you haven't. You are the same old Ruthie Fielding,
after all."

CHAPTER XXIV

ABOUT "PLAIN MARY"

Mr. Hammond and the actors with him had no idea of the nature of the
accident that had happened to the _Stazy_. From the extreme end of Beach
Plum Point they could merely watch proceedings aboard the craft, and
wonder what it was all about.

The manager could, however, see through his glasses that Ruth Fielding was
at the wheel. Her face came out clear as a cameo when he focused the opera
glasses upon her. And at the change in the girl's expression he marveled.

Those ashore could do nothing to aid the party on the motor-yacht; and
until it got under way again Mr. Hammond was acutely anxious. It rolled so
that he expected it to turn keel up at almost any moment.

Before the blasts of rain began to sweep across the sea, however, the
_Stazy_ was once more under control. At that most of the spectators made
for the camp and shelter. But the manager of the film corporation waited
to see the motor-yacht inside the shelter of Beach Plum Point.

The rain was falling heavily, and not merely in gusts, when Ruth and her
friends came ashore in the small boat. The lamps were lit and dinner was
over at the main camp. Therefore the automobile touring party failed to
see Bella Pike or hear about her arrival. By this time the girl had gone
off to the main dormitory with Mother Paisley, and even Mr. Hammond did
not think of her.

Nor did the manager speak that evening to Ruth about the hermit's scenario
or his interview with the old man regarding it.

The three girls and Aunt Kate changed their clothing in the little shack
and then joined the young men in the dining room for a late supper. Aunt
Kate was to stay this night at the camp. There was a feeling of much
thankfulness in all their hearts over their escape from what might have
been a serious accident.

"Providence was good to us," said Aunt Kate. "I hope we are all properly
grateful."

"And properly proud of Ruthie!" exclaimed Helen, squeezing her chum's
hand.

"Don't throw too many bouquets," laughed Ruth. "It was not I that tore
Jennie's cape out of the propeller. I merely obeyed the skipper's
orders."

"She is a regular Cheerful Grig again, isn't she?" demanded Jennie,
beaming on Ruth.

"I have been a wet blanket on this party long enough. I just begin to
realize how very unpleasant I have been----"

"Not that, Mademoiselle!" objected Henri.

"But yes!