ammond admitted
that the story was much too fine and too important to be filmed here at
this summer camp. He decided to make a great spectacular production of it
at the company's main studio later in the fall.

So Ruth proceeded to force Bella's father to accept two hundred dollars in
payment for what he had done on the story. As her contract with Mr.
Hammond called for a generous royalty, she would make much more out of
the scenario than the sum John Pike had hoped to get by selling the stolen
idea to Mr. Hammond.

The prospects of Bella and her father were vastly improved, too. His work
as a "type" for picture makers would gain him a much better livelihood
than he had been able to earn in the legitimate field. And when Ruth and
her party left Beach Plum Point camp for home in their automobiles, Bella
herself was working in a two-reel comedy that Mr. Hooley was directing.

"Well, thank goodness!" sighed Helen, "Ruth has settled affairs for two
more of her 'waifs and strays.' Now don't, I beg, find anybody else to
become interested in during our trip back to the Red Mill, Ruthie."

Ruth was sitting beside Tom on the front seat of the big touring car. He
looked at her sideways with a whimsical little smile.

"I wish you would turn over a new leaf, Ruthie," he whispered.

"And what is to be on that new leaf?" she asked brightly.

"Just me. Pay a little attention to yours truly. Remember that in a week I
shall go aboard the transport again, and then----"

"Oh, Tom!" she murmured, clasping her hands, "I don't want to think of it.
If this awful war would only end!"

"It's the only war so far that hasn't ended," he said. "And I have a
feeling, anyway, that it may not last long. Henri and I have got to hurry
back to finish it up. Leave it to us, Ruth," and he smiled.

But Ruth sighed. "I suppose I shall have to, Tommy-boy," she said. "And do
finish it quickly! I do not feel as though I could return to college, or
write another scenario, or do a single, solitary thing until peace is
declared."

"And _then_?" asked Tom, significantly.

Ruth gave him an understanding smile.

THE END

* * * * *

THE RUTH FIELDING SERIES
By ALICE B. EMERSON
_12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid_

_Ruth Fielding will live in juvenile Fiction_.

RUTH FIELDING OF