<p>"Is your farm a large one?" asked the manager.</p> + +<p>"Hundred and sixty acres. Some woodland, some flat, a lot of it hilly +and stony, and part with a big creek on it."</p> + +<p>"Hum," mused Mr. Pertell. "That sounds interesting. I've been looking +for a good farm to stage several rural dramas on, and your place may +be just what I need."</p> + +<p>"To buy?" asked Sandy, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no. But I might rent part of it for a time. I'll talk to you +about it later. I've got to get some of these scenes going now," and +the manager went to confer with Russ.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI" /><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h3>OVERHEARD</h3> + + +<p>The trip down the bay on the yacht was enjoyed by all, even though +much of the time was taken up in depicting scenes from the drama. +Sandy Apgar looked on curiously while the drama was being filmed, and +when Ruth and Alice were not acting they talked to the young farmer.</p> + +<p>They found him good-natured and rather simple, yet with a fund of +homely wit and philosophy that stood him in good stead. He described +Beatonville to them, and the farm where he and his aged parents tried +to wrest a living from nature—that was none too kind.</p> + +<p>"I've had quite a little vacation since I come to New York," Sandy +said, "though it did take quite a bit of money. I reckon pop, though, +will be disappointed that I can't bring back with me the promise of +some cash."</p> + +<p>"Then you need money very badly?" asked Alice.<a name="Page_195" id="Page_195"></a></p> + +<p>"Yes, Miss. And I guess there ain't many farmers but what do. +Leastways, I never met any that was millionaires. Though if the folks +back home could see me now they'd think I was one, sittin' here doin' +nothin'. It sure is great!"</p> + +<p>The girls were called away to enact some of the scenes requiring +their presence, and when they came back they found Sandy in +conversation with the manager.</p> + +<p>The girls saw Mr. Pertell give Sandy some bills, and when the young +farmer protested, the manager said:</p> + +<p>"Now never mind that!! You saved me more than that in stopping that +runaway horse from spoiling my film and scene. You just take it, and +when I get a chance I'll run up to your farm and look it over.</p> + +<p>"I haven't got all my plans made yet, but I'm thinking of making a +series of plays with an old-fashioned farm as a background. Is your +place old-fashioned?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"That's what some city folks said once, when they stopped in their +automobile to get a glass of milk," replied Sandy. "We haven't any +electric lights, nor even a telephone. So I guess we're +old-fashioned, all right."</p> + +<p>"I should say so," laughed Mr. Pertell. "Well, it may be the very +thing I need when I <a name="Page_196" id="Page_196"></a>go out on the rural circuit with my company. If +it is, I could pay for the use of your farm, and it wouldn't +interfere with your getting in the crops. In fact, I would probably +want some scenes of harvesting, and the like."</p> + +<p>"Well, come and we'll make you welcome," responded Sandy, warmly. +"Only I never expected to get paid for stopping a runaway horse," he +added as he looked at the roll of bills.</p> + +<p>"Well, take it and have a good time during the rest of your stay in +New York," advised the manager.</p> + +<p>"Money's too scarce to waste on a good time," replied the young +farmer, cautiously. "I'll use this to make up what I spent on +railroad fare. My trip was a failure, but pop and mom will be glad it +didn't cost me as much as I calculated, thanks to you. I hope you +will get out to Oak Farm."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you'll probably see me," Mr. Pertell assured him. "Give me your +address."</p> + +<p>The making of the films went on, and the water scenes of this latest +and most elaborate drama were nearly all taken.</p> + +<p>"Now we will have the scene in the small boat, where the party puts +off to visit friends on the other vessel," announced Mr. Pertell. +"They don't actually get there, as the alarm on <a name="Page_197" id="Page_197"></a>board this vessel +brings them back. But we'll have to show the start. Now, Mr. Sneed, +you are to go in the small boat first."</p> + +<p>Some of the sailors on board the yacht prepared to lower a boat from +the davits, but Pepper Sneed held back.</p> + +<p>"Do I have to get into that small boat?" he asked, dubiously.</p> + +<p>"Certainly!" replied Mr. Pertell. "There is no danger."</p> + +<p>"No danger!" cried Pepper Sneed. "What! In that small boat? Look at +the waves!" and he pointed over the side. There was only a gentle +swell on.</p> + +<p>"It's as calm as a mill pond," spoke one of the sailors.</p> + +<p>"Mill pond! Don't say mill pond to me!" cried the grouchy actor. "I +fell in one once."</p> + +<p>"Well, you won't fall now," declared the manager. "Get in the boat. I +want to show it being lowered over the side with you in it."</p> + +<p>"Well, if I have to—I'll have to, I suppose," groaned Mr. Sneed. +"But I know something will happen."</p> + +<p>But matters seemed going smoothly enough. The sailors were carefully +lowering the small craft, and it was nearly at the surface of the +water. Russ, up in the bow of the yacht, where <a name="Page_198" id="Page_198"></a>he could get a good +view, was making the pictures.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, when the boat was a few feet from the ripples on the bay, +one of the ropes slipped quickly through the davit block. One end of +the boat went down quite fast and Pepper Sneed was heard to yell:</p> + +<p>"Here I go! I knew something would happen! Help! I'm going to sink! +Help! Oh, why did I ever get into this business!"</p> + +<p>But with great presence of mind the other sailors lowered away on +their rope, so that the other end of the boat went down also, and in +another instant it was riding on an even keel. Nothing had happened +except that Pepper Sneed had been badly scared.</p> + +<p>"Did you get that, Russ?" asked the manager, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes."</p> + +<p>"How was it?"</p> + +<p>"Fine! It will be all the better with that little mistake in—look +more natural."</p> + +<p>"Good! Then we'll leave it in. Now the rest of you get down the +accommodation ladder. Stay there, Mr. Sneed!" he called to the +grouchy actor, who seemed to want to leave the boat.</p> + +<p>"What! Are more of them coming in this little cockleshell?"<a name="Page_199" id="Page_199"></a></p> + +<p>"Certainly. That boat will hold twenty. Keep your place."</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll all be drowned, you mark my words!" predicted Mr. Sneed. +But nothing else happened and that part of the film was successfully +made.</p> + +<p>Then came more scenes aboard the yacht, until the water parts of the +drama were completed.</p> + +<p>Late that afternoon the party of moving picture players returned to +New York. Sandy Apgar bade his new friends good-bye, expressing the +hope that he would soon see them at Oak Farm.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, Mr. Pertell," said Alice, when they got back to the +studio, and instructions had been given out for the indoor rehearsals +next day, "excuse me, but I could not help overhearing what you said +about the possibility of some farm dramas. Do you intend to film some +of those?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed I do," he answered, with a smile. "Why, would you and your +sister like to be in them?"</p> + +<p>"Very much!"</p> + +<p>"Well, then, if this big play proves a success—and I see no reason +why it should not—I shall take you and the rest of the company out +to the country for the summer. We may go to Oak<a name="Page_200" id="Page_200"></a> Farm, or to some +other place; but we'll try a circuit of rural dramas, and see how +they go."</p> + +<p>Alice went to tell Ruth the good news. She found her sister in the +dressing room, getting ready for the street.</p> + +<p>"I think that will be fine!" exclaimed Ruth. "Listen, dear, daddy +told me he had some business to attend to downtown, so he won't be +home to supper. He suggested that we two go to a restaurant, and I +think I'd like it—don't you? It will round out the day!"</p> + +<p>"Of course. Let's go. I'm <i>so</i> hungry from that little water trip!"</p> + +<p>A short time afterward the girls sat in a quiet restaurant, not far +from the moving picture studio. There were not many persons there +yet, for it was rather early. Ruth and Alice had taken a cosy little +corner, of which there were a number in the place.</p> + +<p>"We are coming on!" remarked Alice, as she gave her order.</p> + +<p>"We certainly are!" agreed Ruth. "Who would ever have thought that we +would get to be moving picture girls? I think——"</p> + +<p>"Hush!" cautioned Alice, raising her hand for silence. Then the two +girls heard some men in the next screened-off place talking, and one +of them spoke loudly enough to be overheard.<a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a></p> + +<p>"I'm sure we can get it," he was saying. "It's a nice little patent, +and all the movies in the country will want it. It makes the pictures +clearer and steadier. I tried to make a deal with him for it, but he +turned me down. Now I'm going to get it anyhow, if you'll help."</p> + +<p>"But how can you get it if it's patented?" another voice asked.</p> + +<p>"That's the joke of it. It isn't patented yet. And all we need is the +working model, and we can make one like it and patent it ourselves. +Are you with me?"</p> + +<p>"I guess so—yes!" was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Good, then we'll get the model to-night and start a patent of our +own. I know where he's taken it."</p> + +<p>There was a scraping of chairs, indicating that the men were leaving. +Ruth and Alice gazed at each other with startled eyes.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII" /><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h3>THE WARNING</h3> + + +<p>"Did you hear that?" asked Ruth of Alice, in a whisper.</p> + +<p>"Yes! Hush! Don't let them hear you!"</p> + +<p>Ruth looked apprehensively over the back of her chair, but beheld no +one. The noise made by the men as they were going out grew fainter.</p> + +<p>Alice rose from her chair.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do?" asked Ruth, laying a detaining hand on +her sister's arm.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to see who those men are."</p> + +<p>"Don't. They may——"</p> + +<p>Alice made a gesture of silence.</p> + +<p>"I'm pretty sure who one of them is," she whispered, as she bent down +close to Ruth. "But I want to make certain."</p> + +<p>"But Alice——"</p> + +<p>"Now, Ruth, be sensible," went on Alice, as she passed around back of +her sister's chair. "You heard what was said. I'm sure those men +<a name="Page_203" id="Page_203"></a>have some designs on that patent Russ has worked so hard over. We +must tell him about them, and put him on his guard."</p> + +<p>"You may get into danger."</p> + +<p>It was curious how, in this emergency—as she had often done of +late—Alice took the lead over her older sister. And Ruth did not +object to it, but seemed to follow naturally after Alice led the way.</p> + +<p>"Danger!" laughed Alice softly, as she came to a position behind the +screen, whence she could note who the men going out were. "There's no +danger in a public restaurant like this. And I'm only going to make +sure who that man is. Then we'll go tell Russ."</p> + +<p>Ruth made no further objection, and turned to watch her sister. The +men had come to a halt at the desk of the cashier, to pay their +checks, and their backs were toward Alice. An instant later, however, +one of them had turned around and faced toward the rear of the +restaurant.</p> + +<p>Alice darted behind the screen with a quick intaking of her breath. +She had recognized the man, and was fearful lest he know her.</p> + +<p>For he was the fellow with whom Russ had been in dispute in the +hallway that day, when the DeVeres' door had flown open.<a name="Page_204" id="Page_204"></a></p> + +<p>"Simp Wolley!" whispered Alice, in tense tones to Ruth. "It's that +man who was after Russ's patent."</p> + +<p>"Then don't let him see you."</p> + +<p>"I won't—no danger. They're going out now. Come on!"</p> + +<p>"Where?" asked Ruth, as Alice reached for her gloves.</p> + +<p>"We must go to warn Russ."</p> + +<p>"But we haven't eaten what we ordered," objected Ruth, pointing to +the food, hardly touched, on the table.</p> + +<p>"No matter, we can pay for it."</p> + +<p>"But the cashier will think it so odd."</p> + +<p>"What do we care. It's our food—we'll pay for it, and we can do what +we like with it then. We can eat it or not."</p> + +<p>"But they'll think it so queer. They may think we have some prejudice +against it, and——"</p> + +<p>Ruth was a stickler for the established order of things. Alice was +more in the habit of taking "cross-cuts."</p> + +<p>"Don't be silly!" exclaimed the younger girl. "We've just got to get +out of here and warn Russ before those men have a chance to take his +patent. You heard what they said about doing it to-night!"</p> + +<p>"Well, I suppose we must," assented Ruth, <a name="Page_205" id="Page_205"></a>with a sigh. "But it seems +a shame to waste all that good food."</p> + +<p>"It won't be wasted. We can tell them to give it to some poor +person."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Alice! You are so—so queer."</p> + +<p>"I'd be worse than queer if I sat here and ate while Russ was being +robbed of his patent. I should think you'd want to help him. I +thought you and he——"</p> + +<p>"Alice!" warned Ruth, with a sudden assumption of dignity. But she +blushed prettily.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you know what I mean. Come on. Don't sit there talking any +longer, and raising objections. We've got to hurry."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose so. Oh, Alice, I hope nothing happens!"</p> + +<p>"So do I."</p> + +<p>"I mean to us."</p> + +<p>"And I mean to Russ. A distinction without a difference."</p> + +<p>The two girls drew on their gloves and left the restaurant. As Ruth +had expected, the cashier at the desk looked at them curiously as +they paid for the meal they had not eaten. But Alice forestalled any +open criticism by saying:</p> + +<p>"We find we have to leave sooner than we expected. If you like, give +our meal to some poor person. We haven't had time to touch it."<a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, all right," answered the young girl at the desk. "We often give +what is left over to charity, and I'm sure the food on your table +won't come amiss. If you like I'll speak to the manager, and see if +he'll give you a rebate——"</p> + +<p>"No, we haven't time for that—too much of a hurry," answered Alice. +"Come along, Ruth."</p> + +<p>They hurried outside, and Alice glanced quickly up and down the +street for a glimpse of the two men. They were not in sight.</p> + +<p>"I wish we were rich!" suddenly exclaimed Alice, as she took her +sister's arm, and hurried in the direction of the elevated that would +take them home.</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Because then we could afford to take a taxicab. We ought to warn +Russ as soon as possible. How much money have you, Ruth?"</p> + +<p>"Not enough for a taxicab, I'm afraid." She hastily counted it over. +Alice did the same.</p> + +<p>"No," decided the younger girl, with a sigh. "I guess we'd better +not. At least—not yet. We may have to—later."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" asked Ruth.</p> + +<p>"I mean we can't tell what will happen before we are able to tell +Russ. He's hardly likely to <a name="Page_207" id="Page_207"></a>be at home now, and we may have to +search for him."</p> + +<p>"But we can go home and tell his mother and Billy. One of them could +find him, and warn him. Billy knows New York even better than we do."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose so. Well, we'll go to the apartment and see what +happens there."</p> + +<p>But at the Fenmore the girls had their first disappointment, for none +of the Dalwoods was at home. Nor did any of the neighbors know where +they had gone. For persons in New York, even in the same apartment +house, are not very likely to become acquainted with one another, and +often families may live in adjoining flats for a long time, without +passing beyond the bowing stage. As for keeping track of the comings +and goings of their neighbors, it is never thought of, unless +something out of the ordinary occurs.</p> + +<p>Echoes only answered the knocking of Ruth and Alice, and the two +girls faced each other in the hallway with anxious looks on their +faces.</p> + +<p>"What shall we do?" asked Ruth. "None of them is home. How can we +warn Russ?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I've got to think!" exclaimed Alice. "Come in our +place and let's sit down a minute. We can make a cup of tea. I was so +<a name="Page_208" id="Page_208"></a>hungry, and to leave that nice little meal—well, we just had to do +it, that's all."</p> + +<p>Tea was soon in process of making, and while the girls set out some +cakes and a jar of jam for a hasty meal they did some rapid thinking.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever hear Russ say where it was he was having his patent +attachment made?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"I never did," confessed Ruth. "He said it was somewhere on the East +Side, but that's very indefinite."</p> + +<p>"Then the only thing to do is to find Russ and tell him," decided +Alice, as she removed, with the tip of her tongue, a spot of jam from +a forefinger. "We've just got to find him.</p> + +<p>"Now I'll tell you what we'll do, Ruth. You stay here and as soon as +Mrs. Dalwood, or Billy, or perhaps even Russ comes home, you tell +them all about this plot."</p> + +<p>"But what will you do?"</p> + +<p>"I'll go find Russ."</p> + +<p>"What! Alone?"</p> + +<p>"Why not? We can't both go. Oh, I see!" and a light broke over the +face of Alice. "You mean you think it's <i>your</i> place to warn him. +Well, maybe it is. I'm sure he would like——"</p> + +<p>"Now, Alice, I didn't mean that at all, and you know it. I meant you +oughtn't to be going <a name="Page_209" id="Page_209"></a>about New York alone, and it's getting late. It +will soon be dark."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense! It isn't six o'clock yet."</p> + +<p>"I know. But I can't allow you. We'll both go."</p> + +<p>"But someone ought to be here to tell them as soon as one comes +home."</p> + +<p>"We can write a note and leave it under the door. Then we can leave a +note for daddy. He'll be worried when he comes back and finds us +gone. That's the best plan, Alice. Leave a note for Russ, and then +you and I will try to find him. They may know at the studio where he +has gone. Or he may be there yet."</p> + +<p>"All right!" agreed Alice, after a moment's thought.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII" /><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h3>THE MISSING MODEL</h3> + + +<p>Two notes were quickly written. One was left on the table in the +girls' apartment, telling their father that they were going out for a +little while, to try to locate Russ on a matter of some importance +connected with the moving pictures.</p> + +<p>"There's no use telling daddy what has happened," said Alice. "He +would only worry, and really there's no danger. We are merely going +to warn Russ. He'll have to look after the men himself. But daddy +would be sure to think we would get into some trouble. So we may as +well not bother him."</p> + +<p>"All right!" agreed Ruth. She was entering into the spirit of the +affair now. Her eyes were shining and her cheeks vied in hue with +those of Alice.</p> + +<p>The other note, marked "Urgent!" was thrust under the kitchen door of +the Dalwood flat.</p> + +<p>"They'll be sure to see that," remarked Alice.<a name="Page_211" id="Page_211"></a> "And, no matter if +only Billy comes home first, he'll know what to do," for the story of +the men's talk in the restaurant had been briefly set down on the +paper.</p> + +<p>Then, but not without many misgivings, the girls set out to try to +find Russ.</p> + +<p>"We can call up the studio on the telephone," suggested Alice, as she +and her sister reached the street. "That will be the quickest way. If +Russ isn't there they may be able to tell us where he is, or Mr. +Pertell may know where the model is—I mean the machine shop where +the apparatus is being turned out."</p> + +<p>"That's so," agreed Ruth. "Why, we could have used one of the +telephones in the apartment!"</p> + +<p>"No, some of the neighbors would overhear us, and we don't want +that."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" Ruth wanted to know.</p> + +<p>"Because you can't tell but one of those men may be watching this +place, and some of the neighbors may be in league with them. Besides, +all the telephones here are on party wires, and when you talk over +one, some of the other subscribers on the same circuit may listen, +for all we can tell. It isn't safe."</p> + +<p>"My! You think of everything!" exclaimed Ruth, admiringly. "How do +you manage it?"<a name="Page_212" id="Page_212"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, it just seems to come to me," replied Alice, with a laugh. "Come +on," she added, after they had walked a little way. "There's a drug +store and there's a telephone booth in it. Do you want to talk to +Russ, in case he's there?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, you'd better," responded Ruth, blushing.</p> + +<p>"I will not. I'll call up the studio, but if he's there I want you to +be the one to tell him. He'll appreciate it."</p> + +<p>"All right," agreed Ruth, and the blush grew deeper.</p> + +<p>Alice quickly got the number of the moving picture studio. There was +a private branch exchange there, and Alice knew the girl operator.</p> + +<p>"I want to get Russ Dalwood in a hurry," Alice explained to Miss +Miller, who ran the switchboard. "You try the different departments +until you find him. I'll be here, holding the wire."</p> + +<p>"All right!" returned Miss Miller, in crisp, business-like tones. +Perhaps she suspected that something was wrong.</p> + +<p>Then ensued a nervous waiting. Alice opened the door of the booth and +told Ruth what she had done.</p> + +<p>"I'll let you talk to Russ as soon as he answers," she said.<a name="Page_213" id="Page_213"></a></p> + +<p>Ruth nodded understandingly. But it seemed that Russ was not to be so +easily found. Through her receiver Alice could hear Miss Miller +ringing the telephones in the different departments of the big studio +building. One after the other was tried, from the office to the dark +developing rooms, and then the printing rooms. Most of the employees +had gone for the day, but such as were present evidently made answer +that the young moving picture operator was not there.</p> + +<p>"I can't locate him," said Miss Miller to Alice, finally. "They say +he was here about a half-hour ago, but has gone out."</p> + +<p>"Don't they know where he went?" asked Alice. "It's very important +that we find him."</p> + +<p>"I'll see if anyone knows," came back the answer. Then ensued more +waiting, but at the end came a gleam of hope.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Blackson, in the camera room, says he heard Russ say he was +going to the Odeon Theater," Miss Miller stated. "He is trying to get +one of his attachments tried there."</p> + +<p>"Where is the Odeon?" asked Alice, nervously drumming with her +fingers on the telephone shelf.</p> + +<p>"It's on Eightieth Street somewhere. Wait, I'll look up the telephone +number for you. They take our service, you know."<a name="Page_214" id="Page_214"></a></p> + +<p>In a few seconds Miss Miller had given the desired information, and +then Alice said "good-bye" to her, frantically working the receiver +hook of her instrument up and down to call the attention of the main +central operator.</p> + +<p>"And give them a good, long ring!" Alice added, as she gave the +number. "It's very important."</p> + +<p>"Very well," answered central.</p> + +<p>There came more waiting. It was a bad time to get anyone, for it was +now shortly after six o'clock, just when most persons were leaving +for home or supper.</p> + +<p>"Can't you get them?" asked Ruth, as Alice opened the 'phone booth +door for a breath of air.</p> + +<p>"I'm trying, dear. He'd left the studio, but may be at a moving +picture theater. There, they've answered at last!"</p> + +<p>Alice pulled the door shut with her disengaged hand, and spoke +eagerly into the transmitter.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Russ Dalwood there? It's very important!"</p> + +<p>Ruth saw the look of dismay that came over her sister's face. Then +through the double glass door she heard Alice say:</p> + +<p>"He's gone! And you don't know where? Left ten minutes ago? Oh +dear!"<a name="Page_215" id="Page_215"></a></p> + +<p>Slowly she hung up the receiver. There seemed nothing else to do. She +came out of the booth, her face showing her disappointment.</p> + +<p>"He's gone, Ruth," she said. "What had we better do?"</p> + +<p>"I think the only thing to do is to go back home and wait for him. He +may be there now. Or his mother or Billy may. Come on home."</p> + +<p>It was Ruth who was directing now, and Alice, after a moment of +thought, saw that this was the only thing to do. Quickly they +retraced their steps to the apartment house. Without stopping to +enter their own flat they knocked on the Dalwood door. A few seconds +of anxious waiting brought no answer.</p> + +<p>"Not home yet!" exclaimed Alice. "Oh, what a shame."</p> + +<p>Ruth turned to their own flat. Entering with a pass-key she saw at a +glance that their father had not come home. The note for him was +still on the table.</p> + +<p>Then, as puzzled and disappointed, the two girls stood in the center +of the room, they heard someone coming up the stairs that led to +their flat. A second later and a merry whistle broke out.</p> + +<p>"There he is—that's Russ!" cried Alice, joyfully. "I'll tell him; +no—you go!" she added <a name="Page_216" id="Page_216"></a>hastily, thrusting her sister before her into +the hallway.</p> + +<p>The whistle broke off into a discord as Russ saw Ruth standing +waiting for him. Something in her face must have told him something +was the matter, for he came up the remaining steps three at a time.</p> + +<p>"What is it? What has happened?" he asked. "Is someone hurt?"</p> + +<p>"No, it's your patent—the model. Some men—Alice and I overheard +them in the restaurant—we've been trying to get you on the +'phone—I—we——"</p> + +<p>Then Alice broke in.</p> + +<p>"They're after your moving picture machine patent, Russ! They're +going to get it to-night—Simp Wolley! You've got to hurry!"</p> + +<p>Between them the girls quickly told what they had overheard.</p> + +<p>Russ's eyes snapped.</p> + +<p>"So that's the game; is it?" he cried. "Well, I'll stop them! I'm +mighty glad you told me. My patent model, the drawings and everything +are at Burton's machine shop. It isn't far from here. I'll go right +away—in a taxicab. Do you——" he hesitated a moment. "Do you want +to come?"</p> + +<p>"We might be able to help," suggested Alice <a name="Page_217" id="Page_217"></a>to Ruth. "At any rate, +we'll have to give evidence against those men if they get them. Shall +we go, Ruth?"</p> + +<p>"I—I think so—yes."</p> + +<p>"Bravo!" whispered Alice in her ear. "That note to daddy will answer. +You'd better leave another in place of the one we wrote to you, +Russ."</p> + +<p>"I will," he exclaimed as he entered his own flat. "But mother and +Billy won't be home until late, anyhow. They're going to stay to +supper with relatives. Still, I'll explain in case I should be +delayed."</p> + +<p>Quickly he dashed off another note for his mother, and then, with the +two girls, he hurried down to the street. There was a taxicab stand +just around the corner, and the three were quickly on their way to +the machine shop, while Ruth and Alice took turns giving more details +of the scene in the restaurant.</p> + +<p>"Here we are!" announced Russ, a little later, as the cab drew up, +with a screeching of brakes, in front of a rather dingy building. "I +only hope we're in time, and that Burton hasn't gone yet."</p> + +<p>He jumped out of the cab, leaving Ruth and Alice sitting there. +Frantically he threw open the door and rushed up the shop stairs.<a name="Page_218" id="Page_218"></a></p> + +<p>"Oh, I do hope he is in time," breathed Ruth, softly.</p> + +<p>"So do I," spoke Alice. "I wonder how men can be so mean as to want +to take what isn't theirs?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, dear. Oh, hasn't this been an exciting day?"</p> + +<p>"I should say it had. If ever—there's Russ now!" she interrupted +herself to exclaim. "Oh, Ruth. It looks as though we were too late!"</p> + +<p>For Russ, with a dejected look on his face, was crossing the pavement +toward the cab.</p> + +<p>"It—it's gone," he said brokenly. "Simp Wolley was here a half-hour +ago and got it!"</p> + +<p>"But how could he?" asked Alice in surprise. "Who gave it to him?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Burton. There was a forged order, supposed to be from me, and +the machinist handed over the model," and Russ extended a crumpled +and grimy bit of paper.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV" /><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h3>THE PURSUIT</h3> + + +<p>"How did it happen, Russ?"</p> + +<p>"Where have the men gone with the model?"</p> + +<p>"Can't you get some trace of them?"</p> + +<p>Thus Ruth and Alice questioned their friend, as he stood at the open +window of the taxicab, looking at the crumpled paper.</p> + +<p>"I—I don't understand it all," he confessed. "After I knew those +fellows were after my patent I cautioned Mr. Burton about letting any +strangers see it."</p> + +<p>A figure came into the doorway of the machine shop. It was that of an +elderly man, with steel-rimmed spectacles. His face was grimy with +the dirt of metal.</p> + +<p>"I'm awfully sorry, Russ," he said, contritely. "But of course I +thought the note was from you, and gave up the model."</p> + +<p>"Did Simp Wolley get it?" asked Alice, eagerly.<a name="Page_220" id="Page_220"></a></p> + +<p>"No, a uniformed messenger boy came for it," explained Russ. "That +was it; wasn't it, Mr. Burton?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. And I had no suspicions. You know you had said you might want +the model some time in a hurry, to demonstrate to possible buyers, +and of course when the boy came with the note I supposed you had sent +him. I'm not familiar enough with your handwriting to know it," he +added.</p> + +<p>"No, I suppose not," admitted Russ. "And yet if you had been this +might have deceived you. It is very like my writing. I guess Wolley +must have had a sample to practice on."</p> + +<p>"It all seemed regular," went on Mr. Burton. "I was working away, +making some of the finished appliances from your model and drawings, +when the boy brought the note. He was a regular messenger boy, I +could tell that. And the note only asked for the model—not for any +of the finished machines, of which I had two. He didn't even want the +drawings, or I might have been suspicious."</p> + +<p>"They won't need the drawings as long as they have the model. They +can make drawings themselves," spoke Russ.</p> + +<p>"But if they only have the model, and you still have some of the +finished appliances," asked<a name="Page_221" id="Page_221"></a> Alice, "can't you get ahead of them +yet?"</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid not," Russ replied. "You see, the patent office doesn't +require models to be filed in all cases now. You can get a patent +merely on drawings. They can still get ahead of me."</p> + +<p>"Not if you file your drawings now!" exclaimed Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but I'm not ready. You see the machine isn't perfected yet. I +am still working on it. But they can file a prior claim, and get a +patent on something so near like mine that I would be refused a +patent when I applied.</p> + +<p>"You see I haven't made any formal application yet. Of course, if it +came to a question of a lawsuit, I might beat them out. But I have no +money to hire lawyers, and they have. The only thing for me to do is +to get that model back before they have a chance to use it to make +drawings from. And how to do it I don't know."</p> + +<p>"Do you know who that messenger boy was?" asked Alice suddenly of the +machinist.</p> + +<p>"I never saw him before, Miss—no. He came in a taxicab."</p> + +<p>"A taxicab!" cried Russ, excitedly. "You didn't say that before. Did +you happen to notice the number?"</p> + +<p>If ever Russ Dalwood was thankful it was <a name="Page_222" id="Page_222"></a>then, and the cause of it +was that Mr. Burton had a mathematical mind in which figures seemed +to sprout by second nature.</p> + +<p>"I did notice the number," he said. "It isn't often that taxicabs +stop out in front here, and I looked from my window as one drew up at +the curb. I was working on your patent at the time. I saw the number +of the cab, later, as the messenger boy rode off in it with the +model."</p> + +<p>"What was it?" asked Russ, preparing to make a note.</p> + +<p>The machinist gave it to him.</p> + +<p>"Now if we can only trace it!" exclaimed the young inventor.</p> + +<p>"I guess I can help you out, friend," broke in their own taxicab +chauffeur. "I've got a list of all the cabs in New York, and the +companies that run them." Rapidly he consulted a notebook, and soon +had the desired information. The office of the company was not far +away, and Russ and the girls were soon speeding toward it. What the +next move was to be no one could say.</p> + +<p>The manager remembered the call that had come in. Two men had come +with a messenger boy to engage a cab to go to the address of the +machine shop.</p> + +<p>"And who were the two men?" asked Russ.</p> + +<p>The manager described one whom Ruth and<a name="Page_223" id="Page_223"></a> Alice had no difficulty in +recognizing as Simp Wolley.</p> + +<p>"The other man was shorter and not so well dressed," the cab manager +went on.</p> + +<p>"Bud Brisket!" exclaimed Russ. "I know him. Now the question is: +Where did they take my model?"</p> + +<p>"There I'm afraid I can't help you," said the manager.</p> + +<p>"Wait!" exclaimed Alice. "Did you happen to notice the number on the +messenger boy's cap?"</p> + +<p>"No, I did not, I'm sorry to say," the man answered.</p> + +<p>"Then that clue is no good," spoke Russ, with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"It might be," put in Ruth. "The messenger was probably engaged from +the office nearest here. We could find that and make some inquiries."</p> + +<p>"So we could!" cried Alice. "Oh, Ruth, you're a dear!"</p> + +<p>Russ looked as though he would have said the same thing had he dared.</p> + +<p>An inquiry over the telephone to the main office of the messenger +service, brought the desired information. And soon, in their taxicab +Russ, Ruth and Alice were at the sub-station.<a name="Page_224" id="Page_224"></a> There the identity of +the messenger was soon learned, and he was sent for.</p> + +<p>"Sure, I went to de machine shop," admitted the snub-nosed, +freckled-faced lad. "I got some sort of a thing. I didn't know what +it was."</p> + +<p>"And where did you take it?" asked Russ eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Right where dem men told me to. Dey met me around de corner, got in +de cab and rode off wid it."</p> + +<p>"And what did you do?" asked the manager of the messenger.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dey gave me carfare, an' a tip, and I come back here."</p> + +<p>"But where did they go?" asked Russ.</p> + +<p>"Off in de taxi. I didn't notice."</p> + +<p>Russ looked hopeless, but Ruth exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"We've got to go back to the taxi office and see the chauffeur of +that car. He's the only one who can tell us where the men are."</p> + +<p>"Good!" cried Russ. "We'll do it."</p> + +<p>Back again they went, to find that the car had just come in, after a +long trip. The chauffeur readily gave the address to which he had +driven the two men, after the messenger boy had gotten out. It was in +an obscure section of Jersey City.</p> + +<p>"And there's where I'm going!" cried Russ. "Wolley and Brisket are +probably going to try <a name="Page_225" id="Page_225"></a>to work their scheme from there. But maybe I +can stop them."</p> + +<p>"I—I think we had better go home, Alice dear," said Ruth gently, at +this point.</p> + +<p>"Yes," sighed the other, "though I'd love to be there at the finish!"</p> + +<p>"Alice!" gasped her sister.</p> + +<p>"Well, I would," she said, defiantly.</p> + +<p>"Maybe it wouldn't be best," suggested Russ. "I'll get a friend of +mine, though. Now shall I take you home?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed!" cried Ruth. "That will delay you. You go right on after +them. Alice and I can get home all right. It isn't late."</p> + +<p>"It will give me pleasure if the young ladies will allow me to send +them home in one of our cabs," put in the manager. "I am sorry that +any of our men was used in a criminal manner."</p> + +<p>"It wasn't your fault," spoke Russ. "But I guess the girls will be +glad to be sent home. I'll keep on. I haven't any time to lose."</p> + +<p>And while he sped off in his taxi, in pursuit of the men who were +trying to cheat him out of his patent, Ruth and Alice took their +places in another cab, and were driven back to the Fenmore Apartment.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV" /><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h2> + +<h3>THE CAPTURE</h3> + + +<p>Mr. DeVere was rather worried when he reached home, and found his +daughters' note. He puzzled over what could have taken them out with +Russ, and went across the hall to inquire. By this time Mrs. Dalwood +had returned, and found the note her son had left.</p> + +<p>There was not much information in it—Russ had not had time for +that—and the mystery seemed all the deeper.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what I had better do?" asked Mr. DeVere of Mrs. Dalwood.</p> + +<p>"Just don't do anything—and don't worry," she advised. "I know your +daughters are able to take care of themselves—especially Miss +Alice."</p> + +<p>"Yes, she seems very capable—of late," he agreed, remembering how +she had worked to get him into the moving picture business.</p> + +<p>"And with Russ no harm will come to them,"<a name="Page_227" id="Page_227"></a> went on Mrs. Dalwood. +"He's a good boy."</p> + +<p>"Indeed he is! But I wish I knew what it was all about."</p> + +<p>There was the honk of an auto horn in the street below, and as they +looked out, they saw, in the gleam of a street lamp, Ruth and Alice +alighting.</p> + +<p>"There they are now!" exclaimed Mr. DeVere, with a note of relief in +his voice.</p> + +<p>"But Russ isn't with them!" said Mrs. Dalwood, in surprise. "I wonder +what can have happened to him?"</p> + +<p>Anxiously the two parents waited until the girls came up.</p> + +<p>"Oh, such a time!" cried Alice, breathlessly.</p> + +<p>"Where's Russ?" demanded his mother.</p> + +<p>"After the men—Simp Wolley and Bud Brisket!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, those horrid men!"</p> + +<p>"He's all right," said Ruth, gently. "He is going to get Mr. Pertell +and an officer to go with him."</p> + +<p>"But what is it all about?" asked Mr. DeVere.</p> + +<p>Then, rather disjointedly, and with many interruptions, the girls +told the story of the afternoon and evening, for it was now nearly +nine o'clock. Of course Mr. DeVere and Mrs. Dalwood were much worried +when they learned what <a name="Page_228" id="Page_228"></a>had happened, and the widow was not at her +ease when she thought of her son still not out of danger.</p> + +<p>"But I'm sure he will soon be back," declared Alice, confidently. She +was a great comfort in trouble—a real optimist.</p> + +<p>Then followed a period of anxious waiting.</p> + +<p>It was broken by the return of Russ, rather disheveled, tired and +excited, but with his precious model safe in the taxicab with him and +Mr. Pertell.</p> + +<p>"Why, Russ, where have you been?" cried Mrs. Dalwood.</p> + +<p>"I just wish I'd been there!" exclaimed Billy. "Was there a fight, +Russ?"</p> + +<p>"A—little one," he admitted, with a glance at the girls. "But it was +soon over."</p> + +<p>"And where are the men now?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"Safe in jail."</p> + +<p>Then he told what had happened.</p> + +<p>After Alice and Ruth had gone home in the taxicab he had called for +Mr. Pertell, explaining what had occurred. A special officer was +engaged, and the three went to the address in Jersey City, where +Wolley and Brisket had gone with the model. The place was in a rather +disreputable neighborhood. In a back room, which was approached with +caution, the two plotters <a name="Page_229" id="Page_229"></a>were found with a draughtsman whom they +had hired to make drawings of the model.</p> + +<p>The two scoundrels were taken by surprise and easily overpowered, +after a short resistance. The draughtsman was an innocent party, and +was allowed to go, after promising to give evidence against Wolley +and Brisket. The latter were put under arrest, and with his precious +model safe in his possession Russ started for home.</p> + +<p>"They didn't have time to do a thing!" exclaimed the young inventor, +enthusiastically. "Thanks to you girls."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we didn't do anything," said Ruth, modestly.</p> + +<p>"I think you did!" cried Russ, looking at her admiringly.</p> + +<p>"It was all Alice!" she said.</p> + +<p>"'Twas you who thought of the most practical plans!" insisted the +younger girl. "Oh, Russ! I'm so glad!"</p> + +<p>"And so am I," said Ruth, softly.</p> + +<p>"Well, I must say, for two girls who haven't been much in public +life, you two are coming on," said Mr. DeVere, in his hoarse tones. +"But I am glad of it!"</p> + +<p>The prompt action of Alice and Ruth, enabling Russ to recover his +invention, worked against the plans of the plotters. They were +<a name="Page_230" id="Page_230"></a>easily convicted of fraud, and sent to prison. As for the invention +of Russ, he soon perfected it, and put it out on royalty. Many moving +picture machine men agreed to use it on their projectors, and to pay +him a sum each year for the privilege. So Russ was assured of a +goodly income for some time.</p> + +<hr /> +<p>"Well," said Ruth the next morning, as she and Alice arose late after +their evening of excitement, "now that is over, the next matter to be +considered is: What are we going to do from now on?"</p> + +<p>"Act in moving pictures, I should say," replied Alice. "We seem to be +committed to it now. I wonder how that big drama came out? I hope +it's a success. For I do so want to go on the rural circuit; don't +you?"</p> + +<p>"I think I do," answered Ruth.</p> + +<p>"Russ is going along to make the pictures, I believe," added Alice, +softly.</p> + +<p>"Is he?" asked Ruth, with an air of indifference. "And I suppose Paul +Ardite will be one of the company," she added.</p> + +<p>"How'd you guess?" laughed Alice.</p> + +<p>"A little bird told me."</p> + +<p>Two days later the entire company who had taken part in the making of +the big film, scenes <a name="Page_231" id="Page_231"></a>of which were laid on the yacht, were invited +to see the pictures projected.</p> + +<p>From the very first it was seen that the play was going to be a +success—at least from a mechanical standpoint and some time later it +was demonstrated to be a success from a popular one also.</p> + +<p>The girls looked on while the pictures of themselves, their father +and others of the company were thrown on the white screen. They saw +the scene at the gang-plank, where the runaway had almost spoiled it, +but there was no sign of the horse in the pictures. Sandy Apgar had +taken care of that.</p> + +<p>"I really must go out to see his farm," said Mr. Pertell. "I believe +it may be just the place for us. But I wonder what made Sandy so sad, +and so much in need of money? Perhaps I can help him."</p> + +<p>There came the incident of Pepper Sneed falling down with the +lifeboat.</p> + +<p>"Look! Look!" cried the grouchy actor. "I don't like that! It makes +me ridiculous. I demand that it be taken out, Mr. Pertell!"</p> + +<p>"Can't do it! That's the best part of the play!" laughed the manager.</p> + +<p>"And as for me—I positively refuse to act again, if I am to be shown +as a sailor, in those <a name="Page_232" id="Page_232"></a>ridiculous white trousers!" cried Wellington +Bunn.</p> + +<p>"Very well, then, I suppose you don't care to go on the rural circuit +with us," said Mr. Pertell.</p> + +<p>"Oh—er—ah! Um! Well, you may with-hold my resignation for a time," +said the Shakespearean actor, stiffly. "But it is against my +principles."</p> + +<p>"Then we are going on the rural circuit?" asked Alice, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," the manager assured her. "This play is going to be a big +success, I'm sure. I want to try a new kind now—outdoor scenes."</p> + +<p>And that the play was a success was soon evidenced by the receipts +which poured into the treasury of the Comet Film Company.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what do you imagine it will be like—in the country?" asked Ruth +of Alice, a little later, when it was definitely decided that they +were to go.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," answered Alice. "It depends on what happens."</p> + +<p>And what did happen may be learned by reading the next volume of this +series, to be called: "The Moving Picture Girls at Oak Farm; Or, +Queer Happenings While Taking Rural Plays."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll be glad of a little rest," said Alice, <a name="Page_233" id="Page_233"></a>one day, when +they were coming from the studio, after having posed in some scenes +for a little parlor drama.</p> + +<p>"So will I," agreed Ruth. "We have been very busy these last two +weeks."</p> + +<p>"Especially since we helped Russ to get back his patent," added her +sister. "And now for Oak Farm!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, then it's been definitely decided that we are to go there?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Pertell said he went out there, met Sandy Apgar and +arranged to use the place. We're to board there, too. I guess it will +be a help to the Apgars. Mr. Pertell said they needed money. And, +Ruth, he said there was some sort of a mystery out there, too."</p> + +<p>"A mystery? What sort?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. We'll have to wait until we get there. Come on, let's +hurry home and tell daddy."</p> + +<p>And now, for a time, we will take leave of the Moving Picture Girls.</p> + +<h3> <br />THE END</h3> + +<hr /> + +<h4><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234"></a>THE JANICE DAY SERIES</h4> + +<h5>By HELEN BEECHER LONG</h5> + +<p class="centre"><i>12 mo, cloth, illustrated, and colored jacket</i></p> + +<p class="centre">A series of books for girls which have been uniformly successful. +Janice Day is a character that will live long in juvenile fiction. +Every volume is full of inspiration. There is an abundance of humor, +quaint situations, and worth-while effort, and likewise plenty of +plot and mystery.</p> + +<p class="centre">An ideal series for girls from nine to sixteen.</p> + +<p class="centre">JANICE DAY, THE YOUNG HOMEMAKER</p> + +<p class="centre">JANICE DAY AT POKETOWN</p> + +<p class="centre">THE TESTING OF JANICE DAY</p> + +<p class="centre">HOW JANICE DAY WON</p> + +<p class="centre">THE MISSION OF JANICE DAY</p> + +<hr style="width: 25%" /> + +<h4><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235"></a>THE NAN SHERWOOD SERIES</h4> + +<h5>By Annie Roe Carr</h5> + +<p class="centre"><i>12 mo, cloth, illustrated, and colored jacket</i></p> + +<p class="centre">In Annie Roe Carr we have found a young woman of wide experience +among girls—in schoolroom, in camp and while traveling. She knows +girls of to-day thoroughly—their likes and dislikes—and knows that +they demand almost as much action as do the boys. And she knows +humor—good, clean fun and plenty of it.</p> + +<p class="centre"> +NAN SHERWOOD AT PINE CAMP<br /> +or The Old Lumberman's Secret<br /> +<br /> +NAN SHERWOOD AT LAKEVIEW HALL<br /> +or The Mystery of the Haunted Boathouse<br /> +<br /> +NAN SHERWOOD'S WINTER HOLIDAYS<br /> +or Rescuing the Runaways<br /> +<br /> +NAN SHERWOOD AT ROSE RANCH<br /> +or The Old Mexican's Treasure<br /> +<br /> +NAN SHERWOOD AT PALM BEACH<br /> +or Strange Adventures Among the Orange Groves<br /> +<a name="Page_236" id="Page_236"></a> +</p> +<hr /> + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Moving Picture Girls, by Laura Lee Hope + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS *** + +***** This file should be named 19171-h.htm or 19171-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/1/7/19171/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Cori Samuel and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> diff --git a/19171-h/images/frontispiece.jpg b/19171-h/images/frontispiece.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7bd944f --- /dev/null +++ b/19171-h/images/frontispiece.jpg diff --git a/19171.txt b/19171.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..14064d1 --- /dev/null +++ b/19171.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6597 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Moving Picture Girls, by Laura Lee Hope + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Moving Picture Girls + First Appearances in Photo Dramas + +Author: Laura Lee Hope + +Release Date: September 4, 2006 [EBook #19171] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Cori Samuel and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + +The + +Moving Picture Girls + +OR + +First Appearances in Photo Dramas + +BY + +LAURA LEE HOPE + + +AUTHOR OF THE BOBBSEY TWINS, THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY, +THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE, THE OUTDOOR GIRLS OF DEEPDALE, +THE OUTDOOR GIRLS AT RAINBOW LAKE, ETC. + + +_ILLUSTRATED_ + +[Illustration: IN ONE SCENE ALICE AND RUTH HOLD THE STAGE ALONE. +_The Moving Picture Girls.--Page 157._] + + + THE WORLD SYNDICATE PUBLISHING CO. + + CLEVELAND NEW YORK + Made in U. S. A. + +COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY GROSSET & DUNLAP + +PRESS OF THE COMMERCIAL BOOKBINDING CO. CLEVELAND + + + CONTENTS + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I AN UNCEREMONIOUS DEPARTURE 1 + + II RUSS DALWOOD APOLOGIZES 11 + + III THE OLD TROUBLE 20 + + IV DESPONDENCY 33 + + V REPLACED 43 + + VI A NEW PROPOSITION 51 + + VII ALICE CHANGES HER MIND 60 + + VIII "PAY YOUR RENT, OR----" 70 + + IX MR. DEVERE DECIDES 78 + + X THE MAN IN THE KITCHEN 87 + + XI RUSS IS WORRIED 96 + + XII THE PHOTO DRAMA 106 + + XIII MR. DEVERE'S SUCCESS 113 + + XIV AN EMERGENCY 124 + + XV JEALOUSIES 132 + + XVI THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS 140 + + XVII A PROMISE 151 + + XVIII A HIT 159 + + XIX A BIT OF OUTDOORS 170 + + XX FARMER SANDY APGAR 181 + + XXI OVERHEARD 189 + + XXII THE WARNING 197 + + XXIII THE MISSING MODEL 205 + + XXIV THE PURSUIT 214 + + XXV THE CAPTURE 221 + + + + +CHAPTER I + +AN UNCEREMONIOUS DEPARTURE + + +"Oh, isn't it just splendid, Ruth? Don't you feel like singing and +dancing? Come on, let's have a two-step! I'll whistle!" + +"Alice! How can you be so--so boisterous?" expostulated the taller of +two girls, who stood in the middle of their small and rather shabby +parlor. + +"Boisterous! Weren't you going to say--rude?" laughingly asked the +one who had first spoken. "Come, now, 'fess up! Weren't you?" and the +shorter of the twain, a girl rather plump and pretty, with merry +brown eyes, put her arm about the waist of her sister and endeavored +to lead her through the maze of chairs in the whirl of a dance, +whistling, meanwhile, a joyous strain from one of the latest Broadway +successes. + +"Oh, Alice!" came in rather fretful tones. "I don't--" + +"You don't know what to make of me? That's it; isn't it, sister mine? +Oh, I can read you like a book. But, Ruth, why aren't you jolly once +in a while? Why always that 'maiden all forlorn' look on your face? +Why that far-away, distant look in your eyes--'Anne, Sister Anne, +dost see anyone approaching?' Talk about Bluebeard! Come on, do one +turn with me. I'm learning the one-step, you know, and it's lovely! + +"Come on, laugh and sing! Really, aren't you glad that dad has an +engagement at last? A real engagement that will bring in some real +money! Aren't you glad? It will mean so much to us! Money! Why, I +haven't seen enough real money of late to have a speaking +acquaintance with it. We've been trusted for everything, except +carfare, and it would have come to that pretty soon. Say you're glad, +Ruth!" + +The younger girl gave up the attempt to entice her sister into a +dance, and stood facing her, arm still about her waist, the laughing +brown eyes gazing mischievously up into the rather sad blue ones of +the taller girl. + +"Glad? Of course I'm glad, Alice DeVere, and you know it. I'm just as +glad as you are that daddy has an engagement. He's waited long enough +for one, goodness knows!" + +"You have a queer way of showing your gladness," commented the other +drily, shrugging her shapely shoulders. "Why, I can hardly keep +still. La-la-la-la! La-la-la-la! La-la-la!" She hummed the air of a +Viennese waltz song, meanwhile whirling gracefully about with +extended arms, her dress floating about her balloonwise. + +"Oh, Alice! Don't!" objected her sister. + +"Can't help it, Ruth. I've just got to dance. La-la!" + +She stopped suddenly as a vase crashed to the floor from a table, +shattering into many pieces. + +"Oh!" cried Alice, aghast, as she stood looking at the ruin she had +unwittingly wrought. "Oh, dear, and daddy was so fond of that vase!" + +"There, you see what you've done!" exclaimed Ruth, who, though only +seventeen, and but two years older than her sister, was of a much +more sedate disposition. "I told you not to dance!" + +"You did nothing of the sort, Ruth DeVere. You just stood and looked +at me, and you wouldn't join in, and maybe if you had this wouldn't +have happened--and--and--" + +She did not finish, her voice trailing off rather dismally as she +stooped to pick up the pieces of the vase. + +"It can't be mended, either," she went on, and when she looked up the +merry brown eyes were veiled in a mist of tears. Ruth's heart +softened at once. + +"There, dear!" she said in consoling tones. "Of course you couldn't +help it. Don't worry. Daddy won't mind when you tell him you were +just doing a little waltz of happiness because he has an engagement +at last." + +She, too, stooped and her light hair mingled with the dark brown +tresses of her sister as they gathered up the fragments. + +"I don't care!" announced Alice, finally, as she sank into a chair. +"I'll tell dad myself. I'm glad, anyhow, even if the vase is broken. +I never liked it. I don't see why dad set such store by the old +thing." + +"You forget, Alice, that it was one of--" + +"Mother's--yes, I know," and she sighed. "Father gave it to her when +they were married, but really, mother was like me--she never cared +for it." + +"Yes, Alice, you are much as mother was," returned Ruth, with gentle +dignity. "You are growing more like her every day." + +"Am I, really?" and in delight the younger girl sprang up, her grief +over the vase for the moment forgotten. "Am I really like her, Ruth? +I'm so glad! Tell me more of her. I scarcely remember her. I was only +seven when she died, Ruth." + +"Eight, my dear. You were eight years old, but such a tiny little +thing! I could hold you in my arms." + +"You couldn't do it now!" laughed Alice, with a downward glance at +her plump figure. Yet she was not over-plump, but with the rounding +curves and graces of coming womanhood. + +"Well, I couldn't hold you long," laughed Ruth. "But I wonder what is +keeping daddy? He telephoned that he would come right home. I'm so +anxious to have him tell us all about it!" + +"So am I. Probably he had to stay to arrange about rehearsals," +replied Alice. "What theater did he say he was going to open at?" + +"The New Columbia. It's one of the nicest in New York, too." + +"Oh, I'm so glad. Now we can go to a play once in a while--I'm almost +starved for the sight of the footlights, and to hear the orchestra +tuning up. And you know, while he had no engagement dad wouldn't let +us take advantage of his professional privilege, and present his card +at the box office." + +"Yes, I know he is peculiar that way. But I shall be glad, too, to +attend a play now and again. I'm getting quite rusty. I did so want +to see Maude Adams when she was here. But--" + +"I'd never have gone in the dress I had!" broke in Alice. "I want +something pretty to wear; don't you?" + +"Of course I do, dear. But with things the way they were--" + +"We had to eat our prospective dresses," laughed Alice. "It was like +being shipwrecked, when the sailors have to cut their boots into +lengths and make a stew of them." + +"Alice!" cried Ruth, rather shocked. + +"It was so!" affirmed the other. "Why, you must have read of it +dozens of times in those novels you're always poring over. The hero +and heroine on a raft--she looks up into his eyes and sighs. 'Have +another morsel of boot soup, darling!' Why, the time dad had to use +the money he had half promised me for that charmeuse, and we bought +the supper at the delicatessen--you know, when Mr. Blake stopped and +you asked him to stay to tea, when there wasn't a thing in the house +to eat--do you remember that?" + +"Yes, but I don't see what it has to do with shipwrecked sailors +eating their boots. Really, Alice--" + +"Of course it was just the same," explained the younger girl, +merrily. "There was nothing fit to give Mr. Blake, and I took the +money that was to have been paid for my charmeuse, and slipped out to +Mr. Dinkelspatcher's--or whatever his name is--and bought a meal. +Well, we ate my dress, that's all, Ruth." + +"Why, Alice!" + +"And I wish we had it to eat over again," went on the other, with a +half sigh. "I don't know what we are going to do for supper. How much +have we in the purse?" + +"Only a few dollars." + +"And we must save that, I suppose, until dad gets some salary, which +won't be for a time yet. And we really ought to celebrate in some +way, now that he's had this bit of good luck! Oh, isn't it just awful +to be poor!" + +"Hush, Alice! The neighbors will hear you. The walls of this +apartment house are so terribly thin!" + +"I don't care if they do hear. They all know dad hasn't had a +theatrical engagement for ever so long. And they know we haven't any +what you might call--resources--or we wouldn't live here. Of course +they know we're poor--that's no news!" + +"I know, my dear. But you are so--so out-spoken." + +"I'm glad of it. Oh, Ruth, when will you ever give up trying to +pretend we are what we are not? You're a dear, nice, sweet, romantic +sister, and some day I hope the Fairy Prince will come riding past on +his milk-white steed--and, say, Ruth, why should a prince always ride +a milk-white steed? There's something that's never been explained. + +"All the novels and fairy stories have milk-white steeds for the hero +to prance up on when he rescues the doleful maiden. And if there's +any color that gets dirtier sooner, and makes a horse look most like +a lost hope, it's white. Of course I know they can keep a circus +horse milk-white, but it isn't practical for princes or heroes. The +first mud puddle he splashed through--And, oh, say! If the prince +should fail in his fortunes later, and have to hire out to drive a +coal wagon! Wouldn't his milk-white steed look sweet then? There goes +one now," and she pointed out of the window to the street below. + +"Do, Ruth, if your prince comes, insist on his changing his steed for +one of sober brown. It will wear better." + +"Don't be silly, Alice!" + +"Oh, I can't help it. Hark, is that dad's step?" + +The two girls listened, turning their heads toward the hall entrance +door. + +"No, it's someone over at the Dalwoods'--across the corridor." + +The noise in the hallway increased. There were hasty footsteps, and +then rather loud voices. + +"I tell you I won't have anything to do with you, and you needn't +come sneaking around here any more. I'm done with you!" + +"That's Russ," whispered Alice. + +"Yes," agreed Ruth, and her sister noted a slight flush on her fair +cheeks. + +Then came a voice in expostulation: + +"But I tell you I can market it for you, and get you something for +it. If you try to go it alone--" + +"Well, that's just what I'm going to do--go it alone, and I don't +want to hear any more from you. Now you get out!" + +"But look here--" + +There was a sound of a scuffle, and a body crashed up against the +door of the DeVere apartment. + +"Oh!" cried Ruth and Alice together. + +Their door swung open, for someone had seemingly caught at the knob +to save himself from falling. The girls had a glimpse of their +neighbor across the hall, Russ Dalwood by name, pushing a strange man +toward the head of the stairs. + +"Now you get out!" cried Russ, and the man left rather +unceremoniously, slipping down two or three steps before he could +recover his balance and grasp the railing. + +"Oh, shut the door, quickly, Alice!" gasped Ruth. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +RUSS DALWOOD APOLOGIZES + + +The portal was closed with a bang--so closed because Alice in a mad +rush threw herself against it and turned the key in the lock. Then +she gained a place by her sister's side, and slipped an arm about her +waist. + +"He--he won't come in," Alice whispered. "I saw him going down the +stairs." + +"Who--who was it?" faltered Ruth. She was very pale. + +"I don't know," Alice made answer. "I don't believe he meant to come +in here. It was--was just an accident. But the door is locked now. +Maybe it was some collector--like those horrid men who have been to +see us lately. The Dalwoods may be short of money, too." + +"I don't think so, Alice. Russ makes good wages at the moving picture +place. Oh, are you sure the door is locked?" + +"Positive. Don't worry." + +"Let's slip down the back stairs to Mrs. Reilley's flat. She has a +telephone, and we can call the police," suggested the taller girl, in +a hoarse whisper, her eyes never leaving the hall door that had been +so unceremoniously thrust open. + +"Silly!" returned Alice. "There's no danger now. That man has gone. I +tell you I saw him hurrying down the stairs. Russ sent him about his +business, all right--whatever his business was." + +"Oh, it's terrible to live this way!" wailed Ruth. "With--with common +fighting going on in the halls! If poor mother were alive now--" + +"She wouldn't be a bit afraid, if what you tell me of her is true!" +insisted Alice, stoutly. "And I'm not a bit afraid, either. Why, Russ +is just across the hall, and it was only the other day you were +saying how strong and manly he was. Have you forgotten?" + +"No," answered Ruth, in a low voice, and again the blush suffused her +cheeks. + +"Then don't be a silly. I'm not going down and ask Mrs. Reilley to +'phone for the police. That would cause excitement indeed. I don't +believe anyone else heard the commotion, and that was only because +our door flew open by accident." + +"Oh, well, maybe it will be all right," assented the taller girl who, +in this emergency, seemed to lean on her younger sister. Perhaps it +was because Alice was so merry-hearted--even unthinking at times; +despising danger because she did not know exactly what it was--or +what it meant. Yet even now Ruth felt that she must play the part of +mother to her younger sister. + +"Are you sure that door is locked?" she asked again. + +"Positive! See, I'll slip on the chain, and then it would tax even a +policeman to get in. But, really, Ruth, I wouldn't go to Mrs. +Reilley's if I were you. She'll tell everyone, and there doesn't seem +to be any need. It's all over, and those below, or above us, seem to +have heard nothing of it." + +"Oh, I wish daddy would come home!" + +"So do I, for that matter. That's sensible. What did he say," asked +Alice, "when you went down to Mrs. Reilley's telephone to talk to +him?" For that neighbor had summoned one of the girls when she +learned, over the wire, that Mr. DeVere wished to speak with his +daughters about his good fortune. + +"He didn't have time to say much," replied Ruth. "He just stole a +minute or two away from the conference to say that he had an +engagement that was very promising." + +"And didn't he say when he'd be home?" + +"No, only that it would be as soon as possible." + +"Well, I suppose he'll come as quickly as he can. Let's see what we +can get up in the way of a lunch. We may have to resort to the +delicatessen again. I do want father to have something nice when he +comes home with his good news." + +"So do I," agreed Ruth. "I'm afraid our ice box doesn't contain much +in the way of refreshments for an impromptu banquet, though, and I +positively won't go out after--after what happened. At least not +right away!" + +"Pooh, I'm not afraid!" laughed Alice, having recovered her spirits. +"On the ice box--charge!" she cried gaily, waltzing about. + +The girls found little enough to reward them, and it came, finally, +to the necessity of making a raid on the nearest delicatessen shop if +they were to "banquet" their father. + +In fact since the DeVere family had come to make their home in the +Fenmore Apartment House, on one of the West Sixtieth streets of New +York City, there had been very little in the way of food luxuries, +and not a great deal of the necessities. + +Their life had held a little more of ease and comfort when they lived +in a more fashionable quarter, but with the loss of their father's +theatrical engagement, and the long period of waiting for another, +their savings had been exhausted and they had had recourse to the +pawn shop, in addition to letting as many bills as possible go unpaid +until fortune smiled again. + +Hosmer DeVere, who was a middle-aged, rather corpulent and +exceedingly kind and cultured gentleman, was the father of the two +girls. Their mother had been dead about seven years, a cold caught in +playing on a draughty stage developing into pneumonia, from which she +never rallied. + +Ruth and Alice came of a theatrical family--at least, on their +father's side--for his father and grandfather before him had enviable +histrionic reputations. Mrs. DeVere had been a vivacious country +maid--or, rather, a maid in a small town that was classed as being on +the "country" circuit by the company playing it. Mr. DeVere, then +blossoming into a leading man, was in the troupe, and became +acquainted with his future wife through the medium of the theater. +She had sought an interview with the manager, seeking a chance to +"get on the boards," and Mr. DeVere admired her greatly. + +Their married life was much happier than the usual theatrical union, +and under the guidance and instruction of her husband Mrs. DeVere had +become one of the leading juvenile players. Both her husband and +herself were fond of home life, and they had looked forward to the +day when they could retire and shut themselves away from the public +with their two little daughters. + +But fortunes are seldom made on the stage--not half as often as is +imagined--and the time seemed farther and farther off. Then came Mrs. +DeVere's illness and death, and for a time a broken-hearted man +withdrew himself from the world to devote his life to his daughters. + +But the call of the stage was imperative, not so much from choice as +necessity, for Mr. DeVere could do little to advantage save act, and +in this alone could he make a living. So he had returned to the +"boards," filling various engagements with satisfaction, and taking +his daughters about with him. + +Rather strange to say, up to the present, though literally saturated +with the romance and hard work of the footlights, neither Ruth nor +Alice had shown any desire to go on the stage. Or, if they had it, +they had not spoken of it. And their father was glad. + +Mr. DeVere was a clever character actor, and had created a number of +parts that had won favor. He inclined to whimsical comedy roles, +rather than to romantic drama, and several of his old men studies are +remembered on Broadway to this day. He had acted in Shakespeare, but +he had none of that burning desire, with which many actors are +credited, to play Hamlet. Mr. DeVere was satisfied to play the +legitimate in his best manner, to look after his daughters, and to +trust that in time he might lay by enough for himself, and see them +happily married. + +But the laying-aside process had been seriously interrupted several +times by lack of engagements, so that the little stock of savings +dwindled away. + +Then came a panicky year. Many theaters were closed, and more actors +"walked the Rialto" looking for engagements than ever before. Mr. +DeVere was among them, and he even accepted a part in a vaudeville +sketch to eke out a scanty livelihood. + +Good times came again, but did not last, and finally it looked to the +actor as though he were doomed to become a "hack," or to linger along +in some stock company. He was willing to do this, though, for the +sake of the girls. + +A rather longer period of inactivity than usual made a decided change +in the DeVere fortunes, if one can call a struggle against poverty +"fortunes." They had to leave their pleasant apartment and take one +more humble. Some of their choice possessions, too, went to the sign +of the three golden balls; but, with all this, it was hard work to +set even their scanty table. And the bills! + +Ruth wept in secret over them, being the house-keeper. And, of late, +some of the tradesmen were not as patient and kind as they had been +at first. Some even sent professional collectors, who used all their +various wiles to humiliate their debtors. + +But now a ray of light seemed to shine through the gloom, and a +tentative promise from one theatrical manager had become a reality. +Mr. DeVere had telephoned that the contract was signed, and that he +would have a leading part at last, after many weeks of idleness. + +"What is the play?" asked Alice of her sister, when they had decided +on what they might safely get from the delicatessen store. "Did dad +say?" + +"Yes. It's 'A Matter of Friendship.' One of those new society +dramas." + +"Oh, I do hope he gets us tickets!" + +"We will need some dresses before we can use tickets," sighed Ruth. +"Positively I wouldn't go anywhere but in the gallery now." + +"No, we wouldn't exactly shine in a box," agreed Alice. + +"Hark!" cautioned her sister. "There's someone in the hall now. I +heard a step----" + +There came a knock on the door, and in spite of themselves both girls +started nervously. + +"That isn't his rap!" whispered Alice. + +"No. Ask who it is," suggested Ruth. Somehow, she looked again to the +younger Alice now. + +"Who--who is it?" faltered the latter. "Maybe it's one of those +horrid collectors," she went on, in her sister's ear. "I wish I'd +kept quiet." + +But the voice that answered reassured them. + +"Are you there, Miss DeVere? This is Russ Dalwood. I want to +apologize for that row outside your door a few minutes ago. It was an +accident. I'm sorry. May I come in?" + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE OLD TROUBLE + + +For a moment the girls faced each other with wide-opened eyes, the +brown ones of Alice gazing into the deep blue ones of Ruth. Ruth's +eyes were not the ordinary blue--like those of a china doll. They +were more like wood-violets, and in their depths could be read a +liking for the unusual and romantic that was, in a measure, the key +to her character. Not for nothing had Alice laughed at her sister's +longing for a prince, on a milk-white steed, to come riding by. Ruth +was tall, and of that desirable willowy type, so much in demand of +late. + +Alice was just saved from being a "bread-and-butter" girl. That is, +she had wholesomeness, with a round face, and ruddy cheeks--more +damask than red in color--but she also had a rollicking, good-natured +disposition, without being in the least bit tomboyish. She reminded +one of a girl just out of school, eager for a game of tennis or golf. + +"Are you busy?" asked the voice on the other side of the door. "I can +call again!" + +"No, wait--Russ!" replied Ruth, with an obvious effort. "We had the +chain on. We'll let you in!" + +The DeVeres had only known their neighbors across the hall since +coming to the Fenmore Apartment. Yet one could not live near motherly +Mrs. Sarah Dalwood and not get to know her rather intimately, in a +comparatively short time. She was what would have been called, in the +country, "a good neighbor." In New York, with its hurry and scurry, +where people live for years in adjoining rooms and never speak, she +was an unusual type. She knew nearly every one in the big +apartment--which was almost more than the janitor and his wife could +boast. + +A widow with two sons, Mrs. Dalwood was in fairly good +circumstances--compared with her neighbors. Her husband had left her +a little sum in life insurance that was well invested, and Russ held +a place as moving picture machine operator in one of the largest of +those theaters. He earned a good salary which made it unnecessary for +his mother to go out to work, or to take any in, and his brother +Billy was kept at school. Billy was twelve, a rather nervous, +delicate lad, liked by everyone. + +There was a rattle as the chain fell from the slotted slide on the +door, and Alice opened the portal, to disclose the smiling and yet +rather worried face of Russ. The girls had come to know him well +enough to call him by his first name, and he did the same to them. It +might not be out of place to say that Russ admired Ruth very much. + +"I'm awfully sorry about what happened," began Russ. "You see I +didn't mean to shove that fellow so hard. But he was awfully +persistent, and I just lost my temper. I was afraid I'd shoved him +downstairs." + +"So were we," admitted Ruth, with a smile. + +"Did he try to come in here, to escape from you?" asked Alice, with a +frank laugh. + +"Indeed he did not," replied Russ. "He caught at your door to save +himself from falling. I guess he thought I was going to hit him; but +I wasn't. I just shoved him away to keep him from coming back into +our rooms again. Mother was a little afraid of him." + +"Was he--was he a----" Alice balked at the word "collector." + +"He was a fellow who's trying to steal a patent I'm working on!" +exclaimed Russ, rather fiercely. "He's as unscrupulous as they come, +and I didn't want him to get a foothold. So I just sent him about +his business in a way I think he won't forget." + +"Oh, are you working on a patent?" cried Ruth. "How nice! What's it +about? Oh, I forgot! Perhaps you can't tell. It's a secret, I +suppose. All patents are." + +"Well, it isn't a secret from you folks," returned Russ. "I don't +mind telling you, even though I haven't perfected it yet." + +"Especially as you can be sure we girls wouldn't understand the least +thing about it--if it has anything to do with machinery," put in +Alice, laughing. + +"Well, it is something about machinery," admitted Russ. "It is +something new to go on moving picture machines, to steady the film as +it moves behind the lens. You've often noticed how jerky the pictures +are at times?" he asked. + +"Yes; though we don't go very often," responded Ruth. + +"Well, I've made a simple little device that fits on the machine. I +needn't go into all details--to tell you the truth I haven't got 'em +all worked out yet; but I think it will be a good thing, and bring me +in some money. + +"I've spoken to Mr. Frank Pertell, manager of the Comet Film Company, +about it. I have done some work for him, you know. He says it will +be a good thing, and, while it may not make me a millionaire, it will +help a lot. So I'm working hard on it." + +"But who was this man--what did he have to do with it?" asked Alice. + +"He didn't have anything to do with it--but he wanted to. His name is +Simpson Wolley--Simp, he's called for short, though he is not as +simple as his name sounds. He heard about my invention--how, I don't +know--and he's trying to get it away from me." + +"Get it away from you?" echoed Alice. + +"Yes. He came to me and wanted me to sell him the rights, just as it +was, for a certain sum. I refused. Then to-day I came home +unexpectedly. I found him in the room where I work, looking over my +drawings and models. Mother had let him in to wait for me. She put +him in the parlor, but he sneaked into my room. That's why I sent him +flying." + +"I don't blame you!" exclaimed Alice, with flashing eyes. + +"Only I'm sorry he disturbed you," went on Russ. "I didn't mean to be +quite so hasty; but he got on my nerves, I expect." + +"Oh, that's all right," said Ruth, graciously. + +"Mother said you might be frightened," went on the young man, "so +she sent me here to tell you what it was." + +"Don't mention it," laughed Alice. "We were a bit frightened at +first, and we put the chain on the door. But are you sure you're all +right--that he won't come back again?" + +"Oh, you need not worry," Russ assured her. "He won't come here +again; though I don't fancy I'm through with him. Simp Wolley hasn't +much principle, and I know a lot of fellows who have done business +with him to their sorrow. But he'll have to work hard to fool me. So +my apology is accepted; is it?" + +"Of course," laughed Ruth, blushing more than before. + +Another step was heard in the hall. + +"There's dad!" cried Alice. "Oh, where have you been?" she exclaimed, +as she ran to her father's arms. + +"I couldn't come sooner," the latter explained in his deep, mellow +voice--a voice that had endeared him to many audiences. "We had to +arrange about the rehearsals. Haven't you a kiss for dad, Ruth" he +went on, putting his arms about the taller girl. "How are you, Russ?" +and he nodded cordially. "Isn't it fine to have two such daughters as +these?" He held them to him--one on either side. + +"Father!" objected Ruth, blushing. + +"Ha! Ashamed of her old daddy hugging and kissing her; is she?" Mr. +DeVere laughed. "Well, I am surprised; aren't you, Russ? Some +day----" + +"Dad!" expostulated Ruth, blushing more vividly, and clapping a small +hand over her father's mouth. "You mustn't say such things!" + +"What things?" with a simulated look of innocent wonder. + +"What you were going to say!" + +"Well, as long as I didn't, no harm is done. What about lunch? I must +go back this afternoon." + +"I'll see you again," called Russ, retiring, for he knew father and +daughters would want to exchange confidences. + +"It's good news, Russ!" called Alice, as he departed across the hall. +"Daddy has an engagement at last!" + +"Glad to hear it, Mr. DeVere. I knew you'd land one sooner or later." + +"Well, it came near being later, Russ, my boy." + +"Now, Daddy dear, tell us all about it," begged Alice, when they were +by themselves. "Isn't it just splendid! I wanted to get up a +banquet, only there's nothing much on which to bank----" + +"Alice, dear--such slang!" reproved Ruth. + +"Never mind, better days are coming," said the actor. "At last I have +a part just suited to me--one of the best for which I have ever been +cast. It's with the 'A Matter of Friendship' company, and we open in +about three weeks at the New Columbia. I feel sure I'll make a hit, +and the play is a very good one--I may say a fine one." + +"And you open in three weeks, you say, Dad?" asked Ruth, +thoughtfully. + +"Yes; or, rather, in two weeks from to-night. There are two weeks' +rehearsals. But what--oh, I see. You mean there won't be any money +coming in for three weeks--or until after the play has run a week. +Well, never mind. I dare say we will manage somehow. I can likely get +an advance on my salary. I'll see. And now for lunch. I'm as hungry +as a stranded road company. What have you?" + +"Not so very much," confessed Ruth. "I was hoping----" + +There came a knock at the door. + +"Come!" invited Mr. DeVere, and Russ appeared. + +"Excuse this interruption," the young moving picture operator began, +"but mother sent over to ask if you wouldn't take dinner with us. We +have a big one. We expected my uncle and aunt, and they've +disappointed us. Do come!" + +Alice and Ruth looked at each other. Then they glanced up at their +father, who regarded them thoughtfully. + +"Well, I don't know," began the actor, slowly. "I--er----" + +"Mother will be disappointed if you don't come," urged Russ. "She has +chicken and biscuit for dinner, and she rather prides herself on it. +The dinner will be spoiled if it isn't eaten hot--especially the +biscuit, so she'll take it as a favor if you'll come over, and take +the places of my uncle and aunt. Do come!" and he looked earnestly at +Ruth. + +"Well, what do you say, girls? Shall we accept of our neighbor's +hospitality?" asked Mr. DeVere. + +"Please do!" exclaimed Alice, in a tense whisper. "You know we +haven't got a decent thing to eat in the ice box, and that +delicatessen stuff----" + +"Alice!" chided Ruth. + +"Well, it's the truth!" insisted the merry girl, her brown eyes +dancing with mischief. "Russ knows we aren't millionaires, and with +papa out of an engagement so long--oh, chicken! Come on. I haven't +tasted any in so long----" + +"Alice--dear!" objected Ruth, sharply. "You mustn't mind her, Russ," +she went on, rather embarrassed. + +"I don't," he laughed. "But if you'll all come I'll promise you some +of the best chicken you ever tasted. And mother's hot biscuits in the +chicken gravy----" + +"Don't you say another word, Russ Dalwood!" interrupted Alice. "We're +coming!" + +"I--I think we will," agreed Mr. DeVere, with a laugh. + +Thus was his new engagement fittingly celebrated. + +The memory of that chicken dinner lingered long with the DeVere +family. For though there was daylight ahead there were dark and +dreary days to be lived through. + +As usual in theatrical companies, no salaries were paid while "A +Matter of Friendship" was being rehearsed. Neither Mr. DeVere, nor +any of the company, received any money for those two weeks of hard +work. Those actors or actresses who had nothing put by lived as best +they could on the charity of others. It was indeed "a matter of +friendship" that some of them lived at all. And for a week after the +play opened they could expect nothing. Then if the play should be a +failure---- + +But no one liked to think of that. + +The rehearsals went on, and the play was going to be a great success, +according to Mr. DeVere. But then he always said that. What actor has +not? + +How he and his family lived those two weeks none but themselves knew. +They had pawned all they dared, until their flat was quite bare of +needed comforts. Tradesmen were insistent, and one man in particular +threatened to have Mr. DeVere arrested if his bill was not paid. But +it was out of the question to meet it. What little money was on hand +was needed for food, and there was little enough of that. + +Mr. DeVere did negotiate some small loans, but not enough to afford +permanent relief. Perhaps motherly Mrs. Dalwood suspected, or Russ +may have hinted at their neighbors' straits, for many a nourishing +dish was sent to Ruth and Alice, on the plea that there was more of +it than Mrs. Dalwood and her sons could eat. + +There were more invitations from the Dalwoods to dinner or supper, +but Mr. DeVere was proud, and declined, though in the most +delightfully polite way. + +"I--I don't see how he can refuse, when he knows we are really +hungry!" sighed Alice. + +"You wouldn't want him to be a beggar; would you?" flashed Ruth. + +"No. But it's awfully hard; isn't it?" + +"It is. Too bad they don't pay for rehearsals. And there'll be +another full week! Oh, Alice, I wish there was something we could do +to earn money!" + +"So do I! But what is there?" + +"I don't know. Oh, dear!" + +They sat in the gloaming--silent, waiting for their father to come +home. + +"There's his step!" exclaimed Ruth, jumping up. + +"Yes--but," said Alice, in puzzled, frightened tones, "it--it doesn't +sound like him, somehow. How--how slowly he walks! Oh, I hope nothing +has happened!" + +"Happened? How could there?" asked Ruth, yet with blanched face. + +The door opened, and Mr. DeVere entered. It needed but a glance at +his white face to show that something had happened--something +tragic--and not the tragedy of the theater. + +"Oh, Father--Daddy--what is it!" cried Alice, springing to his arms. + +"I--I--my----" Mr. DeVere could hardly speak, so hoarse was he. Only +a husky whisper came from his lips. + +"Are you--are you hurt?" cried Ruth. "Shall I get a doctor?" + +"It--it's my voice!" gasped the actor. "It has gone back on me--I +can't speak a word to be heard over the footlights! It's my old +trouble come back!" and he sank weakly into a chair. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +DESPONDENCY + + +Startled and alarmed the two girls hastened to the side of their +father. They flitted helplessly about him for a moment, like pretty, +distressed birds. As for Mr. DeVere, his hand went to his aching +throat as though to clutch the malady that had so suddenly gripped +him, and tear it out. For none realized as keenly as he what the +attack meant. It was as though some enemy had struck at his very +life, for to him his voice was his only means of livelihood. + +"Oh, Father!" gasped Ruth. "What is it? Speak! Tell us! What shall we +do?" + +"It--it's--" but his voice trailed off into a hoarse gurgle, and +signs of distress and pain appeared on his face. + +"Oh, tell us! Tell us!" begged Ruth, clasping her hands, her blue +eyes filling with tears. + +"Can't you see he can't speak!" exclaimed Alice, a bit sharply. She +had a better grasp of the situation in this emergency than had her +sister. "Something has happened to him! Was it dust in your throat on +the street?" asked Alice. "Don't answer--wait, Dad! I have some +lozenges. I'll get them for you!" + +She was in and out of her room on the instant, with a box of troches, +one of which she held out to her father. He had not moved since +sinking into the chair, but stared straight ahead--and the future +that he saw was not a pleasant one to contemplate. + +"Take this, Father," begged Alice, slipping her arm about him, as she +sank to the floor at his feet. "This will help your throat. Don't you +remember what a terrible cold I had? These helped me a lot. Take +one!" + +Mr. DeVere shook his head slightly, and seemed about to refuse the +lozenge. But a glance at his daughters' worried faces evidently made +him change his mind. He slipped the tablet into his mouth, and then +straightened up in his chair. Whatever happened to him he knew he +must make a brave fight for the sake of the girls. It would not do to +show the white feather before them, even though his heart was quaking +with the terrible fear that had come upon him. + +"What happened, Dad?" asked Ruth. "Can't you tell us? Oh, I am so +worried!" + +He tried to smile at her, but it was a pathetic attempt. Then, with +an effort, he spoke--so hoarsely that they could barely understand +him. + +"It--it's my voice," he whispered, gratingly. "Some sort of affection +of my vocal chords. You'd better get a doctor. I--I must be better by +to-morrow." + +"Poor Daddy!" whispered Ruth. "I'll go down stairs and telephone for +Dr. Haldon." + +"No--not him--some--some other physician. We--we haven't paid Dr. +Haldon's bill," said Mr. DeVere quickly, and this time he spoke more +distinctly. + +"Oh, you're better!" cried Alice in delight, clapping her hands. "I +knew my medicine would help you, Dad! It's good; isn't it?" + +He nodded and smiled at her, but there was little of conviction in +his manner, had the girls but noticed it. + +"I know just how it is," went on Alice, and her tone did as much as +anything to relieve the strain they were all under. "I caught cold +once, and I got hoarse so suddenly that I was afraid I was going to +be terribly ill. But it passed off in a day or two. Yours will, Dad!" + +Mr. DeVere tried to act as though he believed it, but there was a +despondent look on his face. + +"I'll slip over and ask Mrs. Dalwood the name of a good doctor," +offered Alice. "It's too bad we can't pay Dr. Haldon, but we will as +soon as we can. Mrs. Dalwood may know of a good throat specialist +nearby." + +"Yes, you had better go," said Mr. DeVere in a low voice. "I must be +able to go on with the rehearsals to-morrow." + +Alice fairly flew across the hall, and the tragic little story was +soon told. Mrs. Dalwood, fortunately, did know of a good doctor in +the vicinity. He had attended Billy several times, and, while not +exactly a throat specialist, was to be depended upon. + +"Then I'll go downstairs and telephone for him," said Alice. "Poor +daddy is so worried." + +"I'll go over and see what I can do," volunteered Mrs. Dalwood. "I +have an old-fashioned cough medicine I used for the children." + +She took a bottle with her as she slipped across the hall to the flat +of her neighbors. Russ went with her, anxious to do what he could. + +But Mr. DeVere shook his head as the bottle of simple home remedy was +proffered. + +"Thank you very much, Mrs. Dalwood," he said hoarsely. "It is very +kind of you, but I'm afraid to try it. I have had this trouble +before, and----" + +"You have, Father?" cried Ruth in surprise. "You never told us about +it." + +"I will--after the doctor comes," he said in a low voice. + +Alice came back from using the telephone of the neighbor on the floor +below to say that Dr. Rathby would soon be over. + +"And then we'll have you all right again, Daddy!" she said, and the +merry, laughing light that had disappeared came back into her eyes. + +It was rather anxious waiting for the physician, but when he came his +cheery, breezy presence seemed to fill them all with hope. He took +Mr. DeVere into a room by himself, and made a careful examination. +The girls could hear the young doctor's sharp, quick questioning, and +their father's hoarse, mumbled replies. Then followed a period of +nervous silence, broken by more talk. + +Presently physician and patient came out Dr. Rathby looked serious, +but he tried to smile. Mr. DeVere looked serious--but he did not +smile. That was the difference. + +"Well?" asked Ruth, with a sharp intaking of her breath. + +"Nothing serious--at least, so far," was the doctor's verdict. "I +think we have taken it in time. There is considerable inflammation of +the vocal chords, and they have suffered a partial paralysis." + +"As bad as that?" gasped Alice. + +"Oh, that isn't half as bad as it sounds!" laughed Dr. Rathby. "I +have had cases worse than this. Now, I'll leave you some medicine to +be used in an atomizer, as a spray, Mr. DeVere, and I want you--in +fact as a doctor I order you--to speak as little as possible. Don't +use your voice at all, if you can help it--at least not for several +days." + +He turned to write a prescription, but was startled at the hoarse cry +of expostulation from Mr. DeVere. + +"But, doctor!" exclaimed the actor, "I--I----" + +"There, now, I told you not to speak!" chided the physician, with +upraised finger. + +"But I have to! I'm an actor--I'm rehearsing a new part. I must use +my voice! It's imperative!" + +The doctor seemed startled. + +"An actor," he said in low tones. "You did not tell me that. I did +not understand ... Hm! Yes!" + +He thought deeply for a moment. + +"You could not take a rest for a week?" he asked. + +"A week? No! I have been 'resting' enough weeks as it is. I must go +on with this. I've had it before. It has passed away. Can't you give +me something that will enable me to go on--some medicine that will +act quickly? I must be at rehearsal to-morrow." + +The doctor shrugged his shoulders as though to clear himself from all +blame. + +"Well, if you have to--you have to, I suppose," he said. "I +understand. I can give you an astringent mixture that will shrink the +chords, and may relieve some of the inflammation. It may enable you +to go on--but at the risk of permanent injury to your throat." + +"Oh!" exclaimed both girls. + +"Never mind!" responded Mr. DeVere, hoarsely. "I--I must risk the +future for the sake of the present. I cannot give up this engagement. +I must keep on with the rehearsals. Give me something speedy, if you +please, Doctor. I'll--I'll have to take the chance." + +"I am sorry," spoke Dr. Rathby. "But of course I understand. I have a +mixture that some singers have used with good effect. I'll try it on +you. You can use it several times to-night, and on your way to +rehearsal stop in at my office in the morning, and I'll swab out your +throat. That may help some." + +"Oh, thank you, Doctor. You don't know what this means to me. I--I +feel better already." + +"I'm afraid it's only temporary relief," returned the physician. "But +there. Don't worry. Get that filled and see what effect it has. Then +come and see me in the morning." + +He wrote the prescription and hurried away, nodding to the girls. + +"I'll get it filled," offered Ruth, and she could hardly keep back a +sigh as she looked at the scanty supply of money in the household +purse. As she was going out to the drug store she met Russ in the +hallway. + +"Is he any better?" the young moving picture operator asked. + +"I think so," answered Ruth. "But isn't it too bad? Just when +everything looked so bright." + +"Oh, well, it will come out all right, I'm sure," spoke Russ. "Don't +you want to come to see our show to-night? We've got some fine +pictures. I'm going down a little early to get the reels in shape." + +"We very seldom go to the 'movies,'" answered Ruth. "Though I have +seen some I liked." + +"We have some fine ones," went on Russ. + +"Better come on down. I'll get you a pass in!" and he laughed +genially. + +"Not this time," answered Ruth gently. "I must get back and help +Alice look after my father. Thank you." + +She left him at the corner, and he passed on whistling softly and +thinking of many things. + +Mr. DeVere seemed better when Ruth got back with the medicine. And +when his throat was sprayed he could talk with less effort. But his +tones were still very husky, and it was evident that unless there was +a great improvement in the morning he would hardly be able to go to +rehearsal. + +"I'm glad the show doesn't open until next week," he said with a +smile. "I'd never be able to make myself heard beyond the first three +rows. But I'll surely be better by the time we open." + +"What did you mean by saying you had this same trouble before, Dad?" +asked Alice. + +"Well, it did come on me last summer, when I was taking my little +vacation," he replied. "It wasn't quite as bad as this, though." + +"You never told us," accused Ruth. + +"No, I didn't want to worry you. It passed over, and I'm sure this +will." + +Mr. DeVere spoke little the next morning. Perhaps he did not want +his daughters to know how very hoarse his voice was. He left for the +doctor's before going to the theater, and most anxiously did the +girls await his return. + +"There he is!" exclaimed Ruth at length, late that afternoon. + +"But he's earlier than usual!" said Alice. "I wonder----" + +Mr. DeVere fairly staggered into the room. His face was white as he +sank into a chair Alice pushed forward. + +"Daddy!" exclaimed the girls. + +He shook his head mournfully. + +"It--it's no use!" he said, and they could barely make out his words. +"My voice failed completely. I--I had to give up the rehearsal," and +he covered his face with his hands. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +REPLACED + + +For a few moments the two girls said nothing. They simply stood +there, looking at their father, who was bowed with grief. It was +something new for him--a strange role, for usually he was so jolly +and happy--going about reciting odd snatches from the plays in which +he had taken part. + +"Does--does it hurt you, Daddy?" asked Ruth softly, as she stepped +closer to him, and put her hand on his shoulder. + +He raised himself with an effort, and seemed to shake off the gloom +that held him prisoner. + +"No--no," he answered in queer, croaking tones, so different from his +usual deep and vibrant ones. "That's the odd part of it. I have no +real pain. It isn't sore at all--just a sort of numbness." + +"Did it come on suddenly?" asked Alice. + +"Well, it did yesterday--very suddenly. But this time I was hoarse +when I started to rehearse and it kept getting worse until I couldn't +be heard ten feet away. Of course it was no use to go on then, so the +stage manager called me off." + +"Then he'll wait until you're better?" asked Alice. + +Her father shrugged his shoulders. + +"He'll wait until to-morrow, at any rate," was the hesitating answer. + +"Didn't going to the doctor's office help any?" asked Ruth. + +"For a few minutes--yes. But as soon as I got to the theater I was as +bad as ever. I had some of his spray with me, too, but it did little +good. I think I must see him again. I'll go to his office now." + +"No, he must come here!" insisted Ruth. "You shouldn't take any +chances going out in the air, Father, even though it is a warm spring +day. Let him come here. I'll go telephone." + +She was out into the hall before he could remonstrate, had he had the +energy to do it. But Mr. DeVere seemed incapable of thinking for +himself, now that this trouble had come upon him. + +Dr. Rathby came a little later. He had a cheery, confident air that +was good for the mind, if not for the body. + +"Well, how goes it?" he asked. + +"Not--very well," was Mr. DeVere's hoarse reply. + +"I'm afraid you'll have to do as I suggested and take a complete +rest," went on the doctor. "That's the only thing for these cases. +I'll take another look at you." + +The examination of the throat was soon over. + +"Hum!" mused the physician. "Well, Mr. DeVere, I can tell you one +thing. If you keep on talking and rehearsing, you won't have any +voice at all by the end of the week." + +"Oh!" cried the girls, together. + +"Now, don't be frightened," went on the doctor quickly, seeing their +alarm. "This may not be at all serious. There is a good chance of Mr. +DeVere getting his voice back; but I confess I see little hope of it +at the present time. At any rate he must give himself absolute rest, +and not use his voice--even to talk to you girls," and he smiled at +them. + +"I know that is going to be hard," the doctor went on; "but it must +be done sir, it must be done." + +"Impossible!" murmured Mr. DeVere. "It cannot be!" + +"It must be, my dear sir. Your vocal chords are in such shape that +the least additional strain may permanently injure them. As it is +now--you have a chance." + +"Only a chance did you say?" asked the actor, eagerly. + +"Yes, only a chance. It would be cruel to deceive you, and try to +tell you that this is only temporary, and will pass off. It may, but +it is sure to come back again, unless you give your throat an +absolute rest." + +"For--for how long?" + +"I can't say--six months--maybe a year--maybe----" + +"A year! Why, Doctor, I never could do that." + +"You may have to. You can speak now, but if you keep on you will get +to the point where you will be next to absolutely dumb!" + +The girls caught their breaths in sharp gasps. Even Mr. DeVere seemed +unnerved. + +"It may seem harsh to say this to you," went on Dr. Rathby, "but it +is the kindest in the end. Rest is what you need." + +"Then I can't go to rehearsal in the morning?" + +"Certainly not. I must forbid it as your physician. Can't you get a +few days off?" + +Mr. DeVere shook his head. + +"Aren't there such things as understudies? Seems to me I have heard +of them," persisted the physician. + +"I--I wouldn't like to have to put one on," said the actor. + +His daughters knew the reason. Times were but little better than they +had been in the theatrical business. Many good men and women, too, +were out of engagements, and every available part was quickly snapped +up. Mr. DeVere had waited long enough for this opening, and now to +have to put on an understudy when the play was on the eve of opening, +might mean the loss of his chances. Theatrical managers were +uncertain at best, and an actor in an important part, with a voice +that would not carry beyond the first few rows, was out of the +question. + +Mr. DeVere knew this as well as did his daughters. + +"I'll tell you what I'll do," went on Dr. Rathby. "I'll speak to your +manager myself. I'll explain how things are, and say it is imperative +that you have one or two days of rest. It may be that your chords +will clear up enough in that time so that I can treat them better and +you can resume your duties." + +"Will you do that?" cried the actor, eagerly. "It will be awfully +good of you. Just say to Mr. Gans Cross--he's the manager of the New +Columbia theater--that I will be back in two days--less, if you will +allow me, Doctor." + +The physician shook his head. + +"It must be at least two days," he said, and he went off to +telephone, promising to come back as soon as he could. + +He did return, later in the evening, with a new remedy of which he +said he had heard from a fellow doctor. + +"What did Mr. Cross say?" Mr. DeVere asked eagerly. + +"I have good news for you. He agreed to use an understudy for two +days. He said you were letter-perfect in the part, anyway, and it was +the others who really needed the rehearsing. So now we have two full +days in which to do our best. And in that time I want you to talk the +deaf and dumb language," laughed Dr. Rathby. + +Mr. DeVere eagerly promised. + +Then began a two-days' warfare against the throat ailment. Ruth and +Alice were untiring in attendance on their father. They saw to it +that he used the medicine faithfully, and they even got pads and +pencils that he might write messages to them instead of speaking. + +On his part the actor was faithful. He did not use his voice at all, +and on the second day Dr. Rathby said there was some improvement. He +was not very enthusiastic, however, and when Mr. DeVere asked if he +could attend rehearsals next day the doctor said: + +"Well, it's a risk, but I know how you feel about it. You may try it; +but, frankly, I am fearful of the outcome." + +"I--I've got to try," whispered Mr. DeVere. + +He went to the rehearsal, and the worst fears of the physician were +realized. After the first act Mr. DeVere was hoarser than ever +before. The other players could not hear him to get their "cues," or +signals when to reply, and come on the stage. The rehearsal had to be +stopped. There was a hasty conference between the manager of the +company and the treasurer of the same. + +"The play will have to open on time," said the manager. + +"Yes, we've had a big advance sale," replied the treasurer. + +"And DeVere can't do it." + +"No. I'll have to put his understudy in until we can cast someone +else. I'll tell him." + +The actor must have guessed what was coming, for he was washing off +his make-up in the dressing-room when the manager entered. + +"I'm awfully sorry about this, DeVere," began Mr. Cross. "But I'm +afraid you won't be able to go on Monday night." + +"No, Mr. Cross, I myself am of the same opinion. My voice has failed +me utterly." + +"And yet--and yet--you understand how it is. We must open on time." + +"Yes, I know. The show must go on--the show must go on."' + +"And the only way----" + +"Is to replace me. I know. You can't help it, Mr. Cross. I know just +how it is. It isn't your fault--it's my misfortune. I thank you for +your patience. You'll have to--to replace me. It's the only thing to +do. And yet," he added so softly that the manager did not hear "what +am I to do? What are my daughters to do?" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A NEW PROPOSITION + + +There was no need for Ruth and Alice to ask their father what had +happened. One look at his ashen face when he came home from the +theater was enough. + +"Oh, Daddy!" cried Alice. "Couldn't you make it go?" + +He answered with a shake of the head. The strain of the rehearsal had +pained him. + +"Did--did they put in someone else?" asked Ruth. + +"Yes, I'm out of it for good--at least for this engagement." + +"The mean things!" burst out Alice "I think that Mr. Cross is rightly +named. I wish I could tell him so, too!" + +"Alice!" reproved Ruth, gently. + +"I don't care!" cried the younger girl, her brown eyes sparkling. +"The idea of not waiting a few days with their show until papa was +better; and he the leading man, too." + +"They couldn't wait, Alice, my dear," explained Mr. DeVere. "Cross +did all he could for me, and allowed me two days. But it is out of +the question. Dr. Rathby was right. I need a long rest--and I guess +I'll have to take it whether I want to or not." + +Then, seeing the anxious looks on the faces of his daughters, he went +on, in more cheerful, though in no less husky tones: + +"Now don't worry, girls. There'll be some way out of this. If I can't +act I can do something else. I'm well and strong, for which I must be +thankful. I'm not ill and, aside from my voice, nothing is the +matter. I'll look for a place doing something else beside stage work, +until my voice is restored. Then I'll take up my profession again. +Come, there is nothing to worry about." + +There was--a-plenty; but he chose to ignore it for the time being. He +knew, as well as did the girls, that there was little money left, and +that pressing bills must soon be met. Added to them, now, would be +one from the physician and Mr. DeVere would need more medical +attention. + +"I'm going to start out, the first thing in the morning, and look for +a place," went on the actor. + +"Oh, but you must be careful of your voice," said Alice. "If you +don't you may harm it permanently." + +"Oh I'll be careful," her father promised. "I'll take along a pad and +pencil, and pretend to be dumb. But I'll speak if it's absolutely +necessary. Now that there is no particular object in holding myself +for the place in 'A Matter of Friendship,' and with the strain of +rehearsal over, I won't be so afraid of talking. Yes, in the morning +I'll start out." + +"I wish we could start out," said Alice to Ruth in the latter's room, +later that night. "Why can't we do something to earn money?" + +"We may have to--if it comes to that," agreed Ruth. "There are some +bills that must be paid or----" + +"Or what, Sister?" + +"Never mind, don't you worry. Perhaps it will come out all right, +after all. Father may get a place. He knows many persons in the +theatrical business, and if he can't get behind the footlights he may +get a place in front--in the box office, or something like that." + +"Fancy poor father, with all his talents as an actor, taking tickets, +though!" + +"Well, it will be a humiliation, of course," agreed Ruth. "But what +can be done? We have to live." + +"Oh, if only I were a boy!" cried Alice, with a flash of her brown +eyes. "I'd do something then!" + +"What would you do?" asked Ruth. + +"I--I'd turn the crank of a moving picture machine if I couldn't get +anything else to do. Look at Russ--he earns good money at the +business." + +"Yes, I know. But we can't be boys, Alice." + +"No--more's the pity. But I'm going to do something!" + +"What, Alice? Nothing rash, I hope," said the older sister, quickly. +"You know father--" + +"Oh, don't worry. I won't cause any sensation. But I'm going to do +something. There's no use in two strong, healthy girls sitting +around, and letting poor old daddy, with a voice like a crow's, doing +all the work and worrying." + +"No, I agree with you, and if there is anything I could do I'd do +it." + +"That's it!" exclaimed Alice, petulantly. "Girls ought to be brought +up able to do something so they could earn their living if they had +to, instead of sitting around doing embroidery or tinkling on the +piano. I wouldn't know even how to clerk in a store if I had to." + +"I hope you won't have to, Alice." + +"So do I. I shouldn't like it, but there are worse things than that. +I know what I am going to do, though." + +"What?" + +"I'm going to look through the advertisements in the paper to-morrow, +and start out after the most promising places." + +"Oh, Alice!" + +"Well, what else is there to be done?" asked the younger girl, +fiercely. "We've got to live. We've got to have a place to stay, and +we've got to pay the bills that are piling up. Can you think of +anything else to do?" + +"No, but something may--turn up." + +"I'm not going to wait for it. I'm not like Mr. Micawber. I'm going +out and turn up something for myself. There's one thing I can do, and +that's manicure. I could get a place at that, maybe," and Alice +looked at her pretty and well-kept nails, while Ruth glanced at her +own hands. + +"Yes, dear, you do that nicely. But isn't it--er--rather common?" + +"All work is 'common,' I suppose. It's also common to starve--but I'm +not going to do it if I can help it. Good-night!" and she flounced +into her own room. + +"Oh, dear!" sighed Ruth. "I wish Alice were not so--so lively" and +she cried softly before she fell asleep. + +Mr. DeVere was up early the next morning. He seemed more cheerful, +though his voice, if anything, was hoarser and more husky than ever. + +"Here's where I start out to seek my fortune!" he said raspingly, +though cheerfully, after a rather scanty breakfast. "I'll come back +with good news--never fear!" + +He kissed the girls good-bye, and went off with a gay wave of his +hand. + +"Brave daddy!" murmured Ruth. + +"Yes, he is brave," said Alice "and we've got to be brave, too." + +"Where are you going?" asked Ruth, as she saw her sister dressing for +the street. + +"Out." + +"Out where? I must know." + +"Well, if you must, I'm going to make the rounds of the manicuring +parlors." + +"Oh, Alice, I hate to have you do it. Some of those places where men +go----" + +"I'm only going to apply at the ladies' parlors." + +"Oh, well, I--I suppose it's the only thing to do." + +"And if worse comes to worst!" cried Alice, gaily, "I'll get some +orange-sticks and we'll stew them for soup. It can't be much worse +than boot-leg consomme." + +"Oh, Alice!" cried Ruth. "You are hopeless." + +"Hopeless--but not--helpless! _Auf Wiedersehen!_" + +But in spite of her gay laugh as she closed the hall door after her, +Alice DeVere's face wore a look of despondency. She knew how little +chance she stood in New York--in big New York. + +And perhaps it was this despondent look that caused Russ Dalwood to +utter an exclamation as he met her down at the street door of the +apartment house. + +"What's the matter?" Alice replied to his startled ejaculation. "Is +my hat on crooked; or did one of my feathers get into your eye? +Foolish styles; aren't they?" + +"No--nothing like that; only you looked--say, Alice, has anything +happened?" + +"Yes, Russ, there is something the matter," replied Alice, frankly. +"Do you know of anybody who wants a young lady to do anything--that +a young lady, such as I, could do?" + +He laughed. + +"I'm serious," she said, and a glance at her pretty face confirmed +this. There was a resolute look in her brown eyes. + +"Are you looking for work?" Russ asked. + +"I am. I was thinking of trying to be a manicurist----" + +He made a gesture of disapproval. + +"Well, what can I do? I must do something. Poor daddy's voice has +failed utterly. He can't take his new part in the play unless he does +it in pantomime, and I'm afraid that would hardly be the thing. He +simply can't speak his lines, though he can act them." + +"That's too bad," said Russ, sympathetically. + +"So they had to get another actor in his place," went on Alice, "and +poor father has started out to look for something else to do. That's +my errand this morning, also." + +Russ was in deep thought for a moment. Then he exclaimed: + +"I have it!" + +"What? A place for me?" demanded Alice. "Tell me at once, and I'll +hurry there." + +"No, Alice, not a place for you; but a place for your father. You +say he can't speak, but he can act?" + +"Yes." + +"Then the movies is the very place for him! He won't have to say a +word--just move his lips. He can act parts in photoplays as well as +if he never had a voice. I just thought of it. It will be the very +thing he can do. Say, I'm glad I met you. We must get busy with this +at once. + +"Come on! I'm on my way now to see about my new patent, and I can +take you to the manager of the film company. I know him well. I'm +sure he'll give your father a place in the company, and it pays well. +If Mr. DeVere can't act at the New Columbia he can in the movies! +Come on!" + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +ALICE CHANGES HER MIND + + +Filled with enthusiasm over his new project for aiding Mr. DeVere, +Russ Dalwood caught Alice by the hand, and guided her steps with his. +She had been about to turn off at a corner, to carry out her +intention of seeking employment in one of the many manicure parlors +on a certain street. Now she hesitated. + +"Well," asked Russ, impatiently, "don't you like the idea?" + +"Oh, it's fine--it's splendid of you!" Alice replied, with fervor, +"but you know----" + +She hesitated, her cheeks taking on a more ruddy hue. There was an +uncertain look in her brown eyes. + +"Well, what?" asked Russ, smilingly. "Surely you don't mind going +with me to the manager's office? It's a public place. Lots of girls +go there, looking for engagements." + +"Oh, no, it isn't that!" she hastened to assure him. + +"Or, if you don't like going with me, I can give you a note to Mr. +Pertell, the manager. I know him quite well, as I've been negotiating +with him about my patent." + +"Oh, Russ, you know it isn't that!" she exclaimed. + +"And, if you like, we'll go back and get Ruth. Maybe that would be +better!" he exclaimed eagerly, and as Alice looked into his honest +gray eyes she read his little secret, and smiled at him +understandingly. + +"Oh, never that!" she cried gaily. "Ruth would be the last one in the +world to be let into this secret, until it is more assured of +success. Besides, I guess when you walk with Ruth you don't want me," +she challenged. + +"Oh, now----" he began. + +"That's all right. I understand," she laughed at him. "No, we won't +tell Ruth." + +"Then you'll go and see the manager--I know he'll give your father a +trial, and that's all that's needed, for I'm sure he can do the +acting. And they're always looking for new characters. Come on!" + +Once more, in his enthusiasm, he tried to lead her down the street. +But she hung back. + +"No, really, Russ," she said earnestly enough now, and her eyes took +on a more grave and serious look. "It isn't that. It's only--well, I +might as well tell you, though it may be rather mean after your +kindness. But my father thinks the movies are so--so vulgar! +There--I've said it." + +She looked at her companion anxiously. To her surprise Russ laughed. + +"So, you were afraid of hurting my feelings; were you?" he asked. + +"Yes," she answered, in a low voice. + +"Nothing like that!" he assured her. "I've heard worse things than +that said about the movies. But I want to tell you that you're wrong, +and, with all due respect to him, your father is wrong too. There's +nothing vulgar or low about the movies--except the price." + +He was becoming really enthusiastic now. His voice rang, and his eyes +sparkled. + +"I'm not saying that because I make my living at them, either," Russ +went on. "It's because it's true. The moving picture shows were once, +perhaps, places where nice persons didn't go. But it's different now. +All that has been changed. Why, look at Sarah Bernhardt, doing her +famous plays before the camera? Even Andrew Carnegie consented to +give one of his speeches in front of the camera, with a phonograph +attachment, the other day." + +"Did he, really?" cried Alice. + +"He certainly did. And a lot of the best actors and actresses in this +and other countries aren't ashamed to be seen in the movies. They're +glad to do it, and glad to get the money, too, I guess," he added, +with a grin. + +"I think it would be the very thing for your father. Of course, if +his voice had held out he might like it better to be an actor on the +real stage. But in the movies he won't have to talk. He'll just have +to act. Then, when his voice gets better, as I hope it will, he can +take up the legitimate again." + +"Oh, I know his heart is set on that!" exclaimed Alice. + +"But don't you think he'd consider this?" asked Russ. He was very +anxious to help--Alice could tell that. + +"I--I'm afraid he wouldn't," confessed the girl. "He thinks the +movies too common. I know, for I've heard him say so many times." + +"They're not common!" defended Russ, sturdily. "The moving pictures +are getting better and better all the while. Of course some poor +films are shown, but they're gradually being done away with. The +board of censorship is becoming more strict. + +"Common! Why do you know that it costs as much as $20,000, +sometimes, to stage one of the big plays--one with lots of outdoor +scenes in it, burning buildings, railroad accidents made to order, +and all that." + +"Really?" cried Alice, her eyes now shining with excitement. + +"That's right!" exclaimed Russ. "I'm just at the beginning of the +business. I've learned the projecting end of it so far. Almost anyone +can put the film in the machine, switch on the light, get the right +focus and turn the handle. But it's harder to film a real drama with +lots of excitement in it--outdoor stuff--cattle stampeded--the sports +of cowboys--a fake Indian fight; it takes lots of grit to stand up in +front of an oncoming troop of horsemen, and snap them until they get +so close you can see the whites of their eyes. Then if they turn at +the right time--well and good. But if there's a slip, and they ride +into you--good-night! Excuse my slang," he added, hastily. + +"Did that ever happen?" she asked, eagerly. + +"Well, if not that, something near enough like it. I've heard the +operators--those who take the negatives--tell of 'em many a time. +That's what I'm going to be soon--a taker of the moving picture plays +instead of just projecting them on the screen. Mr. Pertell has +promised to give me a chance. He's organizing some new companies. + +"Just as soon as I get my patent perfected he's promised to put it on +his machines. Then I'm going with his company." + +"Did you hear any more about that man you say tried to steal your +invention?" asked Alice. + +"Who, Simp Wolley? Oh, yes, he's been sneaking around after me, and I +told him what I thought of him. He's got another fellow in with +him--Bud Brisket--and he's about the same type. But I'm not going to +worry about it." + +"Don't be too confident," warned Alice. "I've heard of many inventors +whose patents were gotten away from them." + +"Thanks, I'll be careful. But just now I'm interested in getting your +father to take up this work. I know he'll like it, once he tries it. +Won't you come and see the manager? I'm sure he'll give your father a +trial." + +Alice stood in deep thought for a moment. Then with a little gesture, +as though putting the past behind her, she exclaimed: + +"Yes, Russ, I will, and I thank you! I told Ruth I was going to do +something, and I am. If father can get an engagement I won't have to +go to work. Not that I'm ashamed to work--I love it!" she added +hastily. "But I wouldn't like to be a public manicurist, and that's +the only situation that seemed open to me. I will go see your +manager, Russ, and I'll do my best to get father to take up this +work. It's quite different from what I thought it was." + +"I knew you'd say that," chuckled Russ. "Come on." + +"What would Ruth say if she saw me now?" Alice asked, as she and Russ +walked off together. "She would certainly think I was defying all +conventionality." + +"Don't worry." Russ advised her. "It's the sensible thing to do. And +I'll explain to Ruth, too." + +"Oh, I believe you could explain to anyone!" Alice declared with +enthusiasm. "You've made it so clear and different to me. But how do +they make moving pictures?" + +"You'll soon see," he answered. "We're going to one of the film +studios now. This is about the time they begin to make the scenes. +It's very interesting." + +Soon they found themselves before a rather bare brick building. It +had nothing of the look of a theater about it. There were no gaudy +lithographs out in front, no big frames with the pictures of the +actors and actresses, or of scenes from the plays. There was no box +office--no tiled foyer. It might have been a factory. Alice's face +must have shown the surprise she felt, for Russ said: + +"This is where the films are made. It's all business here. They make +the inside scenes here--anything from the interior of a miner's shack +to a ballroom in a king's palace. Of course, for outside scenes they +go wherever the scenery best suits the story of the play. And here +the film negatives are developed, and duplicate positives made for +the projecting machines. This is Mr. Pertell's principal factory." + +"Fancy a play-factory!" exclaimed Alice. + +"That's exactly what it is--a play-factory," agreed Russ. "Come on +in." + +If Alice was surprised at the exterior appearance of the building the +interior was more bewildering. They passed rapidly through the +departments devoted to the mechanical end of the business--where the +films were developed and printed. Russ promised to show her more of +that later. + +"We'll go right up to the theatre studio," he said. + +Alice looked about the big room, that seemed filled with all sorts of +scenery, parts of buildings, rustic bridges--in short, all sorts of +"props." She had been behind the scenes often in some of the plays in +which her father took part, so this was not startlingly new to her. +Yet it was different from the usual theatre. + +And such strange "business" seemed going on. There were men and women +going through plays--Alice could tell that, but the odd part of it +was that in one section of the room what seemed a tragedy in a +mountain log cabin was being enacted; while, not ten feet away, was a +parlor scene, showing men in evening dress, and women in ball +costumes, gliding through the mazes of a waltz. Next to this was a +scene representing a counterfeiter's den in some low cellar, with the +police breaking through the door with drawn revolvers, to capture the +criminals. + +And in front of these varied scenes stood a battery of queer +cameras--moving picture cameras, looking like flat fig boxes with a +tube sticking out, and a handle on one side, at which earnest-faced +young men were vigorously clicking. + +And, off to one side, stood several men in their shirt sleeves +superintending the performances. They gave many directions. + +"No, not that way! When you faint, fall good and hard, Miss +Pennington!" + +"Hurry now, Mr. Switzer; get in some of that funny business! Look +funny; don't act as though this was your funeral!" + +"Come on there Mr. Bunn; this isn't 'Hamlet.' You needn't stalk about +that way. There's no grave in this!" + +"Hold on, there! Cut that part out. Stop the camera; that will have +to be done over. There's no life in it!" + +And so it went on, in the glaring light that filtered in through the +roof, composed wholly of skylights, while a battery of arc lamps, in +addition, on some of the scenes, poured out their hissing glare to +make the taking of the negatives more certain. + +Alice was enthralled by it all. She stood close to Russ's side, +clasping his arm. Many of the men engaged in taking the pictures knew +the young operator, and nodded to him in friendly fashion, as they +hurried about. Some of the actors and actresses, too, bowed to the +young fellow and smiled. He seemed a general favorite. + +"Isn't it wonderful?" whispered Alice. "I had no idea the making of a +moving picture was anything like this!" + +"I thought you'd change your mind," replied Russ, with a laugh. "But +you haven't seen half of it yet. Here comes Mr. Pertell now. I'll +speak to him about your father." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +"PAY YOUR RENT, OR----" + + +Alice liked the appearance of Mr. Pertell, manager of the Comet Film +Company, from her first glimpse of him. He seemed so sturdy, kind and +wholesome. He was in his shirt sleeves, and his clothing was in +almost as much disorder as his ruffled hair. But there was a kindly +gleam in his snapping eyes, and a firm look about his mouth that +showed his character. + +"Oh, Mr. Pertell, can you spare a moment?" Russ called to him. + +"Oh, hello, Russ; is that you?" was the cordial greeting. "How is the +patent? I could use it if I had it now. Spare a minute? Yes, several +of 'em. They've spoiled that one act and it's got to be done over. I +don't see why they can't do as they're told instead of injecting a +lot of new business into the thing! I've got to sit still and do +nothing now for ten minutes while they fix that scene up over again. +Go ahead, Russ--what can I do for you?" + +He sat down on an overturned box, and motioned for Russ and Alice to +occupy adjoining ones. Clearly there was not much ceremony about this +manager. He was like others Alice had observed behind the scenes in +real theatres, except that he did not appear so irascible. + +"This is Miss Alice DeVere," began Russ, "and she has come to you +about her father. He has lost his voice, and she and I think he might +fit in some of your productions, where you don't need any talking." + +"Yes, sometimes the less talking in the movies the better," agreed +Mr. Pertell. "But you do need acting. Can your father act, Miss?" + +"He is Hosmer DeVere," broke in Russ. "He was with the New Columbia +Theatre Company. They were to open in 'A Matter of Friendship,' but +Mr. DeVere's throat trouble made him give it up." + +"Hosmer DeVere! Yes, I've heard of him, and I've seen him act. So he +wants an engagement here; eh?" + +"Oh, it isn't exactly that!" interrupted Alice, eagerly. "He--he +doesn't know a thing about it yet." + +"He doesn't know about it?" repeated the manager, wonderingly. + +"No. He--I--Oh, perhaps you'd better tell him, Russ," she finished. + +"I will," Russ agreed, with a smile. And, while Alice looked at some +of the other dramas being enacted before the clicking eyes of the +cameras, her companion told how it had been planned to overcome the +prejudice of Mr. DeVere and get him to try his art with the "movies." + +Alice was tremendously interested, and looked on with eager eyes as +the actors and actresses enacted their roles. Some of them spoke, now +and then, as their lines required it, for it has been found that +often audiences can read the lips of the players on the screen. But +there was no need for any loud talking--in fact, no need of any at +all--whispering would have answered. Indeed some actors find that +they can do better work without saying a word--merely using gestures. +Others, who have long been identified with the legitimate drama, find +it hard to break away from the habit of years and speak their lines +aloud. + +"Oh, I'm sure father would like this," thought Alice. "And he +wouldn't have to use his poor throat at all. I must tell him all +about it." + +She looked at two girls--they did not seem much older than herself +and Ruth, who were playing a scene in a "society" drama. They were +both pretty, but Alice thought they were rather too flippant in +manner when out of the scene. They laughed and joked with the other +actors, and with the machine men. + +But the latter were too busy focusing their cameras, and getting all +that went on in the scenes, to pay much attention to anything else. +The least slip meant the spoiling of many feet of film, and while +this in itself was not so expensive, it often meant the making of a +whole scene over again at a great cost. + +"Well," Mr. Pertell said at length, "I am greatly interested in Mr. +DeVere. I know him to be a good actor, and I greatly regret his +affliction. I think I can use him in some of these plays. Can he ride +a horse--does he know anything about cowboy life, or miners?" he +asked Alice. + +"Oh, I'm sure daddy wouldn't want to do any outdoor plays," the girl +exclaimed. "He is so used to theatrical scenes." + +"Well, I might keep him in "parlor" drama," Mr. Pertell remarked. +"Please tell him to come and see me," he went on. "I would like to +talk to him." + +"Thank you, so much!" returned Alice, gratefully. "I shall tell him, +and--well, there's no use saying I'm sure he'll come," she went on +with a shrug of her shoulders. "It's going to be rather difficult to +break this to him. It--it's so--different from what he has been used +to." + +"I can understand," responded Mr. Pertell. "But I think if he +understood he would like it. Tell him to come here and see how we do +things." + +"I will!" Alice promised. + +Russ escorted her to the street, and then, as he had to see about +some changes in the working of his proposed patent, he bade her +good-bye. She said she would find her way home all right. + +"Well?" asked Ruth, as Alice entered the apartment a little later, +"did you do anything rash?" + +"Perhaps!" Alice admitted, as she took off her hat, jabbed the pins +in it and tossed it to one chair, while she sank into another. + +"Oh, Alice! You--aren't going to be one of those--manicures; are +you?" + +"I hope not, though there are lots worse things. A manicure can be +just as much a lady as a typist. But, Ruth, I have such news for you! +I have found an engagement for dad!" + +"An engagement for daddy?" + +"Yes. In the movies! Listen. Oh, it was so exciting!" + +Then, with many digressions, and in rather piece-meal manner, +interrupting herself often to go back and emphasize some point she +had forgotten, Alice told of her morning trip with Russ. She enlarged +on the manner in which the moving pictures were made, until Ruth grew +quite excited. + +"Oh, I wish I could see how it is done!" she cried. + +"You may--when dad takes this engagement," said Alice. + +"He never will," declared her sister. "You know what he thinks of the +movies." + +"But he thinks wrong!" exclaimed Alice. "It's so different from what +I thought." + +"He'll never consent," repeated Ruth. "Hark! Here he comes now. +Perhaps he has found something to do." + +Footsteps were heard coming along the hallway. Alice glanced at the +table before which her sister was sitting. + +"What are you doing?" she asked. + +"Looking over our bills, and trying to make five dollars do the work +of fifteen," answered Ruth, with a wry smile. "Money doesn't stretch +well," she added. + +Mr. DeVere came in. It needed but a look at his face to show that he +had been unsuccessful, but Ruth could not forbear asking: + +"Well, Daddy?" + +"No good news," he answered, hoarsely. "I could hardly make myself +understood, and there seem few places where one can labor without +using one's voice. I never appreciated that before." + +"But I have found a place!" cried Alice, with girlish enthusiasm. "I +have a place for you Daddy, where you won't have to speak a word." + +"Where--where is it?" he whispered, and they both noted his pitiful +eagerness. + +"In the movies!" Alice went on. "Oh, it's the nicest place! I've been +there, and the manager----" + +"Not another word!" exclaimed Mr. DeVere. "I never would consent to +acting in the moving pictures. I would not so debase my profession--a +profession honored by Shakespeare. I never would consent to it. The +movies! Never!" + +There was a knock at the door. + +"I'll see who it is," offered Ruth, with a sympathetic glance at +Alice, who seemed distressed. Then, as Ruth saw who it was, she drew +back. "Oh!" she exclaimed, helplessly. + +"Who is it?" asked Mr. DeVere, rising. + +"I've come for the rent!" exclaimed a rasping voice. "This is about +the tenth time, I guess. Have you got it?" and a burly man thrust +himself into the room from the hall. + +"The rent--Oh!" murmured Mr. DeVere, helplessly. "Let me see; have we +the rent ready, Ruth?" + +"No," she answered, with a quick glance at the table where she had +been going over the accounts, and where a little pile of bills lay. +"No, we haven't the rent--to-day." + +"And I didn't expect you'd have it," sneered the man. "But I've come +to tell you this. It's either pay your rent or----" He paused +significantly and nodded in the direction of the street. + +"Three days more--this is the final notice," and thrusting a paper +into the nerveless hand of Mr. DeVere, the collector strode out. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +MR. DEVERE DECIDES + + +Mr. DeVere sank into a chair. Ruth looked distressed as her father +glanced over the dispossess notice, for such it was. But on the face +of Alice there was a triumphant smile. For she saw that this was the +very thing needed to arouse her father to action. Despite the +distastefulness of the work, she felt sure he would come finally to +like acting before the camera. + +The collector's call had been very opportune, though it was +embarrassing. + +"This--this," said Mr. DeVere, haltingly--"this is very--er--very +unfortunate. Then we are behind with the rent, Ruth?" + +"Yes, Dad. You know I told you----" + +"Yes, I suppose so," he added, with a sigh. "I had forgotten. There +have been so many things----" + +He was lost in thought for a moment. + +"Do we owe much more, Ruth?" he asked. + +"Quite some, Daddy. But don't worry. You are not well, and----" + +"No, I am not well. I feel very poorly, but it is mainly mental, and +not physical--except for my throat. And even that does not really +hurt. It is only--only that I cannot speak." + +His voice trailed off into a hoarse whisper, which the girls could +barely distinguish. + +"I--I must find something to do," went on the stricken actor. "I'll +go out again this afternoon. Let us have a little lunch and I will +try again. I'll do anything----" + +"Then, Daddy, why don't you let me tell about the moving pictures?" +broke in Alice. "I'm sure----" + +"Alice, dear, you know that isn't in my line," replied her father. +"It is very good of you to suggest it; but it will not do. I could +not bring myself to it----" + +He paused, and looked dejectedly at the dispossess notice in his +hand. + +"I--I could not do it," he added with a sigh. "I must try to get +something in the line of my profession. Perhaps I might get a place +in some dramatic school. I have trained you girls in the rudiments of +acting, and I'm sure I could do it with a larger class. I did not +think of it before. Get me some lunch, Ruth, and I'll go out again." + +"But what about the rent?" asked Alice. "We can't be put out on the +street, Dad." + +"No, I suppose not. I'll see Mr. Cross, and get another loan. I'll +pay him back out of my first salary. We must have a roof over us. Oh, +girls, I am so sorry for you!" + +"Don't worry about us, Daddy! You just get better and take care of +your throat!" urged Alice. "You might try the movies, just for a +little while, and then----" + +"Never! Never!" he interrupted with vigor. "I could not think of it!" + +Again there came a knock at the door. + +"I'll go," offered Alice. + +"No, let me," said Ruth, quickly. + +She slipped out into the hall, and closed the door after her. There +was a low murmur of voices, gradually growing louder on the part of +the unseen caller. Ruth seemed pleading. Then Mr. DeVere and Alice +heard: + +"It's no use. The boss says he won't send around any more meat until +the bill is paid. He told me to tell you he couldn't wait any +longer--that's all there is to it!" + +"Oh!" 'said Alice, in a low voice. + +"What does that mean?" asked Mr. DeVere, from the reverie into which +he had fallen. + +"I think it means," replied Alice, with a laugh in which there was +little mirth, "think it means that we won't have any meat for lunch, +Dad." + +"Bless my soul!" exclaimed the actor. + +Ruth came in with flushed face. + +"Who was it?" asked her father, though there was no need. + +"Only the butcher's boy. He said----" + +"We heard," interrupted Alice, significantly. "Have we any eggs?" she +asked, grimly. + +"This--this is positively too much!" said Mr. DeVere. "I shall tell +that meat man----" + +"I'm afraid he wouldn't listen to you, Daddy," interposed Ruth, +gently. "We do owe him quite a bill. I suppose we can't blame him," +and she sighed. + +"I--I'll go at once and see Mr. Cross, my former manager," exclaimed +Mr. DeVere. "He will make me a loan, I'm sure. Then I'll pay this +butcher bill, and tell the insulting fellow that we shall seek a new +tradesman." + +"Then there's the rent, Daddy," said Ruth, in a low voice. + +"Oh, yes--the rent. I forgot about that." The dispossess notice +rustled in his hand. "The rent--Oh, yes. That must be paid first. +I--I will have to get a larger loan. Well, get me what lunch you can, +Ruth, my dear, and I'll go out at once." + +Alice did not say "movies" again, not even when the very modest and +frugal lunch was set. And it was about the "slimmest" meal, from a +housekeeper's standpoint, that had ever graced the DeVere table, used +as they had become to scanty rations of late. Mr. DeVere said little, +but he appeared to be doing considerable thinking and Alice allowed +him to do it without interruption. She seemed to know how, and when, +to hold her tongue. + +When he had gone out Ruth and Alice talked matters over. First they +counted up what money they had, and figured how far it would go. If +they paid the rent they would not have enough to live on for a week, +and food was almost as vital a necessity as was a place to stay. +There were other pressing bills, in addition to those of the butcher +and the landlord. + +"Don't you see, Ruth, that daddy's going into the movies will be our +only salvation?" asked Alice. + +"It does seem so. Yet could he do it?" + +"He could--if he would. I saw some very poor actors there to-day." + +"But is the pay sufficient?" + +"It is very good, Russ says. And it increases with the fame of the +actor. I wish I could get into the movies myself." + +"Alice DeVere!" + +"I don't care; I do! It's just lovely, I think. You don't have to act +before a whole big audience that is staring at you. Just some nice +men, in their shirt sleeves, turning cranks----" + +"In their shirt sleeves?" + +"Why, yes. It's quite warm, with all those arc lights glowing, you +know. And besides, what are shirt sleeves? Didn't dad act in his +during the duel scene in "Lord Graham's Secret?" Of course he did! +Shirt sleeves are no disgrace. Oh, Ruth, what are we to do, anyhow? +What is to become of us?" + +Alice put her head down on the table. + +"There, dear, don't cry," urged her sister. "There must be a way out. +Father will get a loan--his voice will come back, and----" + +"It will be too late," replied Alice, in a low voice. "We will be put +out--disgraced before all the neighbors! I can't stand it. I'm going +to do something!" + +She arose quickly, and there was a look on her face that caused Ruth +to give start and to cry out: + +"Alice! What do you mean?" + +"I mean I'm going to see Russ Dalwood and ask him if I can't get work +in the movies. If father won't, I will! And I'll ask Russ for the +loan of some money. I can pay him back when I get my salary!" + +"Alice, I'll never let you do that!" and Ruth planted herself before +the door. + +For a tense moment the sisters confronted each other. + +"But we--we must do something," faltered Alice. + +"Yes, but not that--at least, not yet. We have some pride left. +Wait--wait until father comes back." + +With a gesture Alice consented. She sank wearily into a chair. + +It was tedious waiting. The girls talked but little--they had no +heart for it. Around them hummed the noise of the apartment house. +Noises came to them through the thin, cheap walls. The crying of +babies, the quarrels of a couple in the flat back of them, the wheeze +of a rusty phonograph, and the thump-thump of a playerpiano, operated +with every violation of the musical code, added to the nerve-racking +din. + +Ruth made a gesture of despair. + +"Beautiful!" murmured Alice as the paper roll in the mechanical piano +got a "kink," and played a crash of discords. Ruth covered her ears +with her hands. + +There was a step in the corridor. + +"There's father!" exclaimed Ruth. + +"I wonder what success he had negotiating a loan?" observed Alice. + +Mr. DeVere entered wearily. + +The girls waited for him to speak, and it was with an obvious effort +that he croaked: + +"I--I didn't get it. Mr. Cross wouldn't even see me. He sent out word +that he was too busy. He is getting ready for the first performance +of 'A Matter of Friendship,' to-night." + +"A matter of friendship," repeated Alice. "What a play on the words!" + +"I sent in my card," explained Mr. DeVere, "and told him I must have +a little money. He sent back word that he was sorry, but that he had +invested so much in the play that he could spare none." + +There was a period of silence. The girls looked pityingly at their +father. + +"Something must be done," he declared, finally. "I can try elsewhere. +I will go see----" + +A knock at the door interrupted him. Before Alice could speak Ruth +had gained it. She tried to close it, but was not in time to prevent +the caller from being heard. + +"The boss says there's no use orderin' any more groceries, until +youse has paid for what youse has got," said a coarse voice. "Take +it from me--nothin' doin'!" + +"Oh!" Ruth was heard to murmur. + +Mr. DeVere started from his chair. + +"The insulting----" he began. + +Alice touched him on the arm. + +"Don't!" she begged, softly. + +Mr. DeVere turned aside. He slipped his arm around Alice, and, as +Ruth came in, with tears in her eyes, she, too, found a haven in her +father's embrace. Then the actor spoke. + +"Alice, dear," he faltered, "What is the address of that--that moving +picture manager?" + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE MAN IN THE KITCHEN + + +Let it be said of Alice that, even in this moment of triumph, she did +not gloat over her victory--for victory it was. Had she planned it, +events could not have transpired to better purpose. The combination +of circumstances had forced her father along the line of least +resistance into the very path she would had chosen for him, and she +felt in her soul that it was best. + +But she did not say: "There, I knew you'd come to it, Daddy!" Many a +girl would, and so have spoiled matters. Alice merely looked demurely +at her father--and gave him the address. + +The girl was perhaps wiser than her years would indicate, and +certainly in this matter she was more resourceful than was Ruth. But +then chance had played into her hands. That meeting with Russ had +done much. + +"Yes, I think I must come to it," sighed Mr. DeVere. "It is being +forced on me--the movies. I never thought I would descend to them!" + +"It isn't a fall at all, Daddy!" declared Alice, stoutly. "I'm glad +you are going into them. You'll like them, I'm sure." + +"The actors--and actresses--if one can call them such--who take parts +in moving picture plays must be very--very crude sort of persons," he +said. + +"Not at all!" cried Alice. "I was there and saw them, and there were +some as nice as you'd want to meet. They were real gentlemen and +ladies, even if the men were in their shirt sleeves." + +"But they can't act!" asserted Mr. DeVere. "I have seen bills up +advertising the moving pictures--all they seemed to be doing--the +so-called actors, I mean--was falling off horses, roping steers--I +believe "roping" is the proper term--or else jumping off bridges or +standing in the way of railroad trains. And they call that acting!" + +"Oh, you wouldn't have to do that, Daddy!" cried Alice, with a laugh. +"Mr Pertell is putting on some real dramas--just like society plays, +you know. Of course all the scenes won't take place in a parlor, I +suppose. You won't have to do outdoor work, though, and I'm sure you +won't have to catch a wild steer, or stop a runaway locomotive." + +"I should hope not," he replied, with a tragic gesture. + +"But that is real acting, all the same," went on Alice. In that +little while she had come to have a great liking and interest in the +moving picture side of acting. "You should see some of the scenes I +saw. Why, Daddy, some of the men and women were just as good as some +of the actors with whom you have been on the road." + +"Oh, yes, if you include the road companies of the barn-storming +days, perhaps," admitted Mr. DeVere. "But I refer to the real art of +the drama, Alice. However, let us not discuss it. The subject is too +painful. I have decided to take up the work, since I can do nothing +else on account of my unfortunate voice--and I will do my best in the +movies. It is due to myself that I should, and it is due to you girls +that I provide for you in any way that I can." + +"Oh, Dad!" exclaimed Ruth. "It is too bad if you have to sacrifice +your art to mere bread and butter." + +"Tut! Tut!" he exclaimed, smiling and holding up a chiding hand. "I +don't look at it that way at all. I am not so foolish. Art may be a +very nice thing, but bread and butter is better. We have to live, my +dear. And, after all, my art is not so wonderful. I hope I have not +exaggerated my worth to myself. I am very willing to try this new +line, and I am very glad that Alice suggested it. Only it--it was +rather a shock--at first. Now let us consider." + +They talked it all over, and Alice went more into detail as to what +she had seen at the moving picture theatre. Mr. DeVere grew more and +more interested. + +"It is very kind of Russ and Mr. Pertell to think of me," he said. "I +will go and see this manager to-morrow." + +The interview must have been a very satisfactory one, for Mr. DeVere +returned from it with a smiling face--something he had not worn often +since the failure of his voice. + +"Well, Daddy?" queried Alice, as she entered the dining room, where +she and Ruth were trying to make the most of a scanty supply of food. +"How was it?" + +For answer he pulled out a roll of bills--not a large one, but of a +size to which the girls had not been accustomed of late. + +"See, it is real money!" he cried, and he struck an attitude of one +of the characters in which he had successfully starred. He was the +old Hosmer DeVere once more. + +"Where did you get it?" asked Ruth, with a little laugh. She foresaw +that some of her housekeeping problems bade fair to be solved. + +"It is an advance on my salary as a moving picture actor," he +replied, hoarsely, but still with that same gay air. "See, I have put +my other life behind me. Henceforth--or at least until my voice +promises to behave," he went on, "I shall live, move and have my +being on the screen. I have signed a contract with Mr. Pertell--a +very fair contract, too, much more so than some I have signed with +managers of legitimate theaters. This is part of my first week's +salary. I have taken his money--there is no going back now. I have +burned my bridges." + +"And--are you sorry?" asked Alice, softly. + +"No, little girl--no! I'm glad!" And truly he seemed so. + +"Tell us about it," suggested Ruth, and he did--in detail. + +"Then it wasn't so bad as you expected; was it, Daddy?" asked Alice. + +"No, I found many of the company to be very fine characters, and some +with exceptional ability. Mr. Wellington Bunn, by the way, is a man +after my own heart." + +"Oh, yes. He seemed very anxious to play Shakespeare," remarked +Alice, with a smile. "I heard Mr. Pertell caution him about not +letting Hamlet get into the parlor scene they were presenting," and +she laughed at the recollection. + +"Of course it was rather new and strange to me," went on Mr. DeVere, +"but I dare say I shall get accustomed to it. There were some of the +young ladies, though, for whom I felt no liking--Miss Pearl +Pennington, who plays light leads, and her friend, Miss Laura Dixon, +the ingenue." + +"They were in vaudeville until recently," remarked Alice. "So Russ +told me. Miss Pennington seemed very pretty." + +"Passably so," agreed Mr. DeVere. "Well, our living problem is solved +for us, anyway. Now I must study my new part. It is to be a sort of +society drama, and will be put on in a few days. Mr. Pertell gave me +some instructions. I shall have to unlearn many things that are +traditional with those who have played all their parts in a real +theatre. It is like teaching an old dog new tricks, but I dare say I +shall master them." + +"You're not really old, Daddy!" said Alice, slipping her arms about +him, and nestling her cheek against his. + +"There--there!" he returned, indulgently, "don't try to flatter your +old father. You are just like your dear mother. Run along now, I +must take up this new work. What a relief not to have to declaim my +lines! I shall only move my lips, and who knows but, in time, my +voice may come back?" + +"I hope it will," answered Ruth, with a sigh. Somehow she could not +quite bring herself to like her father in moving picture roles. Alice +was entirely different. + +"But, even if it does come back," said the younger girl, "you may +like this new work so well, Dad, that you'll keep at it." + +"Perhaps," he assented. "Here, Ruth, take care of this money--my +first moving picture salary," and he handed her the bills. + +As he went to his room with the typewritten sheets of his new part, +Alice whispered to her sister: + +"Hurray! Now we can have a real dinner. I'll go and buy out a +delicatessen store." + +The meal was a great success--not only from a gastronomic standpoint, +but because of the jollity--real or assumed--of Mr. DeVere. He went +over the lines of his new part, telling the girls how at certain +places he was to "register," or denote, different emotions. +"Register" is the word used in moving picture scenarios to indicate +the showing of fear, hate, revenge or other emotion. All this must be +done by facial expression or gestures, for of course no talking +comes from the moving pictures--except in the latest kind, with a +phonographic arrangement, and with that sort we are not dealing. + +"Oh, I'm sure it will be fine!" cried Alice. "Can we go and see you +act for the camera, Daddy?" + +"Yes, I guess so," he replied. "Would you like it, Ruth?" + +"I believe I should!" she exclaimed, with more interest than she had +before shown. "It sounds interesting." + +"Maybe we'll act ourselves, some day," added Alice. + +"Oh, no!" protested her sister. "But let's sit down. The meal is +spoiling. Oh!" she cried, with a hasty glance at the table. "Not a +bit of salt. I forgot it. Alice, dear, just slip across the hall and +borrow some from Mrs. Dalwood." + +Humming, in the lightness of her heart, a little tune, Alice crossed +to the apartment of their neighbor, not pausing after her first knock +at the rear kitchen door. + +She heard a rattling among the pots and pans, and naturally supposed +Mrs. Dalwood was there. + +"May we have some salt?" Alice called, as she entered the kitchen, +but the next moment she drew back in surprise and fear, for a strange +man, rising suddenly from under the sink, confronted her. + +He, too, seemed startled. + +"Oh--Oh!" gasped Alice. "Isn't Mrs. Dalwood here?" + +"I--I believe not," stammered the man. "I--I'm the plumber--there's a +leak----" + +"Oh, excuse me," murmured Alice, but even in her embarrassment she +could not help thinking that the man looked like anything but a +plumber. She backed out of the kitchen, after picking up a salt +cellar, and was more startled as she observed the man following her. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +RUSS IS WORRIED + + +Alice was racking her brain to recall where she had seen the man +before. If he was a plumber, as he said he was, it might be that he +had been in the apartment house on other occasions to repair breaks. +But Alice was not certain. + +"And yet I've seen him before, and lately, too," she thought. The +girls was in the hall, now. The man, who seemed ill at ease, had +followed and stood near. + +"The leak wasn't a bad one; it is repaired now," he said. + +"I--I didn't know Mrs. Dalwood was out," faltered Alice. And then, as +the man turned to go down the stairs, like a flash it came to her who +he was. + +"The man Russ had the trouble with that day--Simp Wolley--who tried +to get his patent!" Alice almost spoke the words aloud. + +"The--the leak is fixed," the man went on. + +"You--you--" stammered Alice. But the man did not stay to hear, but +hurried downstairs. + +Alice burst in on her sister and father. + +"Oh!" she exclaimed. "That man--he--he was in the Dalwood kitchen!" + +"What man?" asked Mr. DeVere, starting forward. + +"The one who was after Russ's patent! Quick, can't you get him?" + +Mr. DeVere ran into the hall, but the man had gone. The Dalwood +kitchen door was still open, and a hasty look through the apartment +showed none of the family could be at home. + +"Could he have stolen the patent?" cried Alice, when the excitement +had quieted down. + +"We can't tell until Russ comes home," replied her father. "I'll +leave our door ajar, and we can hear if anyone goes into the Dalwood +rooms. As soon as some of them return we will tell them what has +taken place." + +Alice helped herself to the needed salt, and the meal began, with +pauses now and then to learn if there was any movement in the flat +across the hallway. Presently footsteps were heard, and proved to be +those of Russ himself. + +"Plumber!" he exclaimed. "So he was masquerading as that; eh?" the +moving picture operator exclaimed when Alice told him what had +occurred. "You're right, he was after my patent," and a worried look +came over his face. + +"Did he get it?" asked Ruth, anxiously. + +"No, for it isn't here. The model is at a machine shop on the East +Side, and several of the attachments are being made from it to be +tested." + +"Then it's all right," declared Alice, in a tone of relief. + +"Yes--and no," returned Russ. "It's all right, for the time being, +but I don't like what has happened. Simp Wolley must be getting +desperate to come here in broad daylight and rummage the house under +the pretense of being a plumber. It shows, too, that he must be +watching this place, or he wouldn't have known when I went out." + +"Hadn't you better notify the police?" suggested Mr. DeVere. + +"I'll think about it," agreed Russ. "Of course he hasn't really done +anything yet that they could arrest him for, unless coming into our +apartment without being invited is illegal, and he could wriggle out +of a charge of that sort. No, I'll keep my eyes open. In a little +while, after I obtain my patent, and the attachment is on the +market, he can't bother me. But I don't mind admitting that I'm +worried." + +"Then sit down and have something to eat with us," urged Alice, and +Ruth, with a nod and a blush, seconded the request. "You'll be eating +some of your own salt, anyhow," Alice suggested, in fun. + +Russ lost a little of his apprehensive air as the meal progressed. +Perhaps it was because Ruth sat opposite. Alice said as much to her +sister afterward, when they were getting ready for bed. + +"Don't be silly!" was Ruth's sole reply. + +Mr. DeVere attended several rehearsals at the moving picture theater +and, one morning, said: + +"Girls, how would you like to come and see me in my new role? We have +a dress rehearsal to-day, so to speak, and we'll "film" the play, as +they call it, to-morrow." + +"Oh, let's go, Ruth!" cried Alice, clapping her hands. "I know you'll +enjoy it!" + +"I'm sure I will," agreed Ruth. Her attitude toward the movies was +also changing. + +Together father and daughters went. It did Alice good to see how Mr. +DeVere was welcomed by his fellow actors. He had already made himself +friendly with most of them. + +As Alice and Ruth came into the big studio, where a battery of +cameras were clicking away, the two girls became aware of the looks +cast at them by those not actually engaged in some scene. And, while +most of the looks were friendly, those from two of the players were +not. + +Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, standing together at one side of a +section of a log cabin, whispered to each other. + +"Ah, Mr. DeVere!" called Mr. Pertell. "Glad you're here; we were +waiting for you." + +"I hope I'm not late!" replied the actor, huskily, with a proper +regard for not delaying a rehearsal. + +"Oh, no. You're ahead of time if anything, and I'm glad of it. We'll +have to set the smuggling play aside for a time. One of my men isn't +here, and I can slip in your scenes now, and be that much ahead. So +if you'll get ready we'll go on with 'A Turn of the Card.'" + +"Yes, Mr. Pertell--certainly. Let me present you to my daughters. I +believe you have met one." + +"Yes--Miss Alice. I am glad to know the other one," and he bowed to +Ruth. Then he hurried away. Mr. Pertell always seemed to be in a +hurry. + +Mr. DeVere went to his dressing room to don the costume of the +character he was to represent--a wealthy banker--and Ruth and Alice +gazed with interest at the various scenes going on about them. + +While there were many persons connected with the Comet Film Company, +there were certain principals who did most of the work. Among them, +excepting Mr. DeVere, was Wellington Bunn, an old-time actor, who had +long aspired to Hamlet, but who had given it up for the more certain +income of the movies. Then there was Mrs. Margaret Maguire (on the +bills as Cora Ashleigh) who did "old women" parts, and did them +exceedingly well. She had two grandchildren, Tommy and Nellie, who +were often cast for juvenile roles. + +Carl Switzer was a joy to know. A German, with an accent that was +"t'icker dan cheese," to use his own expression, he was a fund of +happy philosophy under the most adverse circumstances. And on his +round face was always a smile. He did the "comic relief," when it was +needed, which was often. + +Exactly opposite him in character was Pepper Sneed, the "grouch" of +the company. Nothing ever went the way Pepper wanted it to go, from +the depiction of a play to the meals he ate. No wonder he had +dyspepsia. He was always apprehensive of something going to happen +and when it did--well, they used to say that Pepper was the original +"I told you so!" + +Pearl Pennington and Laura Dixon have already been mentioned. Paul +Ardite, who played opposite to Miss Dixon, was a good looking chap, +with considerable ability. It was rumored that he and the +ingenue--but there, I am not supposed to tell secrets. + +Had it not been for "Pop" Snooks, I am sure the Comet Film Company +would never have enjoyed the success it did. For Pop was the property +man--the one of all work and little play. On him devolved the task of +manufacturing at short notice anything from a castle to a police +station. + +And the best part of it was that Pop could do it. He was ingenuity +itself, and they tell the story yet of how, when on the theatrical +circuit, he made a queen's throne out of two cheese boxes and a +board, and a little later in the same play, made from the same +materials a very serviceable dog-cart. + +As usual in the studio, several plays were going on at the same +time--or, rather, parts of plays. + +"Come on now!" called Mr. Pertell, sharply. "Get ready for that safe +robbery scene. Pop, where's that safe?" + +"It's being used as part of the wall in the dungeon in that 'Lord +Scatterwait' scene," answered the property man. + +"Well, hustle it over here, and get something else for the dungeon +wall. I need that safe." + +"That's the way it goes!" grumbled Pop as he scurried about. But that +was all the fault he found, and presently the hole in the dungeon +wall, caused by the removal of the safe with a painted canvas on it +to represent stones, was filled by some boards taken from a fence +used in a rural love drama. + +"I say now, dot's not right!" spluttered Mr. Switzer, who as a +country boy was making love to a country lass, (Miss Dixon). "Dot's +not right, Pop. You dake our fence avay, und vat I goin' t' lean on +ven I makes eyes at Miss Dixon? Ve got t' haf dot fence, yet!" + +"I'll make you another in a minute!" cried Pop. "You don't go on for +ten minutes." + +"Mine gracious! Vot a business!" exclaimed the German, his round face +showing as much woe as he ever allowed it to depict. "Dot vos a fine +fence, mit der evening-glory vines trailing 'round mit it. Ach, yah!" + +"Never mind," said Miss Dixon, "Pop will fix us up," and while she +was waiting she strolled over to where Paul Ardite was talking to +Alice. Russ Dalwood had come in and had greeted Ruth and Alice, and +then, in response to an unseen gesture from Paul, had introduced him. +Both girls liked the young fellow, who seemed quite interested in +Alice. + +"Are you going to play parts here?" asked Miss Dixon, with the +freemasonry of the theater, speaking without being introduced. + +"Oh, no!" replied Ruth, quickly. "We just came to see my father." + +"Maybe they think they're too good for the movies," sneered Pearl +Pennington, but only Russ heard her, and he glanced at her sharply. + +"All ready for 'A Turn of the Card' now!" called Mr. Pertell, as Mr. +DeVere came out of his dressing room. "Is your camera all ready, +Russ?" for Russ had obtained a place with the film company, and had +given up his position in the little moving picture theatre. + +"All ready," was the answer. "I've got a thousand-foot reel in." + +"Well, I don't want this particular scene to run more than eighty +feet. Got to save most of the film for the bigger scenes. Now, watch +yourselves, ladies and gentlemen. This is going to be one of our best +yet, or I'm mistaken. Pop--where's Pop?" + +"Here I am. What is it?" + +"Get me a big armchair. I want Mr. DeVere to be sitting in that when +the adventuress comes in. Miss Pennington, you're the adventuress, +and I wish you'd look the part more." + +"I'm doing the best I can." + +"Well, fix your hair a little differently--a little more fluffy, you +know--I don't know what you call it." + +"Oh, that's easily remedied," she laughed. "I'm ready now," and with +dexterous use of a side-comb she produced the desired result. + +"Got that chair, Pop?" called the manager. + +"Yep. Just as soon as I fix that fence for the rural scene." + +"Yah! Py gracious, ve got t' haf our fence or dot love scene mit der +evening-glory flowers vill be terrible!" insisted Mr. Switzer. + +"All ready, now!" Mr. Pertell said, as the chair was placed in what +was to represent a parlor. Mr. DeVere took his seat, and the action +of the drama began. Ruth and Alice looked on with interest. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE PHOTO DRAMA + + +Mr. DeVere was an excellent actor. In his time he had played many +parts, so the necessary action, or "business," as it is called, was +not hard for him. He had learned readily what was expected of him, +and though it seemed rather odd to make his gestures, his exits and +entrances before nothing more than the eye of a camera, he soon had +become accustomed to it after the days of rehearsal. And the great +point was that he did not have to use his voice. Or, at the most, +when some vital part of the little play called for speaking, he had +only to whisper to give the "cue" to the others. + +The plot was not a very complicated one, telling the story of a +wealthy young fellow (played by Paul Ardite) the son of a wealthy +banker, (Mr. DeVere) getting into bad company, and how he was saved +by the influence of a good girl. + +The "card" in question, was a visiting card, which seemed to +compromise the young man, but the "turn" of it cleared him. + +To save time, different scenes had already been set up in various +parts of the big studio, and to these scenes--mere sections of rooms +or offices--the actors moved. + +With them moved Russ Dalwood, who was "filming" this particular play. +He placed his little box-machine, on its tripod, before each scene, +and used as many feet of film to get the succeeding pictures as Mr. +Pertell thought was necessary. + +I presume all my readers have seen moving pictures many times, and +perhaps many of you know how they are made. But at the risk of +repeating what is already known I will give just a little description +of how the work is done. + +In the first place there has to be a play to be "filmed," or taken. +It may be a parlor drama an outdoor scene--anything from a burning +building to a flood. With the play decided on, the actors and +actresses for the different parts are selected and carefully +rehearsed. This is necessary as the camera is instantaneous and one +false move or gestures may spoil the film. + +Next comes the selection of the location for the various scenes. +Indoor ones are comparatively easy, for the scenic artist can build +almost anything. But to get the proper outdoor setting is not so +easy, and often moving picture companies go many miles to get just +the proper scenery for a background. + +So careful are some managers that they will send to California, or to +the Holy Land, in order that their actors may have the proper +historical surroundings. This costs many thousands of dollars, so it +can be seen how important it is to get the film right at first. + +There are two main parts to the moving picture business--the taking +of the pictures and later the projection, or showing, of them on a +white screen in some theatre. + +For this two different machines are needed. The first is a camera, +similar in the main principle to the same camera with which you may +have taken snapshots. But there is a difference. Where you take one +picture in a second, the moving picture camera takes sixteen. That is +the uniform rate maintained, though there may be exceptions. And in +your camera you take a picture on a short strip of celluloid film, or +on a glass plate, but in the moving picture machine the pictures are +taken on a narrow strip of celluloid film perhaps a thousand feet +long. + +The camera consists of a narrow box. On one side is a handle, and +there is a lens that can be adjusted or focused. Inside is varied +machinery, but I will not tire you with a description of it. +Sufficient to say that there are two wheels, or reels. On one--the +upper--is wound the unexposed film. One end of this film is fastened +to the empty, or lower, reel. The film is passed back of lens, which +is fitted with a shutter that opens and closes at the rate of sixteen +times a second. + +Turning a handle on the outside of the camera operates it. So that +when the scene is ready to be photographed the actors, whether men or +animals, begin to move. The handle turns, and the unexposed film is +wound from one reel to the other, inside the camera, passing behind +the lens, so that the picture falls on it in a flash, just as you +take one snapshot. But, as I have said, the moving picture camera +takes snapshot after snapshot--sixteen a second--until many thousands +are taken, so that when the pictures are shown afterward they give +the effect of continuous motion. + +The film is moved forward by means of toothed sprocket wheels inside +the camera, the shutter opening and closing automatically. + +When the reel of film has all been exposed, it is taken to the dark +room, and there developed, just as a small roll from your camera +would be. This film is called the negative. From it any number of +positives can be made, all depending on the popularity of the +subject. + +To make positives, the negative film is laid on another strip of +sensitive celluloid of the same size. The two films are placed in a +suitable machine, and then set in front of a bright light. The two +films are then moved along so as to print each of the thousands of +pictures previously taken. + +The positive film is then developed, "fixed" to prevent it from +fading, and it is then ready for the projecting machine. This latter +is like the old-fashioned stereopticon, and by means of suitable +lenses, and a brilliant light, the small pictures, hardly more than +an inch square, are so magnified that they appear life-size on the +screen. + +That, in brief, is how moving pictures are made and shown, but it +tells nothing of the hard work involved, on the part of operators, +and actors and actresses. Often the performers risk their lives to +make a "snappy" film, and many accidents have occurred where daring +men and women took parts with wild beasts in the cast, or dared +serious injury by long jumps. + +Ruth and Alice watched their father enact his role. He did it well, +and the girls were gratified to hear Mr. Pertell say from time to +time: + +"Good! That's the way to do it! Oh, that's great!" + +The play was not a long one, but if it had taken three times the +half-hour it consumed Ruth and Alice would not have been weary. + +The last scene had been "filmed" by Russ, who was getting ready to +take his camera to the dark room for development, when there came a +crash from where Mr. Switzer was going through a love scene with Miss +Dixon. + +"Look out!" someone called. + +There was a sound as of rending, splintering wood. + +"Oh!" screamed Miss Dixon. + +"Py gracious goodness!" ejaculated Mr. Switzer. "I am caught fast!" + +"Oh, what has happened?" gasped Ruth, clinging to Alice. + +"It sounded like an explosion!" the latter answered. + +"Don't be alarmed," Russ assured them. "It's nothing. Only Switzer +leaned too hard on that fence and it went down with him." + +And that was what had happened. Amid the wreckage of the property +fence, which had collapsed with the weight of the German actor, sat +he and Miss Dixon, while the manager, with a gesture of despair +exclaimed: + +"That's another scene to be done over." + +"I knew that would happen!" observed Pepper Sneed, gloomily. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +MR. DEVERE'S SUCCESS + + +Amid laughter, now that it was seen that nothing serious had +happened, the wreckage was cleared away, and the German actor, and +his partner in the rural love scene, were assisted to their feet. + +"Are you hurt?" asked Mr. Pertell, anxiously, when quiet had in a +measure been restored. + +"Only my feelings iss hurted!" replied Mr. Switzer, with an odd look +on his round, fat face. "It iss not seemly und proper dot ven a +feller is telling a nice girl vot he dinks of her, dot he should be +upset head ofer heels alretty yet; ain't it?" + +"It certainly is," agreed Miss Dixon, a little spasm of pain flitting +across her face as she limped to one side. + +"Oh, dear, I hope you're not hurt!" exclaimed Miss Pennington, +hastening to her friend's side, and supporting her with an arm about +her waist. + +"It's only my ankle; it's a bit sprained, I think. A good thing I +haven't a dancing part," said Miss Dixon. + +"Will you be able to go on, when we make the film over again?" asked +the manager anxiously. He did not make this inquiry because he was +heartless, but the foremost thought with those who provide amusement +for the public--whether they be managers or actors--is that "the show +must go on." For that reason sickness, and even the death of loved +ones, often does not stop the player from appearing on the stage. +And, in a measure, this is no less so with those who help to make the +moving pictures. + +"Oh, I think I'll be able to go on after a bit," declared Miss Dixon, +sinking into a chair that Pepper Sneed pushed forward for her. + +"Go on! You'll never be able to go on inside of a week, little girl!" +exclaimed the actor with the perpetual "grouch." He looked gloomily +at those about him. "This is the worst business in the world," he +went on. "Something is always happening. I know something will go +wrong in that safe-blowing act I'm to do next. I----" + +"Say, you go do that act, and then let us know if anything happens!" +interrupted the manager. "They're waiting for you over there," and he +motioned to an office setting, in which a safe robbery, one of the +scenes of another play, was to take place. + +"All right!" sighed Pepper Sneed, as he moved off to take his part. +"But, mind what I'm telling you," he said to Miss Dixon. "You'll be +laid up for a week." + +"An' it all de fault of dot property man!" exclaimed Mr. Switzer. "He +made dot fence like paper yet alretty! It vouldn't holt up a fly!" + +"That was a good fence!" defended Pop Snooks. "The trouble was you +leaned your ton weight on it." + +"Ton veight! Huh! Vot you tink I am? A hipperperpotamusses? A ton +veight--huh!" spluttered Mr. Switzer. + +"Never mind now!" called the manager sharply, with a reassuring +glance at Ruth and Alice, who were regarding this little flurry with +anxious eyes. They glanced over toward their father. "Pop, make a new +fence--a strong one--and we'll film that scene over again," went on +Mr. Pertell. "To your places, the rest of you. Mr. DeVere, I think +that will be all we will require of you to-day. But come into the +office. I have a new play I'm thinking of filming, and I'd like your +advice on some of the scenes. Miss Dixon, shall I send for a +doctor?" + +"Oh, no, indeed, I'll be all right!" was her hasty answer. + +"If you're not, don't be afraid to say so," spoke Mr. Pertell. "I can +understudy you----" + +"Oh, no, indeed!" she exclaimed, energetically. If there is one thing +more than another that an actor or actress fears, it is being +supplanted in a role. Of course, all the important parts in a play +are "understudied"; that is, some other actor or actress than the +principal has learned the lines and "business" so, in case the latter +is taken ill, the play can go on, after a fashion. But players are +jealous of one another to a marked degree, and rather than permit +their understudy to succeed him, many a performer has gone on when +physically unfit. Perhaps it was this that induced Miss Dixon to +conceal the pain she was really suffering. + +Mr. Pertell glanced sharply at her, and then his gaze roved to Ruth +and Alice, who were standing with their father. A musing look was on +the face of the manager. Miss Dixon saw it, and arose. + +"I am perfectly able to go on, Mr. Pertell," she said, quickly. +"There is no need of getting anyone in my place." + +She walked across the room, with a slight limp, and the spasm of pain +that showed on her face was quickly replaced by a smile. But it was +an obvious effort. + +Miss Dixon staggered, and would have fallen had not Alice stepped +forward quickly and caught her. + +"You really ought to have a doctor," Alice said, anxiously. "A +sprained ankle is sometimes quite serious." + +"I don't need a doctor!" exclaimed the ingenue, sharply. "I shall be +all right. It will take some little time to repair the fence, and by +then----" + +"You must let me attend to you," broke in a motherly voice, and Mrs. +Maguire, who, as Cora Ashleigh, had finished her part in a little +drama, came bustling over. "I'll put some hot compresses on your +ankle, and that will take out the pain," went on the elderly actress. +"Come along." + +And Miss Dixon was glad enough to go. Mrs. Maguire was really a sort +of "mother" to the others of the company, and many a physical ache +and pain, as well as some mental ones, yielded to her ministering +care. + +"Now, then, Pop, how are you coming on with that fence?" asked the +manager a little later. + +"Oh, I'll get her done some time to-day if you don't give me too much +else to do," was the answer. "But I've had to quit work on that +trick auto you wanted--the one that turns into an airship." + +"Pshaw! And I needed that, too. Well, go ahead. Do the best you can, +and when you've finished I want a fake stone tower made for that +fairy picture we're going to do next week." + +"All right," agreed Pop. "I'll do it." + +Nothing seemed too hard for him. He responded to the most exacting +and diverse commands as easily as to the smallest. He was an +invaluable property man. + +"Oh, Mr. Ardite," continued the manager to the leading juvenile, "I'm +going to change your part in that runaway drama. I'll want some +exterior scenes. One on the Brooklyn Bridge and another at the Grand +Central Terminal. Get ready to go up there. Miss Fillmore will be +here soon. She's in that with you. I'll send Charlie Blake up to film +it. Here's the "register" list--look it over," and he tossed a sheaf +of typewritten sheets to the young actor. + +"I wish we could go see that taken," whispered Alice. + +"You can, if you like," responded the manager, overhearing her. + +"I--I'll be delighted to take you along," said Paul, coloring as he +glanced at Alice. + +Miss Dixon, who had come back from her room, after having her ankle +bathed, looked up quickly at these words. She glanced from Alice to +Paul, and back again, and then said something in a low voice to Miss +Pennington. + +"May I go, Daddy?" asked Alice. "I'm so interested in these moving +pictures." + +"Oh, yes, I think so," he assented. "Perhaps Ruth----" + +"No, I'll go home with you," Ruth answered. "I'm a bit tired to-day." + +"I'd never tire of this!" exclaimed Alice, with enthusiasm. + +"Come along then!" invited Paul. "Here's Miss Fillmore now," he +added, as another member of the company entered. + +There was a sudden cry of pain from the other side of the studio, and +a moving picture camera ceased clicking. + +"What's the matter now?" asked the manager, as he looked to where the +safe robbery scene was being filmed. + +"Oh, I caught my hand in the safe door!" exclaimed Pepper Sneed. +"Nearly took my finger off! I just knew something would happen to me +to-day!" + +"Great Scott! Another scene spoiled!" groaned Mr. Pertell. "Well, do +it over. Had you run out much film?" he asked the operator. + +"No, only a few feet." + +"Well, try again. And, Pepper, look out for your head this time, that +you don't get that caught in the safe. You might lose it." + +"Uh!" grunted the human grouch. + +Russ Dalwood came out of the developing room. + +"That's going to be a great film!" he declared. It's one of the best +I've ever seen. The pictures will show up fine." + +"Glad to hear it," remarked the manager. "That's some good news in +this day of trouble." + +"Did I do all right?" asked Mr. DeVere, hoarsely. "I would like to +see myself--as others see me--and that's possible now, in the +movies." + +"Your pictures are fine," answered Ross. + +"And I want to congratulate you," went on Mr. Pertell. "You are doing +splendid work, and we are glad to have you with us. It is not +everyone who can come from the legitimate stage and go into the +movies with success; but you have." + +"I am glad to hear it," declared the actor. "There was great +necessity, or I should not have done it; but I am not sorry now. It +is a great relief not to have to speak my lines." + +"And you mustn't do much talking now, Daddy," cautioned Ruth. "You +want your throat to get well, you know." + +"Yes, I know, dear," replied her father, patting her on the shoulder. + +"Good-bye!" called Alice, who with Paul, Miss Fillmore, and the +camera operator, were going out for the exterior scenes. "I'll be +home soon." + +"I'll take care of her," promised Paul, and, as he and Alice went +out, side by side, Ruth caught a sharp glance from Miss Dixon, who +was narrowly watching the two. + +"Well, everything seems to be going on all right now," observed Mr. +Pertell. "Here's Pop with the fence. Now, Mr. Switzer, and Miss +Dixon----well, what is it?" he broke off with, as he saw Wellington +Bunn approaching with an irritated air. + +"I must refuse, sir, positively refuse, to go on with the part you +have assigned to me!" exclaimed the former Shakespearean player, +striking what he thought was a dignified attitude. "I cannot do it, +Mr. Pertell, and I wonder that you expect it of me." + +"What part is it you object to?" asked the manager. "Let's see, +you're in 'A Man's Home;' aren't you?" + +"Yes, and in one scene I am supposed to come home from the office, +and get down on the floor to play with blocks with the children. I +do not mind that so much, but I have to play horse, and ride the +children around on my back, and then, to cap the climax, I have to +turn a somersault." + +"Well?" asked the manager, as the actor paused. + +"Well, I positively refuse to do that somersault! The idea of +me--Wellington Bunn--who has played in Shakespearean dramas, +groveling on the floor and turning somersaults! The somersaults +positively must be cut out." + +"But they can't very well, Mr. Pertell!" broke in one of the other +actors in the same drama. "Because when Mr. Bunn goes over that way +he is supposed accidentally to upset the table, and the supper things +fly all over, and the children laugh and think it's a great joke. The +whole scene will be spoiled if Mr. Bunn doesn't turn his somersault." + +"Then he'll turn it!" announced the manager, grimly. + +"What! But I protest, sir! I protest!" cried the tragedian. "I will +not do it! The idea of me--Wellington Bunn----" + +"Somersault--or look for another engagement," was the terse +rejoinder, and with a gesture of despair Mr. Bunn turned aside +murmuring; + +"Oh, that I should come to this! Oh, the pity of it! The pity! I'll +never do it!" + +But a little later, for the sake of his salary, he turned the +somersault. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +AN EMERGENCY + + +"Did you enjoy yourself, Alice?" asked Ruth, a little later that +afternoon, when her sister had returned from her trip to the Brooklyn +Bridge, and the Grand Central Terminal, with Paul. + +"Indeed I did!" replied the younger girl. "It was really exciting. +And Paul is so nice!" + +"Do you call him Paul?" + +"Certainly--why not." + +"And does he call you Alice?" + +"Yes. He asked me if he couldn't, and I don't see any harm. He's just +like a brother would be." + +"Oh," remarked Ruth, with a little smile. "Tell me about it." + +"Oh, there isn't much to tell. We went up in a car until we got to +where the scenes were to be filmed. Then Paul and Miss Fillmore did +what they had to do, and the pictures were taken. + +"There was quite a crowd looking, on, too, and some of them got in +the pictures," Alice went on. + +"Purposely, do you mean--to spoil them?" asked Ruth. + +"Oh, no, they belonged in. You see this was supposed to be a natural +scene of Paul and Miss Fillmore meeting on the bridge. They walk +along a little way, and part of the plot develops there. So there had +to be other persons walking along to make it look natural. How odd it +must be if those same persons happen to see the film play later, and +recognize themselves in the pictures." + +"Rather, I should say," agreed Ruth. "What next?" + +"Oh, then we went up to the Grand Central, and there Paul had to +pretend to get on a train, and Miss Fillmore bade him a tearful +good-bye. She's quite an emotional actress, too. + +"It was quite exciting. Paul had some work getting the station master +to let us out on the train platform without tickets. But when he +explained about the moving pictures, it was all right. + +"It was as real as anything--just as if it wasn't for the films at +all. Paul got on the platform, and a porter took someone else's grip +to make it look as though he were going on a journey. + +"That porter enjoyed it more than anyone else. He grinned so much +that Paul had to tell him to stop, or the top of his head might come +off. And laugh! I wish you could have heard him laugh at that. It +took us a little longer to get those films, for there was such a +crowd. But it was all right. I've had a lovely time!" cried Alice, +her brown eyes brilliant with excitement, and her cheeks flushed. + +"And what happened next?" asked Ruth, after a pause. + +"Oh, Miss Fillmore had an engagement, so Paul and I went and had +lunch together. He's an awfully nice boy!" + +"Alice!" + +"I don't care; he is! And he's in papa's company, so I don't see any +harm--especially as it was in daylight, and it was only in one of +those dairy lunches, you know. Paul wanted to take me to a better +place, but I know he doesn't earn much yet, and I wasn't going to +have him waste his money." + +"Thoughtful of you," murmured Ruth. + +"Wasn't it. Where's daddy?" + +"Oh, he went back to the studio. There was some mistake in one of his +acts and he wanted to have it corrected so he could study over it +to-night." + +"Oh, hasn't it been a day!" exclaimed Alice, as she laid aside her +hat. "Do you know, I think outdoor pictures are better, and more +interesting. I'd like to be in some myself." + +"It is interesting," agreed Ruth. "And really it doesn't seem like +acting when you don't have any audience except a camera. But I +suppose that makes it all the more difficult. Russ was in a little +while ago." + +"What did he want?" asked Alice with a quick glance at her sister. + +"Oh, he just called to say that all the films in which dad appears +came out fine. He mentioned that his patent was coming on all right, +and he expects soon to have it out on royalty." + +"That's nice. I do hope those horrid men won't get it away from him. +What have we to eat? I'm nearly starved." + +"Why, I thought you had lunch." + +"I did, but we--we took a walk afterward, and my appetite came back." + +Ruth looked curiously at Alice, sighed and then went out to the +kitchen. + +As the days went on Mr. DeVere grew to like his new occupation more +and more. At first he had talked and mused over the coming time when +he could go back to the regular theatre. But his voice showed no +tendency to lose its whispering hoarseness, and he was, perforce, +compelled to do his acting for the camera. Then came a gradual change +of feeling, and he grew really to like his new occupation. Besides, +it paid almost as well as a legitimate role, and was more certain. + +The girls and their father enjoyed a private view of the film in +which Mr. DeVere was depicted. It was an absorbing play, and while it +seemed a bit uncanny, at first, to look at yourself moving about, Mr. +DeVere grew accustomed to it. + +"And it is surprising what faults one can see in onesself," he +remarked, after the film had been thrown on the screen for him. "I +can pick out a number of places where I can improve in my gestures. +And I see places where the action can be more easily and plainly +explained to the audience." + +"I am glad you do," spoke Mr. Pertell. "It is a good thing to try to +improve the movies. They have, in my opinion, a great lesson to teach +to the masses, as well as to provide amusement for them. And all we +can do, individually, to help, adds to it. + +"I am thinking of greatly broadening my fields, I am not satisfied to +film merely parlor dramas and a few city scenes. I want a larger +scenic background, and I'm working to that end." + +"I hope I shall be able to fit into some of them," observed Mr. +DeVere. "I, too, begin to think I would like to get out in the open." + +"I intend to have you with me," declared the manager. "I am looking +around for a locality to serve as a background for certain rural +plays. But I have not found it yet." + +Ruth and Alice paid many visits to the film studio, and watched the +making of many plays. Their father had parts in a number of them, and +for others new actors were engaged temporarily. + +Russ was becoming an expert operator, and meanwhile was working on +his patent. It was nearly perfected. + +They were exacting days that followed. Many dramas had to be filmed, +and all the actors and actresses were kept busy. Ruth and Alice spent +many afternoons in the studio, growing more and more interested all +the while. There was much fun, as well as much hard work, for Mr. +Switzer, with his odd expressions and mishaps, was a source of +considerable amusement. + +Then, too, the "human grouch," Pepper Sneed, seemed always to find +some new objection to raise, or some dire calamity to predict. And +as for Mr. Bunn, he made many protests at roles he considered +incongruous with his dignity. + +Once he wanted the story of a play so changed that he might give an +impersonation of Hamlet in a setting that included a Western mining +cabin, and when he was refused by the manager he grew quite +indignant. + +"You might as well try to introduce Macbeth in the clown act," +declared Mr. Pertell. + +Several times Ruth and Alice had expressed a desire to try a little +part in one of the dramas, but their father would not listen. At +last, however, their chance came. + +Mr. DeVere had just completed his role in a difficult part, and Russ, +with his camera, had been shifted over to film another play, a few of +the scenes of which were laid in the studio, the others being set out +of doors. + +"Well, aren't those two young ladies here yet?" asked Mr. Pertell, +coming out of his office, as he noted a delay. + +"Not yet," answered Mrs. Maguire, who was to have a part in the act. +"They said they'd be early, too." + +"That's always the way when you want someone in a hurry," stormed the +manager. "Here we are holding things up just because Miss Parker and +Miss Dengon aren't here. It wouldn't taken them five minutes to do +their parts, either." + +"Well, I can't wait much longer," said the principal actor, who was +to take a part with the young ladies who were missing. "I've got to +get that train, you know, Pertell." + +"Yes, I know!" was the answer, as the manager snapped shut his watch. +"I can't see what's keeping them. This gets on my nerves!" + +"What is it?" asked Mr. DeVere, coming from his dressing room. +"Anything I can do to help you?" + +"No, but two extra young girls I hired for certain parts are missing, +and this thing ought to go on. Harrison has an important engagement, +and can't wait either. I didn't count on this emergency, though +usually I allow for delays. If I only had two girls now--Say!" he +cried, as he looked over at Ruth and Alice. "They might do it--they +might fill in! How about it, Mr. DeVere; would you let them +substitute in this drama? It's a simple thing, and with two minutes' +coaching they can do it. That will let Harrison get his train, and I +can go on with the next scenes. Will you girls try?" he asked, +appealing to them. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +JEALOUSIES + + +Alice hesitated, but only a moment, and, while Ruth was looking at +her father, the younger girl exclaimed: + +"Oh, do let us try! I don't know that we could do it, Mr. Pertell, +but let us try! Won't you, Daddy?" + +Mr. DeVere looked troubled. For some time past he had been watching +the growing liking of his daughters for the moving pictures, and he +was in two minds about the matter. He had seen that this new manner +of presenting plays had a great future, not only for the public but +for the acting profession. And now, when a chance came for his +daughters to get into it, he hardly knew what to say. He had made up +his mind that they should never go on the dramatic stage. But +this----. + +"Something has to be done," urged the manager. "I can't hold things +back much longer." + +"Wouldn't you like to try it, Ruth?" asked Alice, catching her +sister's hands. "I think it will be just fine!" + +"Why, I--I think I would like it--if they think I can do it," agreed +Ruth. + +"Oh, you can do it all right," Mr. Pertell assured her. "It is very +simple. A little coaching is all you need. What do you say, Mr. +DeVere? May the girls go in?" + +"Why, I--er--I hardly know what to say. It is so different from +anything they have ever done. And I never expected----" + +"Oh, they can do it!" interrupted the manager. "They've been around +here long enough to know how we do things. Come, it may be a good +opening for them." + +"All right, I don't mind," said the actor. "I shall be very glad to +let them help you out, Mr. Pertell." + +"Oh, I don't ask it as a favor. I'm willing to pay for their time. I +was to give Miss Parker and Miss Dengon five dollars each for a few +minutes of their time to-day, but they have disappointed me. I now +offer it to your daughters." + +"Oh, fine!" cried Alice, clapping her hands. "Then I can get that new +hat I've been wanting so much. Come on, Ruth. What do we have to do, +Mr. Pertell?" + +The manager quickly explained what was wanted. The two girls had +simple parts, with Mr. Harrison as the chief character. Alice and +Ruth soon grasped what was required of them, and, after a little +coaching and rehearsing, they were ready. + +"Now stand over here," directed Mr. Pertell, who took personal charge +this time, "and don't pay any attention to the camera. Don't look at +it, in fact. Keep your eyes on Mr. Harrison, or on some part of +scenery. Just forget everything but what you have to do." + +"Shall we speak the lines aloud?" asked Ruth. + +"If you like. Perhaps it will be better, for the first time, to do +so," suggested Mr. Pertell. "It may help you to get the 'business' +down better. A little more light here!" he called to the electrician, +for in one of the scenes artificial illumination was used. "Are you +all ready, Russ?" he asked the young operator. + +"All ready; yes, sir!" + +"Then--go!" + +The little section, from what was to be a two-reel play of the +movies, was under way. Though a bit nervous Ruth and Alice did very +well, and soon they were in the swing of it. + +When it came time for Alice to act the part of a hoydenish character, +she was exceedingly natural in it, and her laugh at the simulated +discomfiture of Mr. Harrison was so spontaneous that even some of the +others joined in. + +Ruth, too, who had a more demure part, acquitted herself well. The +camera clicked on, Russ turning the handle steadily. He nodded +reassuringly at Ruth when she had a moment's respite. + +Then came a slight change of scene, and a change of costume on the +part of the girls, Mrs. Maguire finding just what was needed in the +wardrobe of the studio. + +Then, just as the final strip of film had been exposed, and the +emergency work of Ruth and Alice had ended, in came the two tardy +actresses. + +"You're too late!" exclaimed Mr. Pertell. "We couldn't wait for you." + +"What!" exclaimed Miss Parker. "Do you mean to tell us you went and +filmed our parts with somebody else in the cast?" + +"That's what we did," replied the manager, coolly. "Maybe you'll +learn after this that four o'clock means four o'clock, and not half +past." + +"Well, what do you know about that?" gasped Miss Dengon, sinking into +a plush chair, and dabbing at her nose with a chamois skin, which +gave off puffs of powder like a miniature gun. + +"An' us tryin' as hard as ever we could to get here!" went on Miss +Parker, vigorously chewing gum. "The nerve of some people is suttinly +amazin'! Come on, Ruby, I never did care much for movies anyhow, an' +how some folks can stay in 'em is suttinly a mystery to me!" + +Then, with heads held high, and with meaning glances at Miss +Pennington and Miss Dixon, who were busy in another drama, the two +young ladies went out, looking superciliously at Ruth and Alice. + +"Business is business--in the movies the same as anywhere else," +chuckled Mr. Pertell, as he gave Ruth and Alice each a crisp +five-dollar bill. "I am very much obliged to you, in the bargain," he +went on. + +"So am I!" added Mr. Harrison. "I can get my train now, and it's a +satisfaction to know that the scenes are completed." + +"Oh, it was fun!" laughed Alice. + +"I liked it, too," confessed Ruth. + +"And I want to tell you that you both did most excellently," said the +manager. "You have a very good grasp of what is wanted, and you put +in the 'business' very naturally. I congratulate you and your +father," and he nodded to Mr. DeVere. + +"I have given them a little instruction in the fundamentals," +confessed the actor, "and of course they have been about the theatre, +more or less, since they were small children." + +"I suppose that accounts for it," observed Mr. Pertell. "Well, I want +to say that I am very much pleased with you, and, if you think you +would like to try it again, I can make parts for you in a drama that +I am going to film next week." + +"Oh, Ruth! Let's do it!" begged Alice. + +Ruth looked at her father inquiringly. + +"What sort of parts are they?" he asked. + +"Oh, very much the same as they undertook to-day, only longer and +more elaborate. There will be several changes of scene and costume. +Do you think you'd like it?" + +"Like it? I'd love it!" cried Alice, gaily, "Do say we may, Daddy +dear!" and she put her arms around his neck. + +"I'll see," was all he would promise. "I must look over the parts, +and then--well, little coaching wouldn't do you any harm, I guess," +he added with a smile. + +"It would make them all the better," declared the manager. + +"Oh, Ruth! I believe he's going to let us go in!" whispered Alice in +delight. "Won't you like it?" + +"Yes, dear! It's more exciting than I imagined. And I think you did +splendidly!" + +"Not half as well as you, Ruth. You are a born actress!" + +"And you're a born ingenue!" + +"Oh, aren't we silly to compliment each other this way!" laughed +Alice. "But, really, Ruth, I just love it; don't you?" + +"Yes, dear. Oh, I wonder what sort of parts we'll get. I'd like +something romantic." + +"And I want something funny--with laughs in it," declared Alice. "Oh, +say, Ruth," and her voice went to a whisper, "do you really think I'm +an ingenue--like Miss Dixon?" + +"I think you're--better!" responded Ruth, kissing her sister, and +stroking her soft hair. + +The work in the film studio was over for the day and the actors and +actresses were getting ready to go home. From the time Ruth and Alice +had taken the emergency parts Russ had observed Miss Pennington and +Miss Dixon casting sharp looks at them. + +"Jealous!" mused Russ. And his diagnosis was confirmed a little +later, when, as the two former vaudeville performers passed Ruth and +Alice, Miss Pennington, with a sharp glance at the latter, murmured +loudly enough to be heard: + +"Humph! It takes more than one performance in a little part to make +a movie actress! Some folks think they are mighty smart, coming in +over the heads of others!" + +"That's what I say, too!" added Miss Dixon. "It was a shame the way +they took the parts away from Ruby and Maude!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS + + +For a moment Ruth and Alice looked at each other with eyes that +showed the pain they felt. Ruth turned pale at hearing the unkind +words, but Alice blushed a rosy red, and started to say something. + +"Don't," advised Mrs. Maguire, coming up beside them, and evidently +guessing her intention. "It would only make matters worse to reply to +them, my dear." + +"But--but----" began Alice. + +"Hush!" begged Ruth. "Oh, how could they say it--as if we _wanted_ to +displace those girls." + +"I'm just going to tell them what I think!" exclaimed Alice, and +there was a hint of real anger in her voice. But she had no chance, +for Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, as though satisfied with what +they had done, swept out to the elevator. + +"Don't mind them, my dears," said motherly Mrs. Maguire. "It's only +professional jealousy, anyhow; and you'll see plenty of that if you +stay in this business long enough." + +"Then I'm not going to stay!" cried Alice. "I'm not used to having +such things said of me." + +Mrs. Maguire laughed genially. She was standing with Ruth and Alice, +who were waiting for their father to join them. Most of the other +performers had now gone. + +"Oh, you'll get so you won't mind that a bit!" went on Mrs. Maguire. +"Sure, I used to eat my heart over it in my younger days, but now I +only laugh. It's part of the business. It's a tribute to your acting, +my dear, and you ought to take it as such. Don't mind it." + +"Oh, but it was so--so uncalled--for!" murmured Ruth. "I think I +must--" + +"Hush! Here comes daddy!" interrupted Alice. "Don't let him know +about it." + +"That's wise," commented Mrs. Maguire. "Though probably he's seen +enough of it in his time. But perhaps he wouldn't like to know that +it bothered you. Best say nothing to him, my dears. It will wear away +soon enough." + +"No, we won't say anything," agreed Alice, slipping her arm through +her sister's. "Papa has enough trouble as it is." + +A little later, as the girls were walking along with Mr. DeVere, he +asked them: + +"Well, how did you like your parts in the movies?" + +"Fine. It was so interesting, Dad!" exclaimed Ruth. + +"I'd like to do some more!" echoed Alice, with a meaning look at her +sister. + +"Well, I must see what sort of parts Mr. Pertell will cast you for," +said Mr. DeVere. "But I am glad you like the work. It may be a great +deal better for all of us to be in this than if I was alone in a +regular theater. We can always be together now, and certainly my +voice doesn't seem to be improving very fast." + +This was only too true. Several visits to the physician, and a heroic +course of treatment, had resulted in only a slight improvement. The +pain in the vocal chords had been lessened, but the huskiness +remained, so that it would have been practically impossible for Mr. +DeVere to speak his lines in a regular theater. So the moving +pictures were suited to him. + +The DeVere family was now in much better circumstances than when we +first made their acquaintance. They had been gradually paying the +back bills, the landlord had been appeased, so that there was no +danger of dispossession, and there was much happiness in the little +flat. + +"We could even afford a better one, if you girls would like to move," +said Mr. DeVere one day. + +"Oh, no, let's stay," suggested Ruth. "We can save a little money by +remaining here, and paying less rent." + +"Besides, we have such nice neighbors!" observed Alice, with a glance +at the Dalwood apartments across the hall, at the same time giving +Ruth a sly nudge. + +"Stop it!" commanded Ruth. "What do you mean, Alice?" + +"Just what I said--we have _such_ nice neighbors across the way," and +she gave a little pinch to her sister's blushing cheek. + +"Yes, the Dalwoods are very good friends," remarked Mr. DeVere, all +unconscious of this little by-play between his daughters. "And Russ +is certainly a fine young man." + +"Indeed he is; isn't he, Ruth?" asked Alice tantalizingly. + +"Oh, yes, I suppose so," was the blushing answer. "But how should I +know--any more than you do about Paul Ardite?" and she glanced +shrewdly at Alice. + +"A hit, I suppose you would call that. A Roland for my Oliver, my +dear!" laughed Alice, frankly. "I don't mind." + +She looked toward her father, but he was so absorbed in looking over +a new part he was to take, that he paid little attention to the +chatter of the girls. + +A few days after the first appearance of Ruth and Alice before the +moving picture camera, in the small roles they had taken to bridge +over an emergency, Mr. Pertell brought them their parts in a new +drama. Meanwhile it had been ascertained that the films where the +girls filled in had been a success. Ruth and Alice felt a little +diffident about going to the studio again, especially after the scene +with the jealous actresses. + +But Miss Dixon and Miss Pennington appeared to have gotten over their +pique, and they acted as though they had never said anything to wound +or annoy Ruth and Alice. The latter, however, could not forget it, +and were rather cool toward their fellow-players. + +"Here are your new parts," said Mr. Pertell. "Look them over with +your father as soon as you can. He is to be in the play with you." + +"Oh, isn't this exciting!" cried Alice, as she took the typewritten +manuscript. "Real parts at last, Ruth!" + +"Yes. We will be real actresses if we keep on. I wonder what I am +cast for?" + +"My! We're becoming quite adept in theatrical talk. Ahem!" laughed +Alice with pretended sarcasm. + +Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, who were already rehearsing for +another play, looked over at the two enthusiastic sisters, and +shrugged their shoulders. + +"Wait until they have been in it as long as we have, my dear, then +they won't be so jolly," remarked Miss Pennington. + +"Oh, I don't know as you can include me," was Miss Dixon's rather +tart comment. "_I_ haven't been at it so many years." + +"Oh, haven't you?" asked Miss Pennington, with a raising of her +penciled eyebrows. "Excuse me, my dear!" + +"Don't mention it!" + +"Get on to that, would you!" exclaimed Pop Snooks to Mr. Sneed. "The +two old-timers are scrappin'." + +"I knew they would," was the grouchy rejoinder. "They'll have a real +quarrel, and both quit, and that'll mean some new members in the +company. And just as we are about through rehearsing that piece, and +about to film it, too. That means I'll have to do it all over again. +I knew something would happen!" + +"Oh, cheer up! The worst is yet to come!" laughed Paul Ardite. +"Here's Switzer looking as red as a lobster. What is it now, Carl?" +he asked. + +"Ach! Vot isn't der matter?" cried the moon-faced one. "I haf a part +vot incessitates me to be bound und gagged by a band of robbers, und +stood in a corner vhile dey loot der blace." + +"Well, that's a nice, romantic part," observed Paul. + +"Yah, but how would you like to haf a rag stuffed in your mout so vot +you couldn't breath yet for five minutes? How vould you like dot; +hey? Dell me dot!" + +"Oh, well, tell 'em to leave you a breathing hole," laughed Paul. + +"Where is Mr. Pertell? Where is he? I demand to see him at once!" +broke in the voice of Wellington Bunn. "I must see him instantly!" + +"He was here a moment ago, giving the Misses DeVere their parts," +replied Paul. "Why, is the place on fire?" + +"No, but I refuse to take the part he has assigned to me. I utterly +and positively refuse to so demean myself." + +"What part have you?" asked the young fellow, looking over at Alice +and nodding. + +"Why, he has cast me--I, who have played all the principal +Shakespearean characters--he has cast me--Wellington Bunn--as a +waiter in a hotel scene! Where is Mr. Pertell? I refuse to take that +character!" + +"Oh, what's the trouble now?" asked the manager, coming from his +office. The Shakespearean actor explained. + +"Now see here!" exclaimed Mr. Pertell, with more anger than he +usually displayed. "You'll take that part, Mr. Bunn, or leave the +company! It is an important part, and has to do with the development +of the plot. Why, as that waiter you intercept the taking of ten +thousand dollars, and prevent the heroine from being abducted. +Afterward you become rich, and blossom out as a theatrical manager." + +"And do I produce Shakespeare?" asked the old actor, eagerly. + +"There's nothing to stop you--in the play," returned Mr. Pertell, +rather drily. + +"Oh, then it's all right," said Mr. Bunn, with a sigh of relief. +"I'll take the part." + +Rehearsals were going on in various parts of the studio, and some +plays were being filmed. Russ Dalwood was busy at one of the +cameras. + +"Have you got a part you like, Ruth?" asked Alice, when she had +finished looking over her lines. + +"Indeed I have, I'm supposed to be Lady Montgomery, and there are two +counts in love with me. At least, one is a count and the other +pretends to be one. It's quite romantic. What is yours?" + +"Mine's jolly. I'm a school girl, always up to some trick or other, +and--yes, see here--why in one of my tricks I disclose that the +pretended count who's in love with you is only an organ grinder! Oh, +that will be fun," and she laughed gleefully. + +"Do you like your parts?" asked the manager, coming up. + +"Indeed we do!" chorused Ruth and Alice. + +"Then talk to your father about them," he advised. "See what he says, +and if he is willing you may begin rehearsals with him, and the +others of the cast." + +Mr. DeVere was fully satisfied with the parts assigned to his +daughters, and agreed to allow them to enter formally into the work +of the moving pictures at a very fair salary for beginners. The +others of the company were called together, including Paul Ardite, +and the best method of getting the finest results out of the drama +was discussed. + +In the days that followed, Ruth and Alice, as well as the others, did +hard work. It is not as easy to go through a moving picture play as +it appears merely from seeing the film on the white curtain. Some +scenes have to be rehearsed over and over again, and often, after +being filmed, some defect results and the work has to be all done +once more. + +Mr. DeVere rehearsed his daughters at home in the intervals of their +appearance at the studio, and this redounded to their benefit. They +were thus able to do effective work, and Mr. Pertell complimented +them on it. + +The play was soon ready for filming, and Russ was chosen to work the +camera. Some of the scenes were out of doors, in a big flower garden, +and for this the company was taken to Brooklyn, where a private owner +was induced to allow his place to be used for a few minutes. Ruth and +Alice enjoyed their part in the flower garden very much. + +Finally the last rehearsal was had, and the day was set for making +the films of the first real, big play in which the two girls had ever +taken part. As they were leaving the studio together, on the +afternoon of the day before the first "performance," they saw a group +of children standing down near the main entrance. + +"There go some of the moving picture girls now," one boy exclaimed. + +"Don't I wish I was them!" sighed a tall, lanky girl next him. "Ain't +they nice, Jimmie?" + +"They sure is!" was the enthusiastic rejoinder. + +"We're achieving fame, Ruth," laughed Alice. + +"Such as it is--yes," replied her sister. "'Moving picture girls'; +eh? Well, I suppose we are." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +A PROMISE + + +"Now then, are we all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell. He looked about the +studio, at the groups of actors and actresses, at the camera +men--particularly at Russ. "Everybody here?" he went on. + +"All here," replied Pop Snooks, checking off a list he held. + +"How about your props?" + +"Nothing missing, not even the firecracker Miss Alice sets off under +the chair of the false count," replied the property man. + +"Good! I don't want any failure at the last minute. Now, Russ, how is +the camera working?" + +"Fine, sir." + +"Good fresh film?" + +"Fresh to-day, Mr. Pertell--just like new-laid eggs." + +"All right. You may have a chance to snap some newly laid eggs if my +future plans work out all right. Well, I guess we'll begin. Take your +places for the first scene." + +"Oh, I'm so nervous!" confided Ruth to Alice. + +"Silly! You needn't be!" was the response. "You're just perfect in +your part. I only wish I was as sure of myself." + +"Why, you're great, Alice!" said her sister. "Only you do such funny +things--it makes me laugh, and I'm afraid I'll smile in the wrong +place--when I'm being made love to, for instance." + +"Well, it's a funny part, and I have to act funny," insisted the +younger girl. "But I wish it was all over, and on the films. It's +been a little harder than I thought it would be." + +"Indeed it has. But papa was so good to rehearse us. Now we must be a +credit to him." + +"Oh, of course. Come on, the others are ready." + +It was not without a feeling of nervousness that Ruth and Alice +prepared to take their places in the actual depiction of the new +play. The rehearsals had not been so trying; but now, when the +photographs were to be made, there was a strain on all. + +For in making moving pictures mistakes are worse than on the real +stage. There, when one is speaking, one can correct a false line, or +turn it so that the audience does not notice the "break." + +But in the movies a false move, a wrong gesture, is at once indelibly +registered on the film, to reappear greatly magnified. And though +sometimes the incorrect part of the film can be cut out, mistakes are +generally costly. + +"Are you all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell again, as he stood with watch +in hand beside Russ at the camera, while the actors and actresses +took their places in the first scene. + +"All ready," answered Mr. Harrison, who was one of the principal +characters. + +"Then--go!" cried the manager, and Russ was about to turn the +operating handle. + +"Vait! Vait a minute. Holt on!" cried the voice of Mr. Switzer. +"Don't shoot yet alretty!" and he held up a restraining hand. + +"Oh, what's the matter now?" demanded Mr. Pertell, with a gesture of +annoyance. + +"Vun of mine shoes--he iss unloose, und der lacing is +dingle-dangling. It might trip me!" explained the good-natured German +actor, in all seriousness. + +"Well, fix it, and hurry up!" cried the manager, unable to repress a +smile. + +"Yah! I tie her goot und strong," he said, and soon this was done. + +"Now then--all ready?" asked Mr. Pertell once more. + +This time there was no delay, and the clicking of the camera was +heard as Russ turned the handle. Mr. DeVere and his two daughters +were not in this first scene, so it gave the girls a chance to lose +some of their nervousness--or "stage fright." As for Mr. DeVere, he +was too much of a veteran actor to mind this. Besides, he had played +many parts before the camera now. + +Mr. Pertell stood with watch in hand, timing the performance. For the +play must be gotten on a certain length of film, and if one scene ran +over its allotted time it might spoil the next one by curtailing the +action. + +"Hurry a little with that," ordered the manager sharply, at a certain +point. "Don't 'screen' the letter too long, and skip part of that +leave-taking. That eats up far too much celluloid." + +Accordingly some parts, not essential to the play, were "cut" to +shorten the time. Russ went on turning the crank, getting hundreds of +the tiny pictures that afterward would be magnified, and thrown on +the screen in dozens of moving picture playhouses, for the Comet +Company supplied a large "circuit." + +"Now then, Mr. DeVere, it's time for you to come on," the manager +said. "And then your daughters." + +"Oh, I know I'm going to be nervous!" murmured Ruth. + +"No you won't," spoke Russ, encouragingly. She stood near him, and +flashed him a grateful look. "I'll be watching you," he said, "and if +I see anything wrong I'll stop in an instant, so we won't spoil any +film." + +"That's good of you," she replied. "Come on, Alice." + +"All right! Oh, I just know it's going to be splendid!" her sister +exclaimed. There was the flush of excitement on her cheeks, and +though she would not admit, Alice, too, was nervous. So much, she +felt, depended on this first real play--so much for herself and her +sister. It was thrilling to feel that they might be able to make a +comfortable living through the medium of the movies. + +"All ready now, Russ, for this scene," called the manager, indicating +the one where Ruth and Alice were to appear. "Watch your register +closely." + +"Yes, sir." + +The play went on. Ruth took her part first, and the little drama was +enacted. Her father, who was in the scene with her, smiled +encouragement, and Russ nodded gaily as he continued to turn the +clicking camera. + +"Now, Miss Alice!" called the manager. "Here's where you come in. +Come smiling!" + +It was hardly necessary to tell Alice this, for she generally had a +smile on her face. Nor was it lacking this time. + +She began her part, but in an instant the manager called: + +"Wait. Hold on a minute!" + +The clicking of the camera ceased instantly. + +"Oh, have I done something wrong?" thought Alice, her heart beating +violently. + +"Cut out what's been done so far," ordered the manager to Russ. "It +will have to be done over." + +"Yes, sir," answered the operator, as he noted from the automatic +register at the side of the camera how many feet of film had been run +on the new scene. Then, when it came to be developed, it could be +eliminated. The figures also showed how much of the thousand-foot +reel was left for succeeding scenes. + +Everyone was a little nervous, fearing he or she had made the +trouble, but all were reassured a moment later, when the manager +said: + +"I think it will be a little more effective if Miss Alice makes her +entrance from the other side. It brings her out better. Try it that +way once, and then, if it goes, film it, Russ." + +The benefit of the change was at once apparent, and after a moment of +rehearsal it was decided on. Again the camera began its clicking and +everyone breathed freely once more, Alice most of all, for failure +would have meant so much to her. + +"Very good--very good," spoke the manager encouragingly, as the play +developed. + +Alice and Ruth had rather difficult parts, and in one scene they held +the stage alone, "plotting" to disclose the false count. It was in +this scene that Alice had some effective work along comedy lines. + +It seemed to go off very well--at least, as far as the girls could +tell. Alice, as a rather hoydenish school girl, home for the summer, +played havoc with the admirers of the romantic Ruth, who seemed to +fill the role to perfection. + +"You're doing well, little girl," whispered Paul to Alice, when she +stepped out of the scene for a moment, while another part of the play +went on. + +"Do you really mean it?" she asked him. + +"I certainly do. Say, you've got the other two guessing, all right." + +"What other two?" + +"Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon." + +"Oh, I'm so sorry." + +"Sorry for what?" + +"I mean, I don't want them to dislike me," returned Alice. + +"Oh, don't worry about that, little girl. They don't like anyone who +can do better than themselves. But they're the only ones. The rest of +us like you!" + +"Really?" + +"Well I should say!" and there was more energy in the words than was +actually necessary. Alice blushed, but looked pleased. + +"Very good!" observed the manager, after an effective scene in which +Alice and Ruth took part. "You are doing excellent work. If this play +is a hit I'll star you two in something more elaborate next week." + +"Will you, really?" asked Ruth, as she came out of the scene. + +"I really will," answered Mr. Pertell. "That's a promise!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A HIT + + +"Ruth, I do hope it's a success; don't you?" asked Alice. + +"Of course I do. It means a whole lot." + +"You mean to Mr. Pertell?" + +"And to us, dear." + +"What do you mean? Tell me." + +The two girls were resting after the performance of the play "A False +Count." The last scene had been filmed, and the long strips of +celluloid, with the hidden pictures, sent to the dark room for +development. Not until then could it be told whether the affair had +been a success from a mechanical standpoint. And then, later, would +come the test before the great public. + +"Did you hear what Mr. Pertell said to me?" asked Ruth. + +"Well, he said so much, directing us, and all that--I'm sure I don't +recall anything special. What was it?" + +"Why, he told me that if this play was a success--I mean if we showed +up well in it--he'd give us parts in a big drama he's getting ready. +Won't that be splendid?" + +"Of course it will. But I liked this one very much. I wish I could +see the real pictures." + +"You can!" exclaimed a voice back of the girls, and, turning they saw +Russ. "I'll take you to see them when the positives are made," he +said. + +"Oh, but I mean in a regular moving picture theater," went on Alice. +"I'd like to see how the public takes us." + +"I'll do that, too," agreed Russ. "As soon as the pictures are +released we'll find some place where they are being shown, and you +can watch yourself doing your act." + +"That will be fine!" cried Ruth. + +"What does 'released' mean?" asked Alice. + +"Well, you know the moving picture business is something like the +Associated Press," explained Russ. "The Associated Press is an +organization for getting news. Often news has to be gotten in +advance--say a thing like the President's message, or a speech by a +big man. + +"The Associated Press gets a copy in advance, and sends duplicates of +it out to the newspapers that take its service. And on each duplicate +copy is stamped a notice that it is to be released for publication +on a certain day--or at even a certain hour. That is, it can't be +used by the newspapers until that time. + +"It's somewhat like that with moving pictures. The reels of new plays +are sent out to the different theaters, and to fix it so a theater +quite a distance from New York won't be at a disadvantage with one +right here, which would get the film sooner, there is a certain date +set for the release of the film. That means that though one theater +gets it first it can't use it until the date set, when all the +playhouses are supposed to have it." + +"Oh, that's the way they do it?" observed Alice. + +"Yes," went on Russ. "Of course the best stuff is what is called +'first run,'" he went on to explain. "That is, it is a reel of film +of a new play, never before shown in a certain city. The best moving +picture theaters take the first run, and pay good prices for it. +Then, later on, second-rate theaters may get it at a lower price." + +"And is our play a 'first run'?" asked Ruth. + +"It will be for a time," answered Russ. "I think you girls did fine!" +he went on. "Acting comes natural to you, I guess." + +"Well, we've seen enough of it around the house, with daddy getting +ready for some of his plays," admitted Alice. "Oh, I wish I could do +it all over again!" she cried, gliding over to her sister and +whirling her off in a little waltz to the tune of a piano that was +playing so that the performers in another play, representing a ball +room scene, might keep proper time. + +"Did you like your part, Ruth?" asked Russ, after Alice had allowed +her sister to quiet down. + +"Yes. I always like a romantic character." + +"I like fun!" confessed Alice. "The more the better!" + +"Oh, will you ever grow up?" asked Ruth. + +"I hope not--ever!" laughed Alice, gaily. + +Off in another part of the studio Miss Pennington and her chum, Miss +Dixon, were going through their parts. They looked over at Ruth, +Alice and Russ, and their glances were far from friendly. + +"I don't see what Mr. Pertell can see in those girls," remarked Miss +Pennington, during a lull, when they did not have to be before the +camera. + +"Neither do I," agreed her friend. "They can't act, and the airs they +put on!" + +"Shocking!" commented Miss Pennington. + +"Come, young ladies!" broke in the voice of the manager. "It is time +for you to go on again. And please put a little more vim into your +work. I want that play to be a snappy one." + +"Humph!" sneered Miss Dixon. + +"If he wants more snap he ought to pay more money," whispered her +friend. "All he cares about now are those DeVere girls." + +"Attention!" called the manager. "Get some good business into this, +now. Mr. Switzer, when you come in, after that scene where you apply +for work, and can't get it, you must throw yourself into your chair +despondently. Do it as though you had lost all hope. You know what I +mean." + +"Vot you mean? Dot I should sit in it so?" and the German actor +plumped himself into the chair in question by approaching it so that +he could sit on it in astride, in reverse position, folding his arms +over the rounded back. + +"No--no, not that way--not as if you were riding a horse!" cried the +manager. "Throw yourself into it with abandon, as the stage +directions call for." + +"Let me show him," broke in the melancholy voice of Wellington Bunn. + +Striding into the scene, which had been interrupted to enable this +bit of rehearsal to be gone through with, the old Shakespearean actor +approached the chair and cast himself into it as though he had lost +his last friend, and had no hope left on earth. + +"That's the way--that's the idea--copy that!" cried Mr. Pertell, +enthusiastically. + +But he spoke too soon. + +Mr. Bunn had cast himself into the chair with such "abandon" that the +chair abandoned him. It fell apart, it disintegrated, it parted +company with its legs--all at once--so that chair and actor came to +the ground in a heap. + +"Oh, my! I am injured! A physician, I beseech you!" moaned Mr. Bunn, +while others of the cast rushed to help him to his feet. He was soon +pulled from the ruins of the chair. + +"Ach! So. I unterstandt now!" exclaimed Mr. Switzer. "I haf your +meaning now, of vat 'abandon' is, Mr. Pertell. I am to break der +chair ven I sits on it, yes? Dot is 'abandon' a chair. Vot a queer +lanquitch der English is, alretty. Vell, brings me annuder chair und +I vill abandon it!" + +Mr. Pertell threw his hands upwards in a despairing gesture. + +"No--no!" he cried. "I didn't mean that way." + +"Than vot you means?" asked the German, puzzled. + +Meanwhile Wellington Bunn was painfully walking over to a more +substantial chair. + +"That was all a trick!" he cried. "You did that on purpose, Mr. +Snooks. You provided a broken chair!" + +"I did not!" protested the property man. "It was the way you threw +yourself into it. What did you think it was made of--iron?" + +"I knew something would happen!" observed Mr. Sneed, gloomily. "I +felt it in my bones." + +"Und I guess me dot he veels it in his bones, now," chuckled Mr. +Switzer. "I am glat dot I, myself, did not abandon dot chair alretty +yet." + +The play went on after a little delay, and for some time after that +the Shakespearean actor was very chary of offering to show other +actors how to put "abandon" into their parts. + +So far as could be told by an inspection of the negatives of the +first important play in which Ruth and Alice had appeared, it was a +success. Of course how it would "take" with the public was yet to be +learned. + +Meanwhile other plays were being considered, and Mr. Pertell repeated +his promise, that if "A False Count" was successful he would give +Ruth and Alice real "star" parts. They were eager for this, and, now +that their father had seen how well they did, he was enthusiastic +over them, and very glad to let them go on in the moving picture +business. + +"Who knows," he said, "but what it may mend the broken fortunes of +the DeVere family?" + +One evening Russ came over to the apartment of the girls. + +"Come on out!" he called, gaily. + +"Where?" asked Ruth. + +"To the moving pictures. I've got a surprise for you. They are going +to try my new invention for the first time." + +"May we go, Daddy?" asked Alice, anxiously. + +"Yes, I guess so," he answered, absentmindedly, hardly looking up +from the manuscript of a new play he was studying. + +So Russ took the girls. + +"Oh, let's see what is going on!" begged Ruth, as they came to a halt +outside a nearby moving picture theater. + +"No, don't bother now!" urged Russ, gently urging them away from the +lithographs and pictures in front of the place. "We're a bit late, +and we want to get good seats." + +He got them inside before they had more than a fleeting glimpse of +the advertisements of the films that were to be shown, and soon they +were comfortably settled. + +"I wonder what we'll see?" mused Ruth, looking about the darkened +theater. The performance was just about to start. + +"I wish we could see our play," spoke Alice. "When do you think we +can, Russ?" + +"Oh, soon now," he answered, and the girls thought they heard him +laugh. They wondered why. + +The first film was shown--a western scene, and the girls were not +much interested in it, except that Ruth remarked: + +"The pictures seem much clearer than usual." + +"That's on account of my invention," said Russ, proudly. "I'm glad +you noticed it." Then the girls were more interested. A little later, +when the title of the next play was shown, Ruth and Alice could not +repress exclamations of pleased surprise. For it was "A False Count!" + +"Why, Russ Dalwood!" whispered Alice. "Did you know this was here?" + +"Sure!" he chuckled. + +"Oh, that's why you hurried us in without giving us a chance to see +what the bill was," reproached Ruth. + +"Yes, I wanted to surprise you." + +"Well, you did it all right," remarked Alice. + +And then the girls gave themselves up to watching the moving pictures +of themselves on the screen. + +It was rather an uncanny experience at first, but they soon became +used to it, and gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the little +play, made doubly delightful from the fact that they had helped to +make it. + +"I'd hardly know myself," whispered Alice. + +"Nor I," added her sister. + +From the darkness behind them came a voice saying: + +"I saw this play this afternoon, Mollie. It's fine. I like the tall +actress best," and she referred to Ruth, whose presentment was then +on the screen. "She's so romantic, I think." + +"Listen to that!" Alice said to her sister. "Don't your ears burn?" + +"Indeed they do. Oh! isn't it queer to see yourself, and hear +yourself criticised?" + +"Wasn't that fine?" demanded the unseen critic behind the sisters, as +Ruth did an effective bit of acting. "Oh, I know I'm just going to +love her. I hope she is in lots of films." + +"So do I," added her companion. "But I like the small one best--the +one that was in the scene before this." + +"Oh, you mean the jolly one?" + +"Yes." + +"That's you, Alice," whispered Ruth. "Now it's your turn for your +ears to burn." + +"I thought you'd like this," commented Russ. "This film is a hit, all +right." + +And so it seemed, for the audience applauded when the little photo +play was over, and that is a pretty good test. + +"I think they were perfectly splendid," said another voice off to the +left. + +"Who, those two girls in that play?" some one asked. + +"Yes. They're new ones, too. I haven't seen them in any of the +Comet's other plays." + +"Yes, I guess they must be new," and this was a girl's voice back in +the darkness of the theater. "Oh, I'd like to meet them! I wish I +could act for the movies!" + +"She doesn't know how near she is to meeting us!" whispered Alice to +her sister, as the next film was flashed on the white screen. "Did +you ever have an experience like this before?" + +"I never did!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A BIT OF OUTDOORS + + +"Wasn't it fine!" + +"Splendid! I never expected to see myself like that." + +"Neither did I. Russ, how did you come to think of it?" + +"Oh, it just came to me," he answered, chuckling. + +The two "moving picture girls," as they laughingly called themselves, +with Russ, were on their way home from the little theater where they +had just witnessed the depiction of themselves on the screen. They +had listened with amusement, not unmixed with pride, at the whispered +comments on the play in which they had taken part. + +"Do you think--I mean--would you call that a successful film, Russ?" +asked Alice. + +"I certainly would," he replied. "Didn't I take it myself?" + +"That's so!" exclaimed Ruth. "But I wish Mr. Pertell could know how +well it went. Not on our account," she added quickly, "but on account +of his own business, and because dear daddy is in it. And the others, +too--they'd be glad to know the audience liked it, I think." + +"Don't worry," returned Russ. "Mr. Pertell will know it soon enough. +He keeps track of all his films, and he knows which are successful or +not. He'll hear of this one the first thing in the morning. The +owners of the theaters where our films are used report as to which go +the best. And their own re-orders also show that. So you'll be +discovered, all right." + +"Oh, it wasn't so much that!" declared Alice, quickly. "But it is new +and strange to us, and I suppose we're too enthusiastic about it." + +"Not a bit too enthusiastic!" Russ assured her. "That's what I like +to see, and I guess the manager does, too. It would be a good thing +if some of the others were a little more enthusiastic. They'd do +better acting. Say!" he broke in, "what do you say to an ice cream +soda? It's warm this evening," and he paused before a brilliantly +lighted drug store. + +"Shall we, Ruth?" asked Alice, with a queer little look at her +sister. + +"Oh, I don't know," began Ruth, hesitatingly. + +"Which means--yes!" Alice cried, gaily. "Come on!" + +Mr. DeVere looked up inquiringly from his bundle of manuscript as the +girls and Russ entered the little apartment later. + +"Oh, Daddy! It was just fine!" cried Alice, going over to him, and +covering his eyes with her hands. + +"We saw ourselves--and you, too, as others see us!" added Ruth. + +"I--er--I don't understand," their father whispered. + +"The moving pictures," explained Alice. "It was that play, 'A False +Count,' you know. Oh, it made a great hit, I can tell you!" + +"Ah, I'm glad to hear it," he said. "Sit down, Russ." + +"No, I can't stay," answered the visitor from across the hall. "I've +brought your daughters safely home, and now I have to get back. I've +got a little work to do yet." + +"Not at the studio; have you--so late?" asked Ruth. + +"Oh, it isn't late," he laughed. "But I want to do a little work on +my invention. I've sort of struck a snag, and it's bothering me. I +want it as nearly perfect as I can get it, and I've thought of an +improvement I can put on it. So I'll say good-night." + +"Thank you, ever so much, for taking us!" said Alice, warmly. + +"Yes, indeed, it was fine!" added Ruth, her eyes sparkling. "To think +of seeing ourselves! It was a great surprise." + +"Oh, you'll get used to it after a while," returned Russ. And then he +went to his own room to labor ambitiously over his patent. + +"No more work to-night, Dad!" announced Ruth, firmly, as she saw her +father preparing to resume the study of the manuscript containing his +part in a new moving picture drama. "Your eyes must be tired, and you +must save them. It won't do to have them spoiled, as well as your +voice." + +"No, I suppose not," he answered, somewhat wearily. "This work is +rather trying. I believe I would like to get out in the open for a +change. Though I always said I never would do open-air parts in the +movies." + +"I'd like to get out, too," said Alice. "I enjoyed what little we did +in the Brooklyn garden very much." + +"I heard something at the studio about a prospect of the whole +company being given a chance to do some outdoor dramas," observed +Ruth, musingly. "I wonder what was meant?" + +"Mr. Pertell will probably tell us when he has his plans perfected," +Alice returned. "You know, though, that he promised if this 'A False +Count' play should be a success he'd give us a chance in a more +pretentious drama. I'm counting on that." + +"And so am I," said Ruth. "Come, now, Daddy. No more work to-night." + +As Russ had predicted, Mr. Pertell was not long in learning of the +success of the play in which Ruth and Alice had main parts. In a day +or so there came an increased demand for the films of the drama, and +the manager was well pleased. + +"And now I'm going to keep the promise I made you," he said to Ruth +and Alice. "I've been holding back on a big drama, waiting until I +saw how that one turned out. I didn't have any doubts, though, after +I saw you two act. Now I'm going to star you in that. And afterward, +well, we'll see what will happen. I've got a lot of ideas I want to +try," he added. + +"Mr. DeVere," the manager went on, "I believe you told me at one time +that you did not care to do any acting that took you out in the open; +am I right?" + +"I did say that," admitted the actor, in his husky voice; "but I +think I have changed my mind since then. I believe I would like to +get out of doors more." + +"Then I have the very thing for you and your daughters, too," the +manager said. "That is, if they have no objection to going out of +doors?" and he looked questioningly at them. + +"We'd love it!" cried Alice. + +"Then I'll make my plans," went on Mr. Pertell, after a confirmatory +nod from Mr. DeVere. "I think you'll like your parts. One of the acts +takes place on a yacht. I've hired one for a little trip down the +bay, and you can play at being millionaires for a day." + +"How lovely!" cried Ruth, and clapped her hands gleefully. + +"It is fine on the water these days!" exclaimed Alice. + +"I'll have your parts ready soon," went on the manager. "I must start +some of the other dramas going now," and he glanced about the studio. +Off in one corner, talking together, were Miss Pennington and Miss +Dixon, and, as the two actresses conversed they cast envious glances, +from time to time, at Alice and Ruth. They were plainly jealous of +the rapid rise of our two friends, but the moving picture girls bore +in mind what motherly Mrs. Maguire had told them, and did not worry. + +Mr. Pertell and his assistants gave out the parts in another play, +and the rehearsals began. Almost at the start there was trouble. + +"I'm not going to play that part!" objected Wellington Bunn, stalking +with a tragic air toward the manager. + +"Why, what's the matter with your part?" + +"Why, you have been promising that you would put on one of +Shakespeare's plays, and give me a chance in Hamlet, and here you go +and cast me for one of a gang of counterfeiters. I have to wear a +black mask. The public will not know that it is Wellington Bunn +playing." + +"Well, maybe it's a good thing they won't," murmured the manager, but +what he said, aloud, was: + +"You will have to take that part, Mr. Bunn, or look for another +engagement." + +"Then I'll leave!" the old actor declared gloomily. + +But a little later he was observed to be putting on his mask, and +taking his place in the "den of the counterfeiters," as the screen +announced the place to be. It was one of the masterpieces of scenery +evolved by Pop Snooks. And a little later he transformed the same +scene, with a little manipulation, into the cave of a thirteenth +century monk. Such was Pop Snooks. + +"Ha! Ha! I haf a funny part!" laughed Carl Switzer, a little later. + +"What is it?" asked Russ, who was getting a camera in readiness for +action. + +"Ha! It iss dot I go in a restaurant, und order a meal. Der vaiter he +brings me some cheese und I am so thoughtfulness dot I put red pepper +and horse radish on it. Den, ven I eat it I jumps ofer der table +alretty yet. Dot is a fine part!" and he laughed gleefully, for Mr. +Switzer was a simple soul. + +A little later Alice and Ruth were given their new parts to study. It +was announced that rehearsals would take place in a day or two, and +many of the scenes were to be out of doors, some of them taking place +on a yacht. Meanwhile Mr. DeVere went through with his role in a film +drama, Ruth and Alice not being called on. + +Finally announcement was made that the work of preparation for +filming the big drama would be undertaken. This was the most +ambitious play yet planned by Mr. Pertell, and he was anxious to make +it a success. + +That the price of success is high was amply proven in the next week. +Everyone worked hard at the rehearsals, and none harder than Ruth +and Alice. They were determined that their parts should be a credit +to the performance. Later they learned that Miss Pennington and Miss +Dixon had pleaded for the roles assigned to them. + +But Mr. Pertell was true to his promise, and kept Alice and Ruth in +their assigned places. The drama was an elaborate one, involving the +making of special scenery, and Pop Snooks had to call in several +assistants. But he liked that. + +Then, too, the location of the outdoor scenes had to be chosen with +care, to fit properly into the story. + +But at last the rehearsals were complete, including those for the +outdoor scenes. Of course the latter were rehearsed in the studio +first, so that when the time came to film such as the scenes on the +yacht, the pictures could be made without any preliminary trial on +the vessel itself. To this end Pop had set up in the studio enough of +the deck and fittings of a yacht to enable the performers to +familiarize themselves with them. + +"And now for the real thing!" exclaimed Russ, as a goodly part of the +company, including Mr. DeVere and his daughters, started for the +Battery one morning. They were to board the yacht there, and one of +the scenes would show the girls going up the gang-plank. + +It was a beautiful day in early summer, when even New York, with its +rattle of elevated trains, rumble of the surface cars and hurry and +scurry of automobiles, was attractive. + +Quite a throng of curious people gathered when the film theatrical +company prepared to board the vessel which had been chartered for the +occasion. The embarking place was near the round building, now used +as an Aquarium, but which, in former years, was Castle Garden, the +immigrant landing station. + +"All ready now--start aboard," ordered Mr. Pertell. "And, Russ, get +your camera a little more this way. I want to show off the yacht as +well as possible." + +The moving picture operator shifted his three-legged machine to one +side, and was about to start moving the film, as Ruth, Alice and the +others, presumably of a gay yachting party, started up the +gang-plank. + +Several feet of film had been exposed, when there was a series of +shouts and cries back of the crowd that had gathered to see the +pictures made in the open air. Then came a warning: + +"A runaway! A runaway horse! Look out!" + +The crowd parted, and Ruth, looking up, saw a big horse, attached to +a dray, dashing along one of the walks of Battery Park, having +evidently come from one of the steamship piers nearby. + +"Grab him, somebody!" yelled Mr. Pertell. "He'll spoil the picture!" +That seemed to be his main thought. + +On came the maddened animal, while the crowd scattered still more. +Russ continued to make pictures, for the beast was not yet in focus. + +"Go on! Keep moving!" directed Mr. Pertell to Ruth, Alice and the +others. "Maybe you can get aboard before he gets here. Watch +yourself, Russ!" + +But the horse was charging directly for the gang-plank, and with +frightened eyes Ruth, Alice and some of the others prepared to rush +back to the pier. + +"Go on! I'll get that horse!" cried a voice back of Mr. Pertell, and +a man, apparently a farmer, sprang at the head of the plunging steed. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +FARMER SANDY APGAR + + +For a moment there was considerable confusion and excitement. Men in +pursuit of the frantic animal had rushed after him, calling warnings +to those in the zone of danger. Two policemen ran up to intercept the +steed. + +As for the moving picture actresses they hardly knew what to do. If +the plunging animal crashed into the gang-plank he might injure a +number of the performers, and break the rather frail structure, +letting them slip into the water. + +"That picture will be spoiled!" groaned Mr. Pertell. + +"No, it won't!" cried Russ. "Go on! I'm getting you all right. The +horse isn't in range yet and that young fellow has him now. Go on!" + +Ruth and Alice gathered courage and the others followed, going +through with the little gang-plank "business" called for in the +play. + +And indeed the quick-witted, rustic youth had the frantic horse in a +firm grip. He seemed to know just how to handle frightened animals, +and by the time the two policemen had reached him, the beast, though +still restive, had quieted down. + +"Good work, young fellow!" called one of the officers. "Whose horse +is it?" + +"I don't know, constable," was the answer, given with a country twang +that caused several spectators to smile. "I jest seen him comin' and +I see he was headed for them people what's goin' to Europe, I expect. +I didn't want their voyage spoiled, so I jest jumped at his head." + +"Well, you know how to do it, all right," said the second +"constable," as the young farmer had called the policemen. + +"I ought to know how to handle horses," was the answer, as the youth +relinquished the reins to the officer. "I've been among 'em all my +life. I was brought up on a farm." + +He looked it, but there was something in his simple, manly face, and +in the look of his honest blue eyes, that made one like him. + +"Good work, all right!" repeated the first officer. "I'll take your +name, young fellow, for my report," and he drew out a notebook. "I'll +also want to find out to whom the horse belongs, but I s'pose the +truckman's license number will be a clue." + +"He's mine," broke in a voice, as a drayman pushed his way through +the crowd. "Some boys got to fooling around him, and he started off. +No damage done, I hope." + +"No," replied the policeman, "but you want to tie your animal after +this. He might have hurt someone--probably would have if it hadn't +been for this chap. What's your name?" he asked the young farmer. + +"Sandy Apgar." + +"And where do you live?" + +"On Oak Farm." + +"Never heard of the place," went on the officer, with a smile. + +"Oh, that's the name of our farm. It's jest outside the town of +Beatonville, about forty miles back in Jersey." + +"Oh, Jersey!" laughed the officer. "No wonder! Well, there's your +horse, truckman. And now I want your name." + +"Can I go, or do I have to appear in court?" asked Sandy Apgar. "I +hope I don't, 'caused I'm in a hurry to git back to the farm. I've +got a passel of work to do there, with the weather coming on the way +it is. + +"No, I guess you won't have to go to court," laughed the policeman. +"We're much obliged to you." + +"And so am I," added the truckman. "I haven't got any money to give +you, because business is poor----" + +"Oh, that's all right," said Sandy with a generous wave of his hand. +"I don't stop runaway horses for a livin'. I farm it." + +"If you ever want any carting done," went on the drayman, "you send +for me, young feller, and it won't cost you a cent." + +"Guess you wouldn't want to do any cartin' as far as Beatonville," +laughed Sandy. "Folks out there don't ever move--they jest die and +are buried in the same place. And I guess this is my last trip to New +York in a long while. I'm jest as much obliged though," and patting +the nose of the now quieted horse, he moved off through the thinning +crowd. But he was not to escape unnoticed. + +Mr. Pertell had learned, by a hasty talk with Russ, that the horse +had been stopped just in time to avoid spoiling any of the film. Russ +had continued to make the pictures and the first act of the new drama +was a success. The other scenes would take place on board the +chartered yacht. + +So when the manager saw Sandy Apgar, who by his quick work had saved +a film from being spoiled, making his way out of the throng, the +theatrical man called to him: + +"One moment, please. I want to thank you." + +"Gosh! I'm getting thanked all around to-day!" laughed the young +fellow. + +"Well, I want to make it a little more substantial, then," went on +the manager. "You saved me a few dollars." + +"Oh, pshaw, that's nothing!" returned Sandy. "I guess your trip to +Europe could have gone on." + +"Europe?" questioned Mr. Pertell. + +"Yes; ain't you folks going to Europe?" + +"No, this is only a make-believe trip," laughed the manager. "It's +for moving pictures. See, there's the chap who was taking the films, +and they'd been spoiled if that horse got on the gang-plank. So you +see what you did for us." + +"Moving pictures; eh?" mused Sandy. "I thought they had to be took in +the dark. Leastways, all I ever saw was in the dark." + +"Oh, that's just to show them," the manager explained. "But we ought +to be under way now. Can you come aboard for a little trip? We'll +soon be back, and I want to thank you properly. I haven't time now. +Come, take a little trip with us." + +"Well, I s'pose I can," responded Sandy, slowly. "But I ought to be +gettin' back to Oak Farm." + +However, he went aboard the yacht, looking curiously about him, and +more curiously at Russ, who began making more pictures as the yacht +steamed off down the bay. + +There were to be a number of scenes on board, but they would not be +filmed until the yacht was farther out. Meanwhile, however, the +progress of the ship down the bay was to be depicted on the screen, +so Russ took pictures from either rail, no members of the company +being required in these. Mr. Pertell thus had a chance to talk to +Sandy. + +The young fellow was very willing to tell about himself. + +"Yes, I live on a farm," he said. "It's a right nice place, too, in +summer, though lonesome in winter. I've lived there all my twenty-two +years--never knew any other place." + +"Do you live there all alone?" asked Ruth, for the young farmer had +been introduced to the members of the company. + +"No, my father and mother are there with me. Father is Mr. Felix +Apgar--maybe you've heard of him?" the young man asked the manager, +innocently. + +"No, I don't think so," and Mr. Pertell had hard work to repress a +smile. + +"Well, he used to ship a lot of asparagus to New York, but maybe that +was before your day," went on Sandy. "Pop is too feeble to work now, +so I'm running the farm for him. And it--it's sorter hard," he added, +rather pathetically. "Especially when you ain't got any too much +money. I come to New York to raise some," he went on, "but folks +don't seem to want to part with any--especially on a second +mortgage." + +"Is that what you came for?" asked Mr. Pertell. + +"Yep. I come to raise some money--we need it bad, out our way, but I +couldn't do it." + +"Suppose you tell me," suggested Mr. Pertell. "I may be able to help +you." + +"Say, Mister, I reckon you've got enough troubles of your own, +without bothering with mine," said Sandy. "Besides, maybe Pop +wouldn't like me to tell. No, I'll jest make another try somewhere +else. But we sure do need cash!" + +"What for?" asked the manager, impulsively. + +"Oh, maybe pop wouldn't like me to say. Never mind. It was sure good +of you to ask me for this ride. The folks at Beatonville won't +believe me when I tell 'em. But say, if ever you folks come out +there, we'll give you a right good time--at Oak Farm!" he added, +generously. + +"Is your farm a large one?" asked the manager. + +"Hundred and sixty acres. Some woodland, some flat, a lot of it hilly +and stony, and part with a big creek on it." + +"Hum," mused Mr. Pertell. "That sounds interesting. I've been looking +for a good farm to stage several rural dramas on, and your place may +be just what I need." + +"To buy?" asked Sandy, eagerly. + +"Oh, no. But I might rent part of it for a time. I'll talk to you +about it later. I've got to get some of these scenes going now," and +the manager went to confer with Russ. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +OVERHEARD + + +The trip down the bay on the yacht was enjoyed by all, even though +much of the time was taken up in depicting scenes from the drama. +Sandy Apgar looked on curiously while the drama was being filmed, and +when Ruth and Alice were not acting they talked to the young farmer. + +They found him good-natured and rather simple, yet with a fund of +homely wit and philosophy that stood him in good stead. He described +Beatonville to them, and the farm where he and his aged parents tried +to wrest a living from nature--that was none too kind. + +"I've had quite a little vacation since I come to New York," Sandy +said, "though it did take quite a bit of money. I reckon pop, though, +will be disappointed that I can't bring back with me the promise of +some cash." + +"Then you need money very badly?" asked Alice. + +"Yes, Miss. And I guess there ain't many farmers but what do. +Leastways, I never met any that was millionaires. Though if the folks +back home could see me now they'd think I was one, sittin' here doin' +nothin'. It sure is great!" + +The girls were called away to enact some of the scenes requiring +their presence, and when they came back they found Sandy in +conversation with the manager. + +The girls saw Mr. Pertell give Sandy some bills, and when the young +farmer protested, the manager said: + +"Now never mind that!! You saved me more than that in stopping that +runaway horse from spoiling my film and scene. You just take it, and +when I get a chance I'll run up to your farm and look it over. + +"I haven't got all my plans made yet, but I'm thinking of making a +series of plays with an old-fashioned farm as a background. Is your +place old-fashioned?" he asked. + +"That's what some city folks said once, when they stopped in their +automobile to get a glass of milk," replied Sandy. "We haven't any +electric lights, nor even a telephone. So I guess we're +old-fashioned, all right." + +"I should say so," laughed Mr. Pertell. "Well, it may be the very +thing I need when I go out on the rural circuit with my company. If +it is, I could pay for the use of your farm, and it wouldn't +interfere with your getting in the crops. In fact, I would probably +want some scenes of harvesting, and the like." + +"Well, come and we'll make you welcome," responded Sandy, warmly. +"Only I never expected to get paid for stopping a runaway horse," he +added as he looked at the roll of bills. + +"Well, take it and have a good time during the rest of your stay in +New York," advised the manager. + +"Money's too scarce to waste on a good time," replied the young +farmer, cautiously. "I'll use this to make up what I spent on +railroad fare. My trip was a failure, but pop and mom will be glad it +didn't cost me as much as I calculated, thanks to you. I hope you +will get out to Oak Farm." + +"Oh, you'll probably see me," Mr. Pertell assured him. "Give me your +address." + +The making of the films went on, and the water scenes of this latest +and most elaborate drama were nearly all taken. + +"Now we will have the scene in the small boat, where the party puts +off to visit friends on the other vessel," announced Mr. Pertell. +"They don't actually get there, as the alarm on board this vessel +brings them back. But we'll have to show the start. Now, Mr. Sneed, +you are to go in the small boat first." + +Some of the sailors on board the yacht prepared to lower a boat from +the davits, but Pepper Sneed held back. + +"Do I have to get into that small boat?" he asked, dubiously. + +"Certainly!" replied Mr. Pertell. "There is no danger." + +"No danger!" cried Pepper Sneed. "What! In that small boat? Look at +the waves!" and he pointed over the side. There was only a gentle +swell on. + +"It's as calm as a mill pond," spoke one of the sailors. + +"Mill pond! Don't say mill pond to me!" cried the grouchy actor. "I +fell in one once." + +"Well, you won't fall now," declared the manager. "Get in the boat. I +want to show it being lowered over the side with you in it." + +"Well, if I have to--I'll have to, I suppose," groaned Mr. Sneed. +"But I know something will happen." + +But matters seemed going smoothly enough. The sailors were carefully +lowering the small craft, and it was nearly at the surface of the +water. Russ, up in the bow of the yacht, where he could get a good +view, was making the pictures. + +Suddenly, when the boat was a few feet from the ripples on the bay, +one of the ropes slipped quickly through the davit block. One end of +the boat went down quite fast and Pepper Sneed was heard to yell: + +"Here I go! I knew something would happen! Help! I'm going to sink! +Help! Oh, why did I ever get into this business!" + +But with great presence of mind the other sailors lowered away on +their rope, so that the other end of the boat went down also, and in +another instant it was riding on an even keel. Nothing had happened +except that Pepper Sneed had been badly scared. + +"Did you get that, Russ?" asked the manager, anxiously. + +"Oh, yes." + +"How was it?" + +"Fine! It will be all the better with that little mistake in--look +more natural." + +"Good! Then we'll leave it in. Now the rest of you get down the +accommodation ladder. Stay there, Mr. Sneed!" he called to the +grouchy actor, who seemed to want to leave the boat. + +"What! Are more of them coming in this little cockleshell?" + +"Certainly. That boat will hold twenty. Keep your place." + +"Well, we'll all be drowned, you mark my words!" predicted Mr. Sneed. +But nothing else happened and that part of the film was successfully +made. + +Then came more scenes aboard the yacht, until the water parts of the +drama were completed. + +Late that afternoon the party of moving picture players returned to +New York. Sandy Apgar bade his new friends good-bye, expressing the +hope that he would soon see them at Oak Farm. + +"Excuse me, Mr. Pertell," said Alice, when they got back to the +studio, and instructions had been given out for the indoor rehearsals +next day, "excuse me, but I could not help overhearing what you said +about the possibility of some farm dramas. Do you intend to film some +of those?" + +"Indeed I do," he answered, with a smile. "Why, would you and your +sister like to be in them?" + +"Very much!" + +"Well, then, if this big play proves a success--and I see no reason +why it should not--I shall take you and the rest of the company out +to the country for the summer. We may go to Oak Farm, or to some +other place; but we'll try a circuit of rural dramas, and see how +they go." + +Alice went to tell Ruth the good news. She found her sister in the +dressing room, getting ready for the street. + +"I think that will be fine!" exclaimed Ruth. "Listen, dear, daddy +told me he had some business to attend to downtown, so he won't be +home to supper. He suggested that we two go to a restaurant, and I +think I'd like it--don't you? It will round out the day!" + +"Of course. Let's go. I'm _so_ hungry from that little water trip!" + +A short time afterward the girls sat in a quiet restaurant, not far +from the moving picture studio. There were not many persons there +yet, for it was rather early. Ruth and Alice had taken a cosy little +corner, of which there were a number in the place. + +"We are coming on!" remarked Alice, as she gave her order. + +"We certainly are!" agreed Ruth. "Who would ever have thought that we +would get to be moving picture girls? I think----" + +"Hush!" cautioned Alice, raising her hand for silence. Then the two +girls heard some men in the next screened-off place talking, and one +of them spoke loudly enough to be overheard. + +"I'm sure we can get it," he was saying. "It's a nice little patent, +and all the movies in the country will want it. It makes the pictures +clearer and steadier. I tried to make a deal with him for it, but he +turned me down. Now I'm going to get it anyhow, if you'll help." + +"But how can you get it if it's patented?" another voice asked. + +"That's the joke of it. It isn't patented yet. And all we need is the +working model, and we can make one like it and patent it ourselves. +Are you with me?" + +"I guess so--yes!" was the answer. + +"Good, then we'll get the model to-night and start a patent of our +own. I know where he's taken it." + +There was a scraping of chairs, indicating that the men were leaving. +Ruth and Alice gazed at each other with startled eyes. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE WARNING + + +"Did you hear that?" asked Ruth of Alice, in a whisper. + +"Yes! Hush! Don't let them hear you!" + +Ruth looked apprehensively over the back of her chair, but beheld no +one. The noise made by the men as they were going out grew fainter. + +Alice rose from her chair. + +"What are you going to do?" asked Ruth, laying a detaining hand on +her sister's arm. + +"I'm going to see who those men are." + +"Don't. They may----" + +Alice made a gesture of silence. + +"I'm pretty sure who one of them is," she whispered, as she bent down +close to Ruth. "But I want to make certain." + +"But Alice----" + +"Now, Ruth, be sensible," went on Alice, as she passed around back of +her sister's chair. "You heard what was said. I'm sure those men +have some designs on that patent Russ has worked so hard over. We +must tell him about them, and put him on his guard." + +"You may get into danger." + +It was curious how, in this emergency--as she had often done of +late--Alice took the lead over her older sister. And Ruth did not +object to it, but seemed to follow naturally after Alice led the way. + +"Danger!" laughed Alice softly, as she came to a position behind the +screen, whence she could note who the men going out were. "There's no +danger in a public restaurant like this. And I'm only going to make +sure who that man is. Then we'll go tell Russ." + +Ruth made no further objection, and turned to watch her sister. The +men had come to a halt at the desk of the cashier, to pay their +checks, and their backs were toward Alice. An instant later, however, +one of them had turned around and faced toward the rear of the +restaurant. + +Alice darted behind the screen with a quick intaking of her breath. +She had recognized the man, and was fearful lest he know her. + +For he was the fellow with whom Russ had been in dispute in the +hallway that day, when the DeVeres' door had flown open. + +"Simp Wolley!" whispered Alice, in tense tones to Ruth. "It's that +man who was after Russ's patent." + +"Then don't let him see you." + +"I won't--no danger. They're going out now. Come on!" + +"Where?" asked Ruth, as Alice reached for her gloves. + +"We must go to warn Russ." + +"But we haven't eaten what we ordered," objected Ruth, pointing to +the food, hardly touched, on the table. + +"No matter, we can pay for it." + +"But the cashier will think it so odd." + +"What do we care. It's our food--we'll pay for it, and we can do what +we like with it then. We can eat it or not." + +"But they'll think it so queer. They may think we have some prejudice +against it, and----" + +Ruth was a stickler for the established order of things. Alice was +more in the habit of taking "cross-cuts." + +"Don't be silly!" exclaimed the younger girl. "We've just got to get +out of here and warn Russ before those men have a chance to take his +patent. You heard what they said about doing it to-night!" + +"Well, I suppose we must," assented Ruth, with a sigh. "But it seems +a shame to waste all that good food." + +"It won't be wasted. We can tell them to give it to some poor +person." + +"Oh, Alice! You are so--so queer." + +"I'd be worse than queer if I sat here and ate while Russ was being +robbed of his patent. I should think you'd want to help him. I +thought you and he----" + +"Alice!" warned Ruth, with a sudden assumption of dignity. But she +blushed prettily. + +"Oh, you know what I mean. Come on. Don't sit there talking any +longer, and raising objections. We've got to hurry." + +"Yes, I suppose so. Oh, Alice, I hope nothing happens!" + +"So do I." + +"I mean to us." + +"And I mean to Russ. A distinction without a difference." + +The two girls drew on their gloves and left the restaurant. As Ruth +had expected, the cashier at the desk looked at them curiously as +they paid for the meal they had not eaten. But Alice forestalled any +open criticism by saying: + +"We find we have to leave sooner than we expected. If you like, give +our meal to some poor person. We haven't had time to touch it." + +"Oh, all right," answered the young girl at the desk. "We often give +what is left over to charity, and I'm sure the food on your table +won't come amiss. If you like I'll speak to the manager, and see if +he'll give you a rebate----" + +"No, we haven't time for that--too much of a hurry," answered Alice. +"Come along, Ruth." + +They hurried outside, and Alice glanced quickly up and down the +street for a glimpse of the two men. They were not in sight. + +"I wish we were rich!" suddenly exclaimed Alice, as she took her +sister's arm, and hurried in the direction of the elevated that would +take them home. + +"Why?" asked Ruth. + +"Because then we could afford to take a taxicab. We ought to warn +Russ as soon as possible. How much money have you, Ruth?" + +"Not enough for a taxicab, I'm afraid." She hastily counted it over. +Alice did the same. + +"No," decided the younger girl, with a sigh. "I guess we'd better +not. At least--not yet. We may have to--later." + +"What do you mean?" asked Ruth. + +"I mean we can't tell what will happen before we are able to tell +Russ. He's hardly likely to be at home now, and we may have to +search for him." + +"But we can go home and tell his mother and Billy. One of them could +find him, and warn him. Billy knows New York even better than we do." + +"Yes, I suppose so. Well, we'll go to the apartment and see what +happens there." + +But at the Fenmore the girls had their first disappointment, for none +of the Dalwoods was at home. Nor did any of the neighbors know where +they had gone. For persons in New York, even in the same apartment +house, are not very likely to become acquainted with one another, and +often families may live in adjoining flats for a long time, without +passing beyond the bowing stage. As for keeping track of the comings +and goings of their neighbors, it is never thought of, unless +something out of the ordinary occurs. + +Echoes only answered the knocking of Ruth and Alice, and the two +girls faced each other in the hallway with anxious looks on their +faces. + +"What shall we do?" asked Ruth. "None of them is home. How can we +warn Russ?" + +"I don't know. I've got to think!" exclaimed Alice. "Come in our +place and let's sit down a minute. We can make a cup of tea. I was so +hungry, and to leave that nice little meal--well, we just had to do +it, that's all." + +Tea was soon in process of making, and while the girls set out some +cakes and a jar of jam for a hasty meal they did some rapid thinking. + +"Did you ever hear Russ say where it was he was having his patent +attachment made?" asked Alice. + +"I never did," confessed Ruth. "He said it was somewhere on the East +Side, but that's very indefinite." + +"Then the only thing to do is to find Russ and tell him," decided +Alice, as she removed, with the tip of her tongue, a spot of jam from +a forefinger. "We've just got to find him. + +"Now I'll tell you what we'll do, Ruth. You stay here and as soon as +Mrs. Dalwood, or Billy, or perhaps even Russ comes home, you tell +them all about this plot." + +"But what will you do?" + +"I'll go find Russ." + +"What! Alone?" + +"Why not? We can't both go. Oh, I see!" and a light broke over the +face of Alice. "You mean you think it's _your_ place to warn him. +Well, maybe it is. I'm sure he would like----" + +"Now, Alice, I didn't mean that at all, and you know it. I meant you +oughtn't to be going about New York alone, and it's getting late. It +will soon be dark." + +"Nonsense! It isn't six o'clock yet." + +"I know. But I can't allow you. We'll both go." + +"But someone ought to be here to tell them as soon as one comes +home." + +"We can write a note and leave it under the door. Then we can leave a +note for daddy. He'll be worried when he comes back and finds us +gone. That's the best plan, Alice. Leave a note for Russ, and then +you and I will try to find him. They may know at the studio where he +has gone. Or he may be there yet." + +"All right!" agreed Alice, after a moment's thought. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +THE MISSING MODEL + + +Two notes were quickly written. One was left on the table in the +girls' apartment, telling their father that they were going out for a +little while, to try to locate Russ on a matter of some importance +connected with the moving pictures. + +"There's no use telling daddy what has happened," said Alice. "He +would only worry, and really there's no danger. We are merely going +to warn Russ. He'll have to look after the men himself. But daddy +would be sure to think we would get into some trouble. So we may as +well not bother him." + +"All right!" agreed Ruth. She was entering into the spirit of the +affair now. Her eyes were shining and her cheeks vied in hue with +those of Alice. + +The other note, marked "Urgent!" was thrust under the kitchen door of +the Dalwood flat. + +"They'll be sure to see that," remarked Alice. "And, no matter if +only Billy comes home first, he'll know what to do," for the story of +the men's talk in the restaurant had been briefly set down on the +paper. + +Then, but not without many misgivings, the girls set out to try to +find Russ. + +"We can call up the studio on the telephone," suggested Alice, as she +and her sister reached the street. "That will be the quickest way. If +Russ isn't there they may be able to tell us where he is, or Mr. +Pertell may know where the model is--I mean the machine shop where +the apparatus is being turned out." + +"That's so," agreed Ruth. "Why, we could have used one of the +telephones in the apartment!" + +"No, some of the neighbors would overhear us, and we don't want +that." + +"Why not?" Ruth wanted to know. + +"Because you can't tell but one of those men may be watching this +place, and some of the neighbors may be in league with them. Besides, +all the telephones here are on party wires, and when you talk over +one, some of the other subscribers on the same circuit may listen, +for all we can tell. It isn't safe." + +"My! You think of everything!" exclaimed Ruth, admiringly. "How do +you manage it?" + +"Oh, it just seems to come to me," replied Alice, with a laugh. "Come +on," she added, after they had walked a little way. "There's a drug +store and there's a telephone booth in it. Do you want to talk to +Russ, in case he's there?" + +"Oh, no, you'd better," responded Ruth, blushing. + +"I will not. I'll call up the studio, but if he's there I want you to +be the one to tell him. He'll appreciate it." + +"All right," agreed Ruth, and the blush grew deeper. + +Alice quickly got the number of the moving picture studio. There was +a private branch exchange there, and Alice knew the girl operator. + +"I want to get Russ Dalwood in a hurry," Alice explained to Miss +Miller, who ran the switchboard. "You try the different departments +until you find him. I'll be here, holding the wire." + +"All right!" returned Miss Miller, in crisp, business-like tones. +Perhaps she suspected that something was wrong. + +Then ensued a nervous waiting. Alice opened the door of the booth and +told Ruth what she had done. + +"I'll let you talk to Russ as soon as he answers," she said. + +Ruth nodded understandingly. But it seemed that Russ was not to be so +easily found. Through her receiver Alice could hear Miss Miller +ringing the telephones in the different departments of the big studio +building. One after the other was tried, from the office to the dark +developing rooms, and then the printing rooms. Most of the employees +had gone for the day, but such as were present evidently made answer +that the young moving picture operator was not there. + +"I can't locate him," said Miss Miller to Alice, finally. "They say +he was here about a half-hour ago, but has gone out." + +"Don't they know where he went?" asked Alice. "It's very important +that we find him." + +"I'll see if anyone knows," came back the answer. Then ensued more +waiting, but at the end came a gleam of hope. + +"Mr. Blackson, in the camera room, says he heard Russ say he was +going to the Odeon Theater," Miss Miller stated. "He is trying to get +one of his attachments tried there." + +"Where is the Odeon?" asked Alice, nervously drumming with her +fingers on the telephone shelf. + +"It's on Eightieth Street somewhere. Wait, I'll look up the telephone +number for you. They take our service, you know." + +In a few seconds Miss Miller had given the desired information, and +then Alice said "good-bye" to her, frantically working the receiver +hook of her instrument up and down to call the attention of the main +central operator. + +"And give them a good, long ring!" Alice added, as she gave the +number. "It's very important." + +"Very well," answered central. + +There came more waiting. It was a bad time to get anyone, for it was +now shortly after six o'clock, just when most persons were leaving +for home or supper. + +"Can't you get them?" asked Ruth, as Alice opened the 'phone booth +door for a breath of air. + +"I'm trying, dear. He'd left the studio, but may be at a moving +picture theater. There, they've answered at last!" + +Alice pulled the door shut with her disengaged hand, and spoke +eagerly into the transmitter. + +"Is Mr. Russ Dalwood there? It's very important!" + +Ruth saw the look of dismay that came over her sister's face. Then +through the double glass door she heard Alice say: + +"He's gone! And you don't know where? Left ten minutes ago? Oh +dear!" + +Slowly she hung up the receiver. There seemed nothing else to do. She +came out of the booth, her face showing her disappointment. + +"He's gone, Ruth," she said. "What had we better do?" + +"I think the only thing to do is to go back home and wait for him. He +may be there now. Or his mother or Billy may. Come on home." + +It was Ruth who was directing now, and Alice, after a moment of +thought, saw that this was the only thing to do. Quickly they +retraced their steps to the apartment house. Without stopping to +enter their own flat they knocked on the Dalwood door. A few seconds +of anxious waiting brought no answer. + +"Not home yet!" exclaimed Alice. "Oh, what a shame." + +Ruth turned to their own flat. Entering with a pass-key she saw at a +glance that their father had not come home. The note for him was +still on the table. + +Then, as puzzled and disappointed, the two girls stood in the center +of the room, they heard someone coming up the stairs that led to +their flat. A second later and a merry whistle broke out. + +"There he is--that's Russ!" cried Alice, joyfully. "I'll tell him; +no--you go!" she added hastily, thrusting her sister before her into +the hallway. + +The whistle broke off into a discord as Russ saw Ruth standing +waiting for him. Something in her face must have told him something +was the matter, for he came up the remaining steps three at a time. + +"What is it? What has happened?" he asked. "Is someone hurt?" + +"No, it's your patent--the model. Some men--Alice and I overheard +them in the restaurant--we've been trying to get you on the +'phone--I--we----" + +Then Alice broke in. + +"They're after your moving picture machine patent, Russ! They're +going to get it to-night--Simp Wolley! You've got to hurry!" + +Between them the girls quickly told what they had overheard. + +Russ's eyes snapped. + +"So that's the game; is it?" he cried. "Well, I'll stop them! I'm +mighty glad you told me. My patent model, the drawings and everything +are at Burton's machine shop. It isn't far from here. I'll go right +away--in a taxicab. Do you----" he hesitated a moment. "Do you want +to come?" + +"We might be able to help," suggested Alice to Ruth. "At any rate, +we'll have to give evidence against those men if they get them. Shall +we go, Ruth?" + +"I--I think so--yes." + +"Bravo!" whispered Alice in her ear. "That note to daddy will answer. +You'd better leave another in place of the one we wrote to you, +Russ." + +"I will," he exclaimed as he entered his own flat. "But mother and +Billy won't be home until late, anyhow. They're going to stay to +supper with relatives. Still, I'll explain in case I should be +delayed." + +Quickly he dashed off another note for his mother, and then, with the +two girls, he hurried down to the street. There was a taxicab stand +just around the corner, and the three were quickly on their way to +the machine shop, while Ruth and Alice took turns giving more details +of the scene in the restaurant. + +"Here we are!" announced Russ, a little later, as the cab drew up, +with a screeching of brakes, in front of a rather dingy building. "I +only hope we're in time, and that Burton hasn't gone yet." + +He jumped out of the cab, leaving Ruth and Alice sitting there. +Frantically he threw open the door and rushed up the shop stairs. + +"Oh, I do hope he is in time," breathed Ruth, softly. + +"So do I," spoke Alice. "I wonder how men can be so mean as to want +to take what isn't theirs?" + +"I don't know, dear. Oh, hasn't this been an exciting day?" + +"I should say it had. If ever--there's Russ now!" she interrupted +herself to exclaim. "Oh, Ruth. It looks as though we were too late!" + +For Russ, with a dejected look on his face, was crossing the pavement +toward the cab. + +"It--it's gone," he said brokenly. "Simp Wolley was here a half-hour +ago and got it!" + +"But how could he?" asked Alice in surprise. "Who gave it to him?" + +"Mr. Burton. There was a forged order, supposed to be from me, and +the machinist handed over the model," and Russ extended a crumpled +and grimy bit of paper. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +THE PURSUIT + + +"How did it happen, Russ?" + +"Where have the men gone with the model?" + +"Can't you get some trace of them?" + +Thus Ruth and Alice questioned their friend, as he stood at the open +window of the taxicab, looking at the crumpled paper. + +"I--I don't understand it all," he confessed. "After I knew those +fellows were after my patent I cautioned Mr. Burton about letting any +strangers see it." + +A figure came into the doorway of the machine shop. It was that of an +elderly man, with steel-rimmed spectacles. His face was grimy with +the dirt of metal. + +"I'm awfully sorry, Russ," he said, contritely. "But of course I +thought the note was from you, and gave up the model." + +"Did Simp Wolley get it?" asked Alice, eagerly. + +"No, a uniformed messenger boy came for it," explained Russ. "That +was it; wasn't it, Mr. Burton?" + +"Yes. And I had no suspicions. You know you had said you might want +the model some time in a hurry, to demonstrate to possible buyers, +and of course when the boy came with the note I supposed you had sent +him. I'm not familiar enough with your handwriting to know it," he +added. + +"No, I suppose not," admitted Russ. "And yet if you had been this +might have deceived you. It is very like my writing. I guess Wolley +must have had a sample to practice on." + +"It all seemed regular," went on Mr. Burton. "I was working away, +making some of the finished appliances from your model and drawings, +when the boy brought the note. He was a regular messenger boy, I +could tell that. And the note only asked for the model--not for any +of the finished machines, of which I had two. He didn't even want the +drawings, or I might have been suspicious." + +"They won't need the drawings as long as they have the model. They +can make drawings themselves," spoke Russ. + +"But if they only have the model, and you still have some of the +finished appliances," asked Alice, "can't you get ahead of them +yet?" + +"I'm afraid not," Russ replied. "You see, the patent office doesn't +require models to be filed in all cases now. You can get a patent +merely on drawings. They can still get ahead of me." + +"Not if you file your drawings now!" exclaimed Ruth. + +"Yes, but I'm not ready. You see the machine isn't perfected yet. I +am still working on it. But they can file a prior claim, and get a +patent on something so near like mine that I would be refused a +patent when I applied. + +"You see I haven't made any formal application yet. Of course, if it +came to a question of a lawsuit, I might beat them out. But I have no +money to hire lawyers, and they have. The only thing for me to do is +to get that model back before they have a chance to use it to make +drawings from. And how to do it I don't know." + +"Do you know who that messenger boy was?" asked Alice suddenly of the +machinist. + +"I never saw him before, Miss--no. He came in a taxicab." + +"A taxicab!" cried Russ, excitedly. "You didn't say that before. Did +you happen to notice the number?" + +If ever Russ Dalwood was thankful it was then, and the cause of it +was that Mr. Burton had a mathematical mind in which figures seemed +to sprout by second nature. + +"I did notice the number," he said. "It isn't often that taxicabs +stop out in front here, and I looked from my window as one drew up at +the curb. I was working on your patent at the time. I saw the number +of the cab, later, as the messenger boy rode off in it with the +model." + +"What was it?" asked Russ, preparing to make a note. + +The machinist gave it to him. + +"Now if we can only trace it!" exclaimed the young inventor. + +"I guess I can help you out, friend," broke in their own taxicab +chauffeur. "I've got a list of all the cabs in New York, and the +companies that run them." Rapidly he consulted a notebook, and soon +had the desired information. The office of the company was not far +away, and Russ and the girls were soon speeding toward it. What the +next move was to be no one could say. + +The manager remembered the call that had come in. Two men had come +with a messenger boy to engage a cab to go to the address of the +machine shop. + +"And who were the two men?" asked Russ. + +The manager described one whom Ruth and Alice had no difficulty in +recognizing as Simp Wolley. + +"The other man was shorter and not so well dressed," the cab manager +went on. + +"Bud Brisket!" exclaimed Russ. "I know him. Now the question is: +Where did they take my model?" + +"There I'm afraid I can't help you," said the manager. + +"Wait!" exclaimed Alice. "Did you happen to notice the number on the +messenger boy's cap?" + +"No, I did not, I'm sorry to say," the man answered. + +"Then that clue is no good," spoke Russ, with a sigh. + +"It might be," put in Ruth. "The messenger was probably engaged from +the office nearest here. We could find that and make some inquiries." + +"So we could!" cried Alice. "Oh, Ruth, you're a dear!" + +Russ looked as though he would have said the same thing had he dared. + +An inquiry over the telephone to the main office of the messenger +service, brought the desired information. And soon, in their taxicab +Russ, Ruth and Alice were at the sub-station. There the identity of +the messenger was soon learned, and he was sent for. + +"Sure, I went to de machine shop," admitted the snub-nosed, +freckled-faced lad. "I got some sort of a thing. I didn't know what +it was." + +"And where did you take it?" asked Russ eagerly. + +"Right where dem men told me to. Dey met me around de corner, got in +de cab and rode off wid it." + +"And what did you do?" asked the manager of the messenger. + +"Oh, dey gave me carfare, an' a tip, and I come back here." + +"But where did they go?" asked Russ. + +"Off in de taxi. I didn't notice." + +Russ looked hopeless, but Ruth exclaimed: + +"We've got to go back to the taxi office and see the chauffeur of +that car. He's the only one who can tell us where the men are." + +"Good!" cried Russ. "We'll do it." + +Back again they went, to find that the car had just come in, after a +long trip. The chauffeur readily gave the address to which he had +driven the two men, after the messenger boy had gotten out. It was in +an obscure section of Jersey City. + +"And there's where I'm going!" cried Russ. "Wolley and Brisket are +probably going to try to work their scheme from there. But maybe I +can stop them." + +"I--I think we had better go home, Alice dear," said Ruth gently, at +this point. + +"Yes," sighed the other, "though I'd love to be there at the finish!" + +"Alice!" gasped her sister. + +"Well, I would," she said, defiantly. + +"Maybe it wouldn't be best," suggested Russ. "I'll get a friend of +mine, though. Now shall I take you home?" + +"No, indeed!" cried Ruth. "That will delay you. You go right on after +them. Alice and I can get home all right. It isn't late." + +"It will give me pleasure if the young ladies will allow me to send +them home in one of our cabs," put in the manager. "I am sorry that +any of our men was used in a criminal manner." + +"It wasn't your fault," spoke Russ. "But I guess the girls will be +glad to be sent home. I'll keep on. I haven't any time to lose." + +And while he sped off in his taxi, in pursuit of the men who were +trying to cheat him out of his patent, Ruth and Alice took their +places in another cab, and were driven back to the Fenmore Apartment. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +THE CAPTURE + + +Mr. DeVere was rather worried when he reached home, and found his +daughters' note. He puzzled over what could have taken them out with +Russ, and went across the hall to inquire. By this time Mrs. Dalwood +had returned, and found the note her son had left. + +There was not much information in it--Russ had not had time for +that--and the mystery seemed all the deeper. + +"I wonder what I had better do?" asked Mr. DeVere of Mrs. Dalwood. + +"Just don't do anything--and don't worry," she advised. "I know your +daughters are able to take care of themselves--especially Miss +Alice." + +"Yes, she seems very capable--of late," he agreed, remembering how +she had worked to get him into the moving picture business. + +"And with Russ no harm will come to them," went on Mrs. Dalwood. +"He's a good boy." + +"Indeed he is! But I wish I knew what it was all about." + +There was the honk of an auto horn in the street below, and as they +looked out, they saw, in the gleam of a street lamp, Ruth and Alice +alighting. + +"There they are now!" exclaimed Mr. DeVere, with a note of relief in +his voice. + +"But Russ isn't with them!" said Mrs. Dalwood, in surprise. "I wonder +what can have happened to him?" + +Anxiously the two parents waited until the girls came up. + +"Oh, such a time!" cried Alice, breathlessly. + +"Where's Russ?" demanded his mother. + +"After the men--Simp Wolley and Bud Brisket!" + +"Oh, those horrid men!" + +"He's all right," said Ruth, gently. "He is going to get Mr. Pertell +and an officer to go with him." + +"But what is it all about?" asked Mr. DeVere. + +Then, rather disjointedly, and with many interruptions, the girls +told the story of the afternoon and evening, for it was now nearly +nine o'clock. Of course Mr. DeVere and Mrs. Dalwood were much worried +when they learned what had happened, and the widow was not at her +ease when she thought of her son still not out of danger. + +"But I'm sure he will soon be back," declared Alice, confidently. She +was a great comfort in trouble--a real optimist. + +Then followed a period of anxious waiting. + +It was broken by the return of Russ, rather disheveled, tired and +excited, but with his precious model safe in the taxicab with him and +Mr. Pertell. + +"Why, Russ, where have you been?" cried Mrs. Dalwood. + +"I just wish I'd been there!" exclaimed Billy. "Was there a fight, +Russ?" + +"A--little one," he admitted, with a glance at the girls. "But it was +soon over." + +"And where are the men now?" asked Alice. + +"Safe in jail." + +Then he told what had happened. + +After Alice and Ruth had gone home in the taxicab he had called for +Mr. Pertell, explaining what had occurred. A special officer was +engaged, and the three went to the address in Jersey City, where +Wolley and Brisket had gone with the model. The place was in a rather +disreputable neighborhood. In a back room, which was approached with +caution, the two plotters were found with a draughtsman whom they +had hired to make drawings of the model. + +The two scoundrels were taken by surprise and easily overpowered, +after a short resistance. The draughtsman was an innocent party, and +was allowed to go, after promising to give evidence against Wolley +and Brisket. The latter were put under arrest, and with his precious +model safe in his possession Russ started for home. + +"They didn't have time to do a thing!" exclaimed the young inventor, +enthusiastically. "Thanks to you girls." + +"Oh, we didn't do anything," said Ruth, modestly. + +"I think you did!" cried Russ, looking at her admiringly. + +"It was all Alice!" she said. + +"'Twas you who thought of the most practical plans!" insisted the +younger girl. "Oh, Russ! I'm so glad!" + +"And so am I," said Ruth, softly. + +"Well, I must say, for two girls who haven't been much in public +life, you two are coming on," said Mr. DeVere, in his hoarse tones. +"But I am glad of it!" + +The prompt action of Alice and Ruth, enabling Russ to recover his +invention, worked against the plans of the plotters. They were +easily convicted of fraud, and sent to prison. As for the invention +of Russ, he soon perfected it, and put it out on royalty. Many moving +picture machine men agreed to use it on their projectors, and to pay +him a sum each year for the privilege. So Russ was assured of a +goodly income for some time. + + * * * * * + +"Well," said Ruth the next morning, as she and Alice arose late after +their evening of excitement, "now that is over, the next matter to be +considered is: What are we going to do from now on?" + +"Act in moving pictures, I should say," replied Alice. "We seem to be +committed to it now. I wonder how that big drama came out? I hope +it's a success. For I do so want to go on the rural circuit; don't +you?" + +"I think I do," answered Ruth. + +"Russ is going along to make the pictures, I believe," added Alice, +softly. + +"Is he?" asked Ruth, with an air of indifference. "And I suppose Paul +Ardite will be one of the company," she added. + +"How'd you guess?" laughed Alice. + +"A little bird told me." + +Two days later the entire company who had taken part in the making of +the big film, scenes of which were laid on the yacht, were invited +to see the pictures projected. + +From the very first it was seen that the play was going to be a +success--at least from a mechanical standpoint and some time later it +was demonstrated to be a success from a popular one also. + +The girls looked on while the pictures of themselves, their father +and others of the company were thrown on the white screen. They saw +the scene at the gang-plank, where the runaway had almost spoiled it, +but there was no sign of the horse in the pictures. Sandy Apgar had +taken care of that. + +"I really must go out to see his farm," said Mr. Pertell. "I believe +it may be just the place for us. But I wonder what made Sandy so sad, +and so much in need of money? Perhaps I can help him." + +There came the incident of Pepper Sneed falling down with the +lifeboat. + +"Look! Look!" cried the grouchy actor. "I don't like that! It makes +me ridiculous. I demand that it be taken out, Mr. Pertell!" + +"Can't do it! That's the best part of the play!" laughed the manager. + +"And as for me--I positively refuse to act again, if I am to be shown +as a sailor, in those ridiculous white trousers!" cried Wellington +Bunn. + +"Very well, then, I suppose you don't care to go on the rural circuit +with us," said Mr. Pertell. + +"Oh--er--ah! Um! Well, you may with-hold my resignation for a time," +said the Shakespearean actor, stiffly. "But it is against my +principles." + +"Then we are going on the rural circuit?" asked Alice, eagerly. + +"Yes," the manager assured her. "This play is going to be a big +success, I'm sure. I want to try a new kind now--outdoor scenes." + +And that the play was a success was soon evidenced by the receipts +which poured into the treasury of the Comet Film Company. + +"Oh, what do you imagine it will be like--in the country?" asked Ruth +of Alice, a little later, when it was definitely decided that they +were to go. + +"I don't know," answered Alice. "It depends on what happens." + +And what did happen may be learned by reading the next volume of this +series, to be called: "The Moving Picture Girls at Oak Farm; Or, +Queer Happenings While Taking Rural Plays." + +"Well, I'll be glad of a little rest," said Alice, one day, when +they were coming from the studio, after having posed in some scenes +for a little parlor drama. + +"So will I," agreed Ruth. "We have been very busy these last two +weeks." + +"Especially since we helped Russ to get back his patent," added her +sister. "And now for Oak Farm!" + +"Oh, then it's been definitely decided that we are to go there?" + +"Yes, Mr. Pertell said he went out there, met Sandy Apgar and +arranged to use the place. We're to board there, too. I guess it will +be a help to the Apgars. Mr. Pertell said they needed money. And, +Ruth, he said there was some sort of a mystery out there, too." + +"A mystery? What sort?" + +"I don't know. We'll have to wait until we get there. Come on, let's +hurry home and tell daddy." + +And now, for a time, we will take leave of the Moving Picture Girls. + + +THE END + + + + +=THE JANICE DAY SERIES= + +=By HELEN BEECHER LONG= + +_12 mo, cloth, illustrated, and colored jacket_ + +A series of books for girls which have been uniformly successful. +Janice Day is a character that will live long in juvenile fiction. +Every volume is full of inspiration. There is an abundance of humor, +quaint situations, and worth-while effort, and likewise plenty of +plot and mystery. + +An ideal series for girls from nine to sixteen. + +JANICE DAY, THE YOUNG HOMEMAKER + +JANICE DAY AT POKETOWN + +THE TESTING OF JANICE DAY + +HOW JANICE DAY WON + +THE MISSION OF JANICE DAY + + +=THE NAN SHERWOOD SERIES= + +By Annie Roe Carr + +_12 mo, cloth, illustrated, and colored jacket_ + +In Annie Roe Carr we have found a young woman of wide experience +among girls--in schoolroom, in camp and while traveling. She knows +girls of to-day thoroughly--their likes and dislikes--and knows that +they demand almost as much action as do the boys. And she knows +humor--good, clean fun and plenty of it. + +NAN SHERWOOD AT PINE CAMP + or The Old Lumberman's Secret + +NAN SHERWOOD AT LAKEVIEW HALL + or The Mystery of the Haunted Boathouse + +NAN SHERWOOD'S WINTER HOLIDAYS + or Rescuing the Runaways + +NAN SHERWOOD AT ROSE RANCH + or The Old Mexican's Treasure + +NAN SHERWOOD AT PALM BEACH + or Strange Adventures Among the Orange Groves + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Moving Picture Girls, by Laura Lee Hope + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS *** + +***** This file should be named 19171.txt or 19171.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/1/7/19171/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Cori Samuel and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/19171.zip b/19171.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6a76277 --- /dev/null +++ b/19171.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c6fdd75 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #19171 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/19171) |
