"And also his one against daddy," added Alice.

Three days later the moving picture company returned to New York.

"And what are the next plans--I mean what sort of pictures are you going
to make next?" asked Mr. DeVere of Mr. Pertell.

"I haven't quite made up my mind. I'll let you all know a little later,"
the manager answered.

"I hope it isn't any more snow and ice," remarked Mr. Bunn.

Mr. Pertell only smiled.

Mr. DeVere and his daughters went to their apartment, Russ accompanying
them. His mother and brother were glad, not only to see the young
operator but the DeVere family as well.

The next day Mr. DeVere received a call from a lawyer who said he
represented Dan Merley.

"I have come to see if you are ready to pay that five hundred dollars
before we go to court, Mr. DeVere," the lawyer said, stiffly.

"I haven't got it," answered the actor.

"Very well then, we shall sue and you will have to pay heavy costs and
fees, in addition to the principal."

Mr. DeVere was very much worried, and spoke of the matter to Russ. The
young operator laughed.

"Dan Merley will never collect that money," he said.

"What makes you think so?"

"I don't think--I know. Give me that lawyer's address, and then don't do
anything until you hear from me."

It was two days later that Russ said to the actor:

"Can you make it convenient to be at our film studio this evening?"

"I think so--why?" asked Mr. DeVere.

"You'll see when you get there."

"May we come?" asked Ruth.

"Surely," Russ answered. "I think you'll enjoy it, too!"

Rather mystified, but somehow suspecting what was afoot, the two girls
accompanied their father to the studio at the appointed hour. Russ met
them and took them into the room where the films were first shown after
being prepared for the projector. It was a sort of testing room.

"I think you have met this gentleman before," said Russ, as he nodded at
one sitting in a corner. It was Dan Merley's lawyer.

"Oh, yes, I guess Mr. DeVere knows me," returned the latter. "I
understand you have come here for a settlement," he went on.

"Yes," said Russ, smiling.

"A--a settlement!" murmured Mr. DeVere. "I--I am not prepared to settle.
I have not the money!"

"You don't need the money," declared Russ. "You have brought Mr.
DeVere's promissory note with you; have you not?" he asked the lawyer.

"I brought it, at your request," was the answer. "But I tell you, here
and now, that it will n