Part 9 (1/2)
For, truth to tell, they were very enthusiastic about their rind” than any real boys are, they were always ready to go back to the clicking cranks that unwound the strips of celluloid filht on its sensitive surface the impressions of so many wonderful scenes
They called at the hotel one evening to tell Mr Alcando that they were going to New York the following day, and that he could, if he wished, accompany them But they found he had already left He had written them a note, however, in which he said he wouldpicture concern, and there complete plans for the trip to Panao in to New York with us,” said Blake
”There you go again!” laughed Joe ”Getting suspicious again Take it easy, Blake”
”Well, maybe I am a bit too fussy,” admitted his chum
Their trip to, and arrival in, New York was unattended by any incidents worth chronicling, and, taking a car at the Grand Central Terminal, they were soon on their way to the film studios
”Well, well! If it isn't Blake and Joe!” cried CC Piper, the grouchy actor, as he saw thelad to see you!” and he shook their hands war pleases you,” said Miss Shay, with a shrug of her shoulders ”You've done nothing but growl ever since this rehearsal started” Blake and Joe had arrived during an inter of the studio scenes of a new drama
”Is he as bad as ever?” asked Joe of Mabel Pierce, the new member of the company
”Well, I don't know him very well,” she said, with a little blush
”He's worse!” declared Nettie Shay ”I wish you'd take hiood nature He's a positive bear!”
”Oh, colad to see you boys, though,” and really he seeoing with us to California? We're going to do a series of stunts there, I hear”
”Sorry, but we're not booked to go,” said Blake ”I guess it's Panao a quick and curious change His face, that had been lighted by a genial smile, became dull and careworn
His manner lost its joyousness
”That's too bad!” he exclaimed ”Pana Culebra slides, and we'll never see you again!”
CHAPTER VIII
OFF FOR PANAMA
There was a looh, cried out:
”Oh, what a sha nicer than _that_”
”Not very cheerful; is he?” spoke Joe
”About the same as usual,” commented Blake, drily
”Well, it's true, just the same!” declared CC Piper, with an air of conviction
”'The truth is not to be spoken--at all times,'” quoted Miss Pierce