Part 12 (1/2)

”I have not had the honor of meeting you before, Mr. Booth,” he said.

”In the line, I suppose?” insinuated Booth.

”If you mean of theatricals-hardly,” replied Frank. ”I have done a little in the motion picture field.”

”Ah!” exclaimed Booth, with great animation, striking a pose-”there, indeed, is a field. Young man; I proclaim a wonderful future for the photo playhouse. Let me see, where are you located now-and the name, I didn't quite catch the name?”

”I am Frank Durham,” replied our young hero, ”and with some others expect to open a new motion picture show at Seaside Park.”

”Ah, a hit! Think of it! Beside the soothing waves, dancing breezes, vast throngs, stupendous profits. Only one thing lacking-an able press agent. Sir,” and Booth raised himself to his loftiest height, ”I papered Baltimore till the house was jammed. The United Thespians-sir, a moment, aside. Mr. Vincent will pardon us. Could you antic.i.p.ate--”

Frank knew what was coming. The man did not look like a drinker and he did look hungry. Vincent nudged Frank warningly, but Frank could not resist a generous impulse.

Mr. Booth almost danced as a crisp dollar bill was placed in his hand.

Then he took out a pencil and memorandum book. Very carefully and laboriously he began to write:

”Durham, Seaside Park. I. O. U. one dollar. Mem: suggest plan for publicity campaign.”

”You've put your foot in it this time, Durham,” exclaimed Vincent almost wrathfully, as with a great flourish Booth went on his way.

”Oh, pshaw!” laughed Frank, ”the poor fellow probably needs a square meal.”

”Yes, but you needn't have told him who you were and about the new Wonderland. Why, within an hour he will be telling his friends of a new opening at Seaside Park-engaged for the season-forfeit money already paid. Besides that, I wouldn't wonder to see him put in an appearance personally with one of his wild publicity schemes direct at Seaside Park. Oh, you can laugh, but once he sets out on your trail, and you encourage him, you'll find it no easy matter to shake him off,” a prediction by the way that Frank and his chums had reason to recall a little later.

Frank was in fine spirits when he reached Seaside Park. Everything had gone famously with him in the city. He had been introduced to a man who operated a string of summer resort motion picture shows, and he had gleaned an immense amount of information. The man had reduced his special line to a science and had made money at it, and Frank was greatly encouraged.

It was late in the afternoon when he started from the depot for the new quarters. He was pleased and satisfied as his eye ran over the front of the old store. Various touches of paint had made the entrance attractive, the broad windows bore each a fine plain sign, and a very ornamental ticket booth was in place. Frank found the front doors partially open, and pa.s.sed the length of the great room to come unawares upon his friends in the living quarters at the rear.

”Good!” shouted a familiar voice, and Ben Jolly, wearing a kitchen ap.r.o.n and just getting supper ready, waved a saucepan over his head in jubilant welcome.

”I say, you people have been doing some work here since I left,” cried Frank, as he shook hands with Randy. ”Why, where is Pep?”

”There's a story to that,” explained Randy. ”He's safe and sound, but may not be here till to-morrow or the next day.”

”Gone home to see his folks?” hazarded Frank.

”No, not that,” dissented Randy. ”Tell you, Frank, it's quite a long story. Suppose we get the meal on the table, and seated comfortably, and we'll all have a lot to tell; eh?”

”Just the thing,” voted Jolly with his usual enthusiasm. ”I've got a famous rice pudding on the bill of fare, Durham, and I'll guarantee you'll enjoy a good home meal once more.”

”That's just what I will,” agreed Frank.

He sat down and busied himself sorting some bills and circulars with which his pockets were filled. Then, as the smoking viands were placed on the table, he joined his friends.

”Now then, Durham, you first,” directed Jolly. ”How's the New York end of the proposition?”

”Famous,” reported Frank heartily. ”I've made some fortunate discoveries and investments-pa.s.s the potatoes; will you, Randy?”

”Hold on!” cried a familiar voice-”I'm on the programme for some of that, too!”