DeVere.

"I haven't made up my mind yet. But there will be plenty of other
pictures to make."

During the next few days every member of the company, from Mr. DeVere to
Tommy and Nellie, had their share of work. There were romantic plays
filmed, and in these Ruth had good parts. As for Alice she rejoiced when
she had humorous "stunts" to do.

"You are getting to be a regular 'cut-up'," laughed Paul at the close of
one of her performances.

"Yes, and I hope she doesn't get too much that way," said Ruth.

"No danger, sister mine, with you to keep me straight," was the answer,
as Alice put an arm around Ruth.

Some comic films were made, and in a few of these Mr. Sneed and Mr. Towne
had to do "stunts" such as falling in the mud and water, or toppling down
hills head over heels. But Mr. Pertell was careful to warn them not to
run dangerous risks.

Mr. DeVere, as usual, did more dignified work, and Mr. Bunn was delighted
when told that he might do a bit of Shakespeare. And to do him credit, he
acted well, much better than some of his associates had supposed he
could.

"I have a new idea for to-day," said Mr. Pertell one morning, as the
day's work was about to start. "In one drama I wish to show a little
picnic scene, with two girls and their mother. You will be the mother,
Mrs. Maguire, and with Ruth and Alice will go off up a side stream in a
boat. Russ will go along, of course, to manage the camera, and I think
I'll send Paul to help row the boat. Take a gun along, Paul, for you can
pretend to shoot some game for the lunch.

"You will also have a regular picnic lunch along--real food, by the way,
and you will spread it out in some picturesque spot and eat." Mr. Pertell
then went on giving directions for the acting of the drama that was to
center around the little picnic.

In due time the boat was loaded with the camera and provisions, and Paul
helped in Ruth, Alice and Mrs. Maguire. Then he got in with the gun.

"Better take your raincoats along," advised Mr. DeVere to his daughters,
"it looks like a shower and you won't be back before night."

Accordingly the garments were tossed into the boat, and then, leaving the
_Magnolia_ moored to the bank, the small craft started off up a little
side stream that was to be followed for a mile or two.

Russ picked out a likely spot for the picnic scene and after a bit of
rehearsal Ruth, Alice, Mrs. Maguire and Paul went through the little
play.

"This is more fun tha