. "This was the only place he warned me away from--not from
the islands in general. I don't understand it at all, Tom. And I don't
want the men to be unkind to him."

"Well, it looks to me," observed her friend, "that if we cannot find him,
they will be unable to find him as well. So I wouldn't worry, Ruth."

But the girl went back to the Gem and sailed again to the headquarters of
the moving picture company not at all satisfied as to the result of their
undertaking.

CHAPTER XI

BILBY AGAIN

The work of picture making that day went without a hitch. Mr. Hooley sent
several men into the woods above the spot on the shore of the "Kingdom of
Pipes," as Helen insisted upon calling the island where the prologue of
the picture was made, and they remained on watch there during the
activities of the company below.

When the film was developed and run off in the projection room that
evening it was pronounced by all--even by Mr. Hammond--as good in detail
as the spoiled reel.

From that point the work went on briskly, for the weather remained
perfect for picture taking. Ruth was busy; but she could give some time
to enjoyment, too, especially in the evening; and that next evening when
Chess Copley appeared in his own motor-boat, the _Lauriette_, she was
glad to join a moonlight boating party which ventured as far as
Alexandria Bay, where they had supper and danced at the pavilion,
returning to the picture camp in the early hours of the morning.

Ruth was Chessleigh's particular guest on this occasion, and Tom and
Helen Cameron went in another launch.

The moonlight upon the islands and the passages of silvery water between
them was most beautiful. And Ruth enjoyed herself immensely. That is, she
found the occasion enjoyable until they got back to the bungalow and had
bidden the Copleys and their party good night. Then the girl of the Red
Mill found her roommate rather irritable. Helen pouted and was frankly
cross when she spoke.

"I don't see what you find so interesting in Chess Copley," she observed,
brushing her hair before the glass.

"He is nice I think," replied Ruth placidly.

"And you just ignore Tommy-boy."

"I could not very well refuse Chess when he invited me into his launch. I
did not know you and Tom were going in the other boat."

"Well, I wasn't going with Chess. And I wouldn't let Tommy tag after
you."

"I wish you wouldn't be so foolish, Helen," sighed her chum.

"If you act this way,