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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Moving Picture Girls at Sea, by Laura Lee
+Hope
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Moving Picture Girls at Sea
+       or, A Pictured Shipwreck That Became Real
+
+
+Author: Laura Lee Hope
+
+
+
+Release Date: June 27, 2006  [eBook #18699]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Cori Samuel, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustration.
+      See 18699-h.htm or 18699-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/6/9/18699/18699-h/18699-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/6/9/18699/18699-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA
+
+Or
+
+A Pictured Shipwreck That Became Real
+
+by
+
+LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of "The Moving Picture Girls," "The Moving Picture
+Girls at Rocky Ranch," "The Outdoor Girls Series," "The
+Bobbsey Twins Series," Etc.
+
+Illustrated
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: RUSS BEGAN TAKING MANY VIEWS OF THE PITCHING, TOSSING
+SCHOONER.--_Page 157._]
+
+
+
+The World Syndicate Publishing Co.
+Cleveland, O. New York, N. Y.
+Copyright, 1915, by
+Grosset & Dunlap
+Printed in the United States of America
+by
+The Commercial Bookbinding Co. Cleveland, O.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+  CHAPTER                        PAGE
+
+     I THE GREAT MARINE FILM        1
+
+    II JACK JEPSON                 10
+
+   III SOMETHING OF A MYSTERY      21
+
+    IV THE SAILOR'S STORY          28
+
+     V THE MARY ELLEN              36
+
+    VI CAPTAIN BRISCO              45
+
+   VII JEPSON IS WORRIED           53
+
+  VIII HARD WORK                   60
+
+    IX THE RISING TIDE             68
+
+     X TOO MUCH REALISM            76
+
+    XI A REVISED FILM              87
+
+   XII OVERHEARD                   94
+
+  XIII "ALL ABOARD!"              104
+
+   XIV OVERBOARD                  114
+
+    XV "SAIL HO!"                 123
+
+   XVI THE ACCUSATION             133
+
+  XVII THE STORM                  141
+
+ XVIII GRINDING AWAY              149
+
+   XIX DISABLED                   158
+
+    XX IN THE VORTEX              165
+
+   XXI WRECKED                    172
+
+  XXII "MUTINY!"                  182
+
+ XXIII HELP AT LAST               188
+
+  XXIV A SIGNAL OF DISTRESS       200
+
+   XXV CLEAR SKIES                206
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE GREAT MARINE FILM
+
+
+"Well, at last a breathing period, Ruth. Oh, I am surely tired!" and the
+girl threw herself on the couch, without stopping to remove her light
+jacket and hat. Her head sank wearily on a cushion.
+
+"Oh, Alice! Be careful! Look out!" exclaimed the other occupant of the
+pleasant little room, a room made habitable by the articles of tasteful
+adornment in it, rather than by the location of the apartment, or the
+place itself. There was a "homey" air about it.
+
+"I'm too tired to look out, or even look in," was the answer, as the
+younger girl closed her eyes. Truly she seemed much "fagged," and worn
+out.
+
+"But, Alice, dear--your hat!"
+
+"It doesn't matter, Ruth. Please let me rest. I thought we'd never get
+home."
+
+"But it isn't your old hat, Alice, and----"
+
+"It's an old hat from now on!" broke in the younger girl, not opening
+her eyes. "It's spoiled anyhow. Some of the water from that parlor
+scene, where Mr. Bunn upset the globe of gold fish, splashed on it, and
+the spots never will come out."
+
+"Oh, Alice, is your hat spoiled?"
+
+"It doesn't matter. Mr. Pertell is going to buy me a new one. He said it
+was up to the company to do that, especially as I did so well in that
+burning room scene the other day. There!" and the girl on the couch
+raised her small fist and plumped it full on the crown of the chic
+little toque she was wearing.
+
+"Alice DeVere!" cried her sister, aghast.
+
+"Ruth DeVere--Lady Clarissa--Seņorita Alamondi! Whatever you like, only
+let me--alone! I've posed and acted and otherwise contorted myself
+before at least five thousand feet of film today, and I'm not going to
+be disturbed now, just for the sake of a hat that is as good as paid for
+anyhow, so 'please go 'way and let me sleep,'" and Alice murmured the
+chorus of a once popular song.
+
+Ruth sighed. Somehow, looking at her gentle and refined face, one
+understood that a sigh, from her, was the only possible answer under the
+circumstances. Not that the girl on the couch, with closed eyes, was
+unrefined. But there was a wholesome air of good health about her that
+caused one to think of a "jolly good fellow," rather than a girl who
+needed to be helped on and off trolley cars.
+
+"You _are_ tired," commented Ruth, after a pause. "Shall I make you a
+cup of tea, dear? Or we could go over to Mrs. Dalton's, if you like. You
+know she told us always to come in when we came from the theatre, and
+have tea."
+
+"No, dear, thank you. It's awfully good of you to offer, but I don't
+want you to trouble. I'll be all right in a few minutes. I just want to
+rest."
+
+"It was a tiresome day; wasn't it, dear?"
+
+"I should say so, 'and then--some,' as Russ would say."
+
+"You shouldn't quote Russ when he uses slang," was the older girl's
+rebuke.
+
+"Can't help it, Ruth. That just seemed to fit. But you can't feel so
+very rested yourself. You had some heavy parts today."
+
+"Oh, I don't mind. I really was in love with that role of Lady Clarissa.
+I always did like English plays, anyhow."
+
+"Well, we are getting more than our share of them this season. I wish
+Mr. Pertell would swing to a good American drama again. Say, didn't we
+have fun at Rocky Ranch?" and as she asked this some of the weariness
+seemed to slip off Alice as a discarded garment is let fall. She sat up,
+her eyes flashing with fun, and her cheeks that had been pale were now
+suffused with a heightened color.
+
+"Yes, we did have fun," assented Ruth. "But it was hard work,
+too,--especially when that prairie fire came a little too close for
+comfort."
+
+"That _was_ rather scary," assented Alice. "But it was outdoors, and
+that was what I love. Oh, I can just smell that wonderful air yet!" and
+she breathed in a long breath. A look of annoyance passed over her face,
+and she made a gesture of disapproval, "wrinkling" her nose.
+
+"They're having corned beef and cabbage again downstairs," she said,
+pointing to the apartment below them.
+
+"Well, they have a right to it," Ruth said, with a tolerant smile.
+
+"Not when daddy hates it so," disagreed Alice. "Come on, let's make a
+cup of tea. And is there any cheese?"
+
+"Cheese?"
+
+"Yes," the younger girl went on. "I'm going to make a Welsh rarebit.
+Daddy just adores them, and the smell of the toast will take away the
+odor of that cabbage. Is there any cheese?"
+
+"I think so. But I thought you were tired."
+
+"I was, but I guess thinking of the moving picture days at Rocky Ranch
+acted as a tonic. I'm rested now. There!"
+
+She tossed the hat, which she had so mistreated, on a chair, slipped off
+her jacket and started for the kitchen.
+
+"I _think_ there is some cheese," went on Ruth, following her younger
+sister. "But don't make the rarebit as you did last time. It was so
+tough that Russ said it would do very well to half sole his rubber
+boots."
+
+"That was because I put the milk in too suddenly. I won't do it that way
+this time. Come on, we'll get up a nice little tea for daddy. He's sure
+to be tired also. They had to film that big scene of the accusation over
+three times before Mr. Pertell was satisfied."
+
+"Is that so? I didn't know that, I was so busy with that English play.
+Then father will be late."
+
+"A little. He said he'd follow us in about an hour, though. So we'll
+just about have it ready in time. Did Russ come out with you?"
+
+"No," and though she uttered but this simple word the cheeks of Ruth
+took on a more ruddy hue.
+
+"I saw Pearl waiting for him," went on Alice. "But----"
+
+"You did?" cried Ruth, and then she added quickly: "Oh, I mean I suppose
+he had to go with her to film that scene in Central Park, near the
+lion's cage."
+
+"Don't get jealous now," teased Alice. "I said Pearl waited for him,
+but, she is--still waiting, I guess."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+Ruth tried to appear indifferent, but it was not an unqualified success.
+
+"I mean that Russ got one of the other camera men to take his place, and
+go out with Miss Pennington," said Alice with a laugh as she began
+cutting the bread in thin slices for toast.
+
+"But Russ--"
+
+"He went up town. He told me to tell you he thought he could get that
+book you spoke of."
+
+"Oh, I didn't want him to go to all _that_ trouble!" remonstrated Ruth,
+looking at her sister, and then suddenly averting her gaze.
+
+"Guess he doesn't call much _trouble_ where _you_ are concerned," said
+Alice significantly, cutting up some chunks of cheese which she put in a
+double boiler with some lumps of butter. "He said if you wanted a book
+to give you some of the details of the country, where that English play
+was supposed to take place, you were going to have it."
+
+"It's awfully good of him," murmured Ruth. "I just casually mentioned
+that I'd like to know something about the people of that section, and he
+offered to get a book he had once heard of. But I didn't want him to
+make such a fuss over it."
+
+"La-la-la!" chanted Alice, about nothing in particular.
+
+The girls busied themselves getting tea. The kettle was soon singing on
+the gas stove, the crisp odor of toast had replaced the heavier one of
+cabbage, and the rarebit was almost ready to serve, when a step was
+heard out in the hall of the apartment house where the DeVere family had
+their New York home.
+
+"There's daddy!" exclaimed Alice.
+
+"And just in time," added Ruth, as she poured the boiling water on the
+tea, adding to the fragrant food perfumes that now filled the apartment.
+
+The key clicked in the lock, the door opened, and a rather imposing
+figure of a man entered, laying aside his hat and light overcoat, for
+the Spring day was a bit chilly.
+
+"Hello, Daddy!" called Alice, putting up her face to be kissed, as she
+came in from the kitchen with a plate of delicately browned toast.
+"You're just in time. And it's such a _lovely_ rarebit!"
+
+"That's good, my dear."
+
+"Oh, Father, how hoarse you are!" cried Ruth. "Is your throat bad
+again?"
+
+"Well, this harbor dampness isn't just the best medicine for it. But I
+shall spray it, and it will be better."
+
+He sank somewhat wearily into a chair as he spoke, and Ruth glided over
+to him.
+
+"Daddy," she said, "you look worried. Has anything happened? Is anything
+wrong at the moving picture studio?"
+
+"No, nothing wrong, but--"
+
+It was evident that something out of the usual had occurred. Even
+light-hearted Alice sensed it.
+
+"What is it?" she asked.
+
+"Oh, nothing so much," her father said in weary tones. "I suppose I
+shouldn't make such a fuss over it. But Mr. Pertell has finally decided
+to film the great marine drama, and that means we shall have to go out
+on the water, more or less. And with my sore throat that isn't just the
+best thing in the world for me."
+
+"A marine drama!" cried Alice. "Oh, I shall just love _that_!"
+
+A look of worry still clouded Mr. DeVere's face.
+
+"Father, there is something else," insisted Ruth. "You haven't told us
+all about this sea film."
+
+"No, I--I haven't," he said. "And, to tell the truth, I'd rather we
+weren't going to be in that marine drama."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+JACK JEPSON
+
+
+Hosmer DeVere's words and manner alike were alarming to his daughters.
+Seldom had they seen him so moved, especially over such a seemingly
+simple matter as the announcement of a new moving picture drama. He and
+the girls, in common with the other members of the Comet Film Company,
+had to portray many different scenes in the course of a season's work,
+and though some of it was distasteful, it was seldom objected to by
+anyone, unless perhaps by Pepper Sneed, the "grouch," or perhaps by Mr.
+Wellington Bunn, an actor of the old school, who could not reconcile
+himself to the silent drama.
+
+"Why, Daddy, what is the matter?" asked Alice. "I think it will be
+perfectly fine to have a little trip out to sea, especially now that
+Summer is coming on."
+
+"But not if the damp salty air is going to irritate his throat,"
+declared Ruth.
+
+"Oh, it isn't so much that," Mr. DeVere said, "but you girls evidently
+don't know that the big scene in this drama is a shipwreck, and what
+follows. I am to be 'cast' in that, and so are you."
+
+"Well, what of it?" asked Alice. "It won't be a _real_ shipwreck; will
+it?"
+
+"Real? Of course not!" exclaimed Ruth. "The idea!"
+
+"I certainly hope it won't be real," Mr. DeVere said, "But--Oh, well, I
+suppose I may as well admit the truth. You'll probably call me fussy and
+all that, and laugh at the superstition of an old actor. But you know we
+have our traditions, though I am free to confess that I have lost many
+of them since entering on this moving picture work. But I had a dream
+about this same shipwreck, and that was before I knew we were to be in
+it, for I might mention that Mr. Pertell has included you girls in the
+drama, and has prominent parts selected for you."
+
+"Oh, I'm glad!" cried Alice enthusiastically.
+
+"I'm not," her father said, and he did not smile. "As I said I had a
+dream about this drama before I knew we were to have parts in it. And in
+that dream I saw----"
+
+"Oh, Daddy! Now don't tell a depressing dream before tea!" begged Alice,
+slipping her arms about his neck, and imprinting a kiss on a spot,
+which, if it were not already bald, was fast becoming so. "Wait until
+after supper--the rarebit will spoil if we don't eat it at once. Wait,
+Daddy dear!"
+
+"All right, I will," he assented with a sigh. "Perhaps I may have a less
+gloomy view of it after a cup of tea."
+
+And while the little family party is gathered about the table, I shall
+take just a moment to tell my new readers something about the previous
+books of this series.
+
+Ruth and Alice DeVere were moving picture girls, which you have probably
+guessed already. That is, they were actresses for the silent film dramas
+that make so much for enjoyment nowadays. Mr. DeVere was also an actor
+in the same company. He had been a semi-tragedian of the "old school,"
+but his voice had failed, because of a throat ailment, and he could no
+longer declaim his lines over the footlights. He was in distress until
+it was suggested to him that he take up moving picture work.
+
+This suggestion came from young Russ Dalwood, who, with his widowed
+mother and little brother, lived across the hall from the DeVere family,
+in the Fenmore Apartment on one of the West Sixty streets of New York.
+Russ had invented a new attachment for a moving picture camera, and he
+himself was a camera operator of ability.
+
+At first Mr. DeVere had refused to consider moving picture work, but he
+finally consented, and even allowed his daughters to take their parts in
+the silent drama. In the initial book of the series, "The Moving Picture
+Girls," I related their first experiences.
+
+All was not smooth sailing. Though Mr. Frank Pertell, manager of the
+Comet Film Company, was a most agreeable man, the other members of the
+theatrical company were like those of any other organization--some were
+liked, and some were not. Among the former, at least from the standpoint
+of Ruth and Alice, was Russ; Paul Ardite, who played juvenile leads; Pop
+Snooks, the property man and one who did all the odd tasks; and Carl
+Switzer, a round-faced German, who was funny without knowing it.
+
+But neither Ruth nor Alice cared much for Laura Dixon and Pearl
+Pennington, two former vaudeville actresses who thought they were
+conferring a favor on the cameras to pose for moving pictures. Mr. Bunn,
+an actor of the kind styled "Hams", was in like case.
+
+Mr. Bunn was always bemoaning the fact that he had left the "legitimate"
+drama with a chance of playing "Hamlet", to take up moving picture
+work. But he might have been glad--especially on paydays--for he had
+made more out of camera work than he could have done on the regular
+stage.
+
+Pepper Sneed was never satisfied. He was of a gloomy nature, and always
+looking for trouble. Sometimes he found it, and for a time he was happy
+in saying "I told you so." But more often he proved a dismal failure as
+a predicter of calamities.
+
+This was the company, with others whom you will meet from time to time,
+in whose fortunes Ruth and Alice DeVere had cast their lots.
+
+After the girls' first introduction to the camera they went to Oak Farm
+where a series of pictures were taken, and, incidentally, a mystery was
+cleared up. Getting snowbound was another experience for our friends,
+but they forgot the cruelties of Winter in the happy days under the
+palms. And they had only recently come back from Rocky Ranch, where a
+number of Western dramas had been filmed, when the little scene of our
+opening chapter took place.
+
+Those of you who have read the previous books of this series do not need
+to be told much about moving pictures. And even those who select this
+volume as their first venture in becoming acquainted with our heroines
+must well know how the film pictures look from the front of the screen.
+
+To the uninitiated I might say that in making picture plays a company,
+somewhat like a regular theatrical organization, is gotten together. The
+play is decided upon, but instead of the acts taking place before an
+audience they are enacted before a camera and a man who acts as
+director, or manager.
+
+Some of the action takes place out of doors, amid the surroundings of
+nature, but most interior scenes are "filmed," or taken, in the studio,
+under the brilliant glare of electric lights. The pictures are taken in
+succession on a narrow strip of celluloid film, of the same nature as
+those in any camera. The strips are of a standard length of one thousand
+feet, though some plays may "split," and take only half a "reel" while
+others will fill several.
+
+When the film has been exposed, it is developed in a dark tank, and from
+that one "master" film, any number of "positives" can be made for use in
+the projecting machines. Doubtless you know that the same machine which
+takes the pictures does not show them on the screen.
+
+But enough of this detail.
+
+"Was the rarebit good?" asked Alice, smiling up into her father's face,
+as the supper progressed.
+
+"You may give me some more, which is the best answer in the world, my
+dear," he replied, smiling.
+
+"Be careful!" Ruth warned him. "You may have dreams, Daddy!"
+
+A shadow seemed to pass over the face of the old actor. He had been
+jokingly gay during the meal, but now there seemed to be a sense of
+depression.
+
+"Might as well tell us, and have it over with," suggested Ruth. "We
+don't believe in dreams, anyhow. Do we Alice?"
+
+"Not a bit, and I've named the corners of my bed ever so many times,"
+and she laughed at that old sweethearts' superstition.
+
+"Well, my dream was very vivid," Mr. DeVere said. "I don't usually
+believe in omens, but this one impressed me. I dreamed we were all at
+sea, on a vessel in a storm, and, somehow, we became separated. I saw
+you girls going down with the ship, while I was taken up on a life
+raft."
+
+"Well, what of it, Daddy?" asked Alice. "I've often had unpleasant
+dreams myself. Probably you ate something you ought not to have taken.
+I'm rather sorry, now, I made this rarebit."
+
+"Oh, not at all! It was excellent!" he exclaimed. "I would perhaps,
+have thought nothing of my dream had not Mr. Pertell, a short time ago,
+told me something of his plans for the future. He spoke of a great
+marine drama he had in prospect, and we are to have prominent parts in
+it. But I was startled when he told me that one scene--the great one, in
+fact--was to be a shipwreck. He has engaged an old vessel for this
+purpose, and he is going to sink it with all on board."
+
+"All on board!" cried Ruth. "You don't mean----"
+
+"Well, that's how it will appear in the camera, anyhow. You girls are to
+be well in front, and your swimming abilities will be very necessary,
+for you will have to go into the water."
+
+"I hope it is warm," murmured Alice.
+
+"Oh, it will be Summer before we get to the shipwreck part," went on Mr.
+DeVere. "But what worries me is my dream in connection with the drama. I
+almost told Mr. Pertell we would have nothing to do with it."
+
+"Oh, Father! You can't do that!" exclaimed Ruth. She, as housekeeper,
+knew how much money was required in these days of the high cost of
+living. Though Mr. DeVere and his daughters received fair salaries,
+there were many expenses to be met, and if they refused present
+engagements they might not find it so easy to get others.
+
+"Oh, of course I didn't actually turn it down," said the old actor, "but
+it gave me quite a turn, I must say. I haven't gotten over it yet,
+seeing you girls disappear under the waves."
+
+"Don't think of it, Daddy!" urged Alice. "Have some of this apple slump.
+Mrs. Dalwood sent it in."
+
+"Your idea is that a man's mind is in his stomach, isn't it, daughter,"
+laughed her father. "Well, I will have some of the dessert. Oh, but I
+almost forgot, you will have to go down an hour earlier in the morning
+to the studio."
+
+"Why?" Ruth wanted to know.
+
+"A heavy day's work on, and Mr. Pertell wants to sketch out the
+preliminary scenes of the marine drama. We are actually going to sea, I
+believe, and he has engaged some old sailors, or at least one so far, to
+give it a proper nautical flavor. It's only for tomorrow that we have to
+go earlier than usual."
+
+Mr. DeVere seemed more like himself after he had told his daughters of
+his vision. It did not so depress him now, and the rest of the meal
+passed off in a much more jolly manner.
+
+In the evening Russ Dalwood came in from across the hall, and they
+played bridge whist, of which Mr. DeVere was fond.
+
+"Fancy daddy, Russ," laughed Alice, "wanting us to give up a chance to
+go to sea just because he dreamed of a shipwreck!"
+
+"Oh, I didn't actually want you to give it up," her father remonstrated.
+"Perhaps I was foolish even to mention it. But I can't forget it--I
+can't!" and he seemed to look through the walls of the room on some
+distant and fateful scene.
+
+"Well, I must be getting back," Russ said. "You've won the rubber, as
+usual, Mr. DeVere. Lots to do tomorrow, and I have a new assistant to
+break in, so I'll say good-night."
+
+There were busy times for all next day, in the studio of the moving
+picture concern. In the big room brilliant with electric lights as well
+as from the illumination that came through a sky-glass, there were
+several scenes from different dramas being filmed at the same time.
+
+When Ruth and Alice DeVere entered with their father, Mr. Pertell, the
+manager of the Comet company, was engaged off to one side, evidently
+instructing a man in what he must do before the camera. The man was a
+sailor, and it needed but a glance to show that he was a real one, and
+not "made up" for the occasion.
+
+"You see," said Mr. Pertell, "you come into the shipping office, and
+pretend to hand over the papers. But you slip the clerk the wrong ones,
+and while he is examining them you reach over behind him and take the
+documents you want."
+
+"Avast there! Belay!" came the hoarse voice of the sailor. "I do that
+there, do I?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Steal the papers?"
+
+"Well, it isn't _stealing_, exactly. It's only----"
+
+"Stealin' is what I call it, and it can't be called by another name to
+my way of thinkin'. It won't do, sir, it won't do! Jack Jepson got into
+trouble once, but he isn't goin' to do it again. No sir! That stealin'
+won't do for Jack Jepson. You've got to get someone else to sign them
+articles for you. No stealin' for Jack Jepson!" and the figure of the
+old sailor turned and, with a rolling gait, he started across the big
+studio room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+SOMETHING OF A MYSTERY
+
+
+"Look out there!"
+
+"Where you going?"
+
+"Hold him back, somebody! Look out, you'll spoil that scene! Don't cross
+in front of the camera!"
+
+Half a dozen frantic voices were calling to the sailor who, with dogged
+persistence, kept on, shaking his grizzled and gray head, and muttering
+over and over again:
+
+"It won't do for Jack Jepson! No sir! It won't do. I had one experience
+with trouble and I don't want any more. No sir!"
+
+Evidently utterly unused to a moving picture studio, the old man kept on
+his way. He was headed directly toward a camera that was "filming" an
+elaborate ball room scene.
+
+If any figure came between the scene and the camera with the pictures it
+was imprinting on the sensitive celluloid film (at the rate of sixteen
+per second) part of the elaborate work would have to be done over
+again. And as one of the characters in the little play was a celebrated
+dancer, whose time was paid for at an almost unbelieveable sum per hour,
+it would mean a heavy expense.
+
+"Stop him!" cried Mr. Pertell. "Come back here!"
+
+"Halt! Vamoose! Turn about!" Paul Ardite called to the worked-up
+traveler of the deep blue sea.
+
+This had no effect.
+
+"Avast there! Belay!" cried Russ Dalwood, who was not at that moment
+engaged at the crank of some camera. He used the same sea terms the old
+man himself had uttered, but this salt-water "lingo," or translation of
+the command to halt, had no effect either.
+
+Then came an interruption at a most opportune time. Just ahead of the
+sailor a scene from a Wild West drama was being enacted. A group of
+cowboys were engaged in a quarrel in the bunk house, which had been set
+up in the studio. The outdoor scenes of the little play were to be made
+later, for it is the custom in this business to make all the scenes,
+taking place in one locality, at the same time, regardless of their
+sequence in the finished play. Later the film is cut up into strips,
+pasted together with the proper headings, or captions, and the finished
+play results.
+
+And just as the old sailor, who called himself Jack Jepson, was about to
+step in front of the ball room scene camera, to the frantic horror of
+the operator, one of the cowboys, following out his lines, drew his
+revolver, and fired a blank cartridge at the "villain."
+
+In the studio the noise was like that of a small cannon.
+
+"Mutiny!" yelled Jack Jepson, jumping in the air a foot or more.
+"Mutiny!"
+
+But he stopped, and just in time. Two steps more would have brought him
+in front of the clicking camera.
+
+"Mutiny!" he fairly roared. "What is this! Who's firin' a shot across my
+bows? All hands on deck t' repel boarders! Avast there!" and he stood
+looking around in bewilderment, while the smoke from the revolver
+floated upward.
+
+"Come here!" called Mr. Pertell running forward, and grasping the arm of
+the sailor before he could get away to step in front of any of the other
+moving picture machines. "You don't understand, Mr. Jepson. I merely
+want you to----"
+
+"Yes, I reckon I heard you say what you wanted me to do. Now look here!
+I don't know much about you, but you come over t' our Sailors' Snug
+Harbor, an' you took some pictures. That was all right, I'm not captain
+there an' I haven't anything t' say. You said you wanted an old
+able-bodied man for certain work, an' I volunteered. I didn't know where
+the voyage was, but I signed on, an' come here; didn't I?"
+
+"You did," said Mr. Pertell. "But let me explain."
+
+"No, you listen to me, first!" exclaimed the old salt, shaking a
+thickened and roughened finger at the manager. "I come here, willin' to
+do anything from slushin' th' mast, or holystonin' th' decks t' furlin'
+sail in a blow. But what do I get; eh? I ask you what do I get? Why an
+order to steal shippin' papers, that's what I get! An' that's a serious
+crime. I'm not goin' t' be mixed up with it. No sir! Not for Jack
+Jepson!" and he tried to break away.
+
+"Wait a minute!" Mr. Pertell begged. "You don't understand. It's only
+the business of stealing the papers, you know."
+
+"Well, it's mighty poor business for any man t' be in; that's my
+opinion. I was raised honest, an', man and boy, I've lived honest for
+fifty years, with one exception, an' that wasn't my fault, and now----"
+
+Again he made an effort to leave, which effort, if not blocked, would
+have once more taken him in front of some clicking camera.
+
+"Oh, can't you understand!" cried the manager with a hopeless gesture.
+
+"Perhaps I could explain to him," suggested Ruth in a low voice. "I have
+plenty of time, Mr. Pertell, and though I don't know this gentleman----"
+
+"Oh, I forgot. He's going to act with you and your sister, Miss DeVere,"
+said the manager. "Come over and be introduced. You too, Mr. DeVere.
+He's to have a part in our great sea drama, that is, if I can ever get
+it started. I began explaining to Jepson, here, about taking the papers
+which have to do with the case, but he can't----"
+
+"You can't make me believe stealin's right, no matter how you go at it!"
+interrupted the old salt, doggedly shaking his head.
+
+"Perhaps _I_ can," put in Ruth with a smile, as the manager mentioned
+their names to the newest and, seemingly, the most refractory member of
+the company.
+
+"Well, Miss," said the sailor, "you look honest. I would believe what
+you'd tell me, for I know you couldn't do no wrong. Perhaps I was a bit
+hasty, but you see this is all new to me--this play-actin', an' shootin'
+at folks unexpected like. I wouldn't have tried it, only the captain at
+the Sailors' Snug Harbor, over on Staten Island, where I'm berthed,
+asked me as a favor to come here. But I don't like it!"
+
+"I didn't at first," said Alice, joining with her sister, in an attempt
+to placate the old salt. "But I became used to it."
+
+"Ha! You're pretty young to be in this business," said Jack Jepson, who
+evidently said what he thought.
+
+"Oh, I'm older than I look," replied Alice with a smile. "I just love
+the sea. I wish you would tell me about some of your voyages, for I'm
+sure you must have been on many."
+
+"That I have, Miss, but this is th' queerest cruise I ever started on,"
+and he looked around at the many scenes being enacted.
+
+Meanwhile Ruth had slipped to Mr. Pertell's side.
+
+"Give me a brief outline of the play," she suggested. "I think I can
+make it plain to him. He is all fussed up because it's something new.
+You haven't time to go into details."
+
+"That's right--I haven't," agreed the harassed manager. "Well, this is
+enough for you to know just now. There's a plot to sink a ship, and it
+is necessary that certain papers appear to be stolen.
+
+"I picked Jepson up, as he says, at a sailors' home, over on Staten
+Island. He's a typical salt, but he balks at even a semblance of
+wrong-doing."
+
+"I think I can make him understand," Ruth said as she took the
+typewritten pages of the scenario, or plot, of the drama from the
+manager.
+
+"I wish you would," Mr. Pertell said. "I've a thousand and one things to
+do."
+
+Ruth started toward the old sailor. To her surprise her sister Alice was
+now in earnest conversation with him. Jack Jepson seemed to have warmed
+to Alice at once. And Ruth heard him saying, as she approached:
+
+"Well, Miss, you see it was this way. There was a mutiny, an' I was
+accused, but I wasn't guilty. There was a mystery about it when the
+captain disappeared, an' that mystery hasn't been solved yet, though I'd
+give a good bit if it were. It's hangin' over me like a nightmare, Miss.
+Now I'll tell you all about it, if I don't tire you."
+
+"I should love to listen!" exclaimed Alice, with dancing eyes and
+flushed cheeks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE SAILOR'S STORY
+
+
+Ruth, on her way to explain to sailor Jack Jepson what was wanted of him
+in the matter of acting for moving pictures, paused as she saw Alice and
+the aged salt in earnest conversation.
+
+"I think I had better defer my explanations a while," Ruth told herself.
+"Perhaps he will be in a bettor frame of mind to listen, after he has
+talked with Alice. What a wonderful way she has of making friends!" the
+older girl mused as she looked at the interested and flushed face of her
+pretty sister. At that moment Alice glanced up and caught Ruth's gaze on
+her.
+
+"Do come and listen," she called. "I'm going to hear a wonderful story,
+Ruth dear."
+
+The old sailor looked up quickly, stopping in his progress toward a
+bench, whither Alice was leading him. It was in a quiet corner of the
+studio, some distance away from the various little groups that, in
+three-sided rooms (before the open part of which cameras were placed,
+and over which big lights hissed) were going through their parts in the
+silent dramas.
+
+"This is my sister," Alice said.
+
+"Oh, yes, I remember now," Jack Jepson said. "There's so much goin' on
+that I get a bit confused. But I can see you two look alike. Are you
+goin' to put me reefin' sails or scrubbin' decks?" he asked.
+
+"Neither one," Ruth said with a smile. "I told Mr. Pertell, our manager,
+that I'd explain what was wanted of you. It is very simple, and----"
+
+"I don't call it simple t' rob an' cheat!" cried Jack with energy, "an'
+that's what he wanted _me_ to do."
+
+"I'll explain, and I think you'll find it all right," Ruth went on. "My
+sister and I are in this business," she added, "and I don't believe you
+think _we_ would do anything wrong."
+
+"Far be it--far be it," said the old salt, earnestly.
+
+"Oh, but before you came, Ruth dear," suggested Alice, "Mr. Jepson was
+going to tell me----"
+
+"Avast there! Belay! Hold on!" exclaimed the sailor, his voice ringing
+out through the studio, above the tones of those actors who, to give
+greater verisimilitude to their work were talking their parts, as well
+as going through them. They smiled at the old salt's energy.
+
+"Wait a minute, Miss," he went on in lower tones. "I didn't mean t' be
+so quick, but that Mr. Jepson business won't do. Not at all!"
+
+"Why, isn't that your name?" asked Ruth. "I understood Mr. Pertell to
+say----"
+
+"Oh, that's my name--at least the Jepson part of it is. But I don't like
+the mister. I'm not used to it. The only time of late years when I was
+called Mister was when I was up before the lawyers, and I didn't like it
+then. Jest please call me Jack Jepson, an' 'twill sound more natural. I
+ask it as a favor, Miss," and he looked from Ruth to Alice.
+
+"Why of course we'll call you Jack," assented the latter. "It will sound
+nicer anyhow, I think," she added. "Now go on with your story. You said
+there was a mystery in it. Has it anything to do with--buried treasure?"
+and Alice leaned forward eagerly.
+
+"Buried treasure? No, Miss. What made you ask that?"
+
+"The idea!" exclaimed Ruth with a laugh. "I'm afraid you'll think my
+sister very romantic, Mr.--er--Jack."
+
+"That's better!" he laughed. "Well, I don't know much about romance. My
+life's been mostly hard work."
+
+"I just mentioned treasure," Alice said with a little laugh, and a
+glance toward where Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, having a rest from
+their moving picture work, were curiously eyeing the old sailor and the
+two girls.
+
+"Well, my mystery hasn't anything t' do with buried treasure," resumed
+Jack Jepson. "It's about a mutiny that took place off th' Hole in th'
+Wall, about five years ago, an'----"
+
+"Hole in the Wall!" interrupted Ruth. "I thought mutinies always took
+place on the high seas."
+
+"Well, this _was_ the high seas," Jack answered.
+
+"But the Hole--?"
+
+"That's the name of a passage between Great Abaco Island and Eleuthera,
+in the West Indies," the sailor replied. "I don't know why it's called
+that, but it is."
+
+"A queer name," murmured Ruth.
+
+"Go on, please," urged Alice.
+
+"Well, I was second mate aboard a five masted schooner engaged in the
+lumber business," went on Jack Jepson. "We were going down to South
+America, in ballast t' bring back a cargo of hard woods, an' off the
+Hole in the Wall th' trouble started.
+
+"Some of the crew kicked on account of the grub--that's the stuff we
+eat on a ship," he explained.
+
+"Oh, we know _something_ of such talk," said Alice with a laugh. "We
+haven't been out West among the cowboys for nothing!"
+
+"Well, some of th' hands laid it to the grub, an' others t' th' hard
+work of sailing th' craft," went on Jack. "She was a mighty poor
+schooner in ballast, an' owing t' storms an' rough weather we had t' be
+takin' in or lettin' out reefs all th' while. It wasn't so bad up t' th'
+time we got off th' Hole in th' Wall, but from then on it was fierce!
+
+"I'd heard rumors that th' crew was goin' t' mutiny an' demand that we
+put in at some port, an' get better grub, an' more hands, for we was
+short of sailors. But I didn't pay much attention to th' underhand talk
+until it was too late. Then, all at once, when we had got away down
+about off Anegada, th' mutiny broke in full force. The men riz up, an'
+overpowered th' officers--th' captain was made a prisoner in his cabin,
+an' I was given my choice of joinin' th' mutineers or walkin' th'
+plank."
+
+"What's that?" asked Ruth, a bit startled.
+
+"That's when they blindfold a man, and make him walk a plank that is put
+out over the bulwarks, or side of the ship," said Alice.
+
+"Why, if he were blindfolded I should think he'd fall off, not knowing
+when he came to the end," Ruth remarked, with a little shudder.
+
+"He doesn't know," Alice said. "That's an easy way of sending a man to
+his doom."
+
+"That's it, Miss!" chimed in Jack. "You got th' idea!"
+
+"But Alice, how did _you_ know that dreadful thing?" her sister
+wonderingly demanded.
+
+"Read it in a book. Go on please, Mr.--er--Jack."
+
+"Of course I didn't want t' walk no plank," resumed the sailor, "so I
+temporized. I thought maybe I could beat th' mutineers after all. So I
+pretended t' join 'em. Things got pretty bad. Many of 'em was for
+puttin' th' captain away--tossin' him overboard, an' there was a fight
+about it. Matters got t' such a pass that pistols were fired, an' th'
+captain would have been shot, an' killed, only a fellow named Mike
+Tullane, a rough character, an' one of the leaders of th' mutiny,
+stepped up sudden like an' saved th' captain's life by knockin' aside
+th' ruffian's gun.
+
+"Well, of course there was a fight then, but Mike seemed t' come out all
+right, bein' a leader, an' havin' th' men pretty well with him. Anyhow,
+th' mutineers were in charge of th' ship, an' off Anegada, one of th'
+little British Islands of the West Indies, we were put about t' run for
+port. Jest what was t' be done no one seemed to know. After the men got
+th' ship they didn't know what to do with her.
+
+"Then came th' mystery. One night th' captain an' Mike Tullane
+disappeared. They was seen in th' cabin, talkin' together, an' some of
+th' hot-headed ones thought Mike was goin' back on his pals. They was
+for makin' him walk th' plank.
+
+"But cooler heads made 'em wait. They said they wanted t' give Mike a
+chance to explain. But he never got it."
+
+"Do you mean they--" began Alice, somewhat horrified.
+
+"I mean that night he an' th' captain disappeared," Jack said. "They
+couldn't be found anywhere. No boat was taken, so they couldn't have
+gotten off in one of them craft, an' we wasn't near enough land t' make
+swimmin' safe. But they totally disappeared, an' that was th' mystery.
+Whether they had a fight, an' jumped overboard together in th' darkness,
+no one ever knowed, for them mutineers didn't keep extra good watch.
+
+"But anyhow they was gone--mysteriously missin' as they say in the
+paper. That sort of took the heart out of some of th' mutineers and they
+got careless. First we knew a British vessel overhauled us, and, not
+likin' th' looks of things, began to ask questions. Of course there
+wasn't any captain, such as there should be on a ship, an' that made it
+look suspicious. Th' worst of it was that nobody could say where the
+captain was. None of us knew.
+
+"Then th' story of th' mutiny came out, of course, an' it was all up.
+The Britisher took charge of us. I was arrested as the ringleader of the
+mutiny, an' put in chains! An' I had no more to do with it than a baby,
+Miss. No more than a baby!" and Jack Jepson looked from Ruth to Alice,
+his blue eyes expressing the indignation he had felt at the time.
+
+"An' that's th' story of th' mystery, as I said I'd tell your sister,"
+he added turning to Ruth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE MARY ELLEN
+
+
+During the silence that followed the rather sudden ending of the old
+salt's story, Ruth and Alice looked at each other with wonder in their
+eyes. On all sides of them could be heard the clicking of the moving
+picture cameras, the loud directions issued by the men who were managing
+the different little dramas, and occasionally the sound of shots from
+the cowboy play that was going on in front of where our friends were
+seated on the bench, though at some distance away, for the studio was
+large.
+
+"But that can't be all of it," said Alice, at length.
+
+"All of what, Miss?" Jack Jepson asked.
+
+"The mystery."
+
+"That's all there is to any mystery, Miss," he said. "A mystery is a
+mystery, an' if it isn't solved, it's a mystery still, an' nobody can
+make any more of it. Th' captain and Mike Tullane completely
+disappeared, an' were never heard of afterward. That's th' mystery, an'
+all there is to it, jest as I told you."
+
+"But about yourself?" asked Ruth. "You said you were put in chains,
+under arrest, as the ringleader of the mutiny."
+
+"So I was."
+
+"But what became of you?"
+
+"Well, I escaped, Miss. It may not be a very nice thing to confess, but
+I escaped. Th' British ship took us to a jail on some island--I forget
+th' name of it. Anyhow I was locked up, an' so were a lot of th' others.
+We were tried, an' I was accused of startin' th' mutiny. Some of th'
+worst men on th' ship put th' blame on me, an' I wasn't a bit guilty.
+But it was no use in denyin' it. They was all banded together t' accuse
+me t' save themselves. I was found guilty, though I wasn't at all, an' I
+was sentenced to a long imprisonment. I just escaped hanging by a hair,
+for mutiny on th' high seas is a serious crime.
+
+"But I was innocent, an' I knew it, an' when I found th' trial goin'
+against me, I took a chance that offered, an' planned t' escape. I found
+a French vessel puttin' t' sea an' as they was short handed I signed on.
+Since then I've been in many vessels, but I always keep away from
+English ones, and from English ports, for I would be arrested the minute
+I set my foot on shore in one. A big reward is out for me."
+
+"How long ago was all this?" asked Ruth.
+
+"Oh, some years."
+
+"But isn't the unjust charge outlawed now?" Alice wanted to know.
+
+"I'm afraid not, Miss. Such things are never outlawed. I daren't go t'
+an English port, an' that's hampered me. I have to take what berths I
+can get."
+
+"Can't you disprove the mutiny charge?" asked Ruth.
+
+"Not unless some of them involved was to confess, Miss. An' land knows
+where those fellers are now. They've disappeared with th' captain an'
+Mike Tullane. Of course if I could find either one of them, I could
+prove my innocence, an' then I'd be free t' go where I pleased. But I've
+about given _that_ up, Miss.
+
+"So I sort of come t' anchor in th' Sailors' Snug Harbor, an' when I
+heard about this movin' picture business, and th' chance it gave t' make
+a little money, I took it. But when it comes t' doin' some crime for it,
+I draws th' line. As I said, I've always lived honest, man and boy, for
+many years, an' that one charge is th' only one against me. I'm not
+goin' t' take them papers, and substitute false ones."
+
+"But you don't exactly understand," Ruth said with a smile. "I am going
+to explain it to you. Mr. Pertell said I might. Now here is the story we
+are supposed to act out; and, mind you, it is only _supposing_--make
+believe, as we children used to say."
+
+"Oh, it's make believe; is it?" asked Jack Jepson.
+
+"Yes, just make-believe."
+
+"I had a little gal once--long years ago," he said softly, "an' she used
+to be great on make-believe games. Is this takin' of them papers a make
+believe game?"
+
+"Exactly!" chimed in Alice. "My sister and I have to pretend every day.
+It's fun!"
+
+"Well, of course I didn't know _that_," said Jack. "Maybe I made a
+mistake in bein' so quick. There was nothin' wrong in it?" he
+questioned.
+
+"Not the least in the world," said Ruth. "It is just a game, played for
+the amusement of the public. I'll explain," and from the typewritten
+scenario she held she went over the outlines of the big marine drama, as
+one of the authors of the Comet company had written it. As she gave the
+details, the simple, kindly face of the sailor cleared. His doubts
+vanished.
+
+"Say, wasn't I th' old landlubber though!" he cried. "T' think I thought
+I was really committin' a crime. Ha! Ha!"
+
+"Well, your past experience had made you careful," Alice said.
+
+"That's what it had, Miss. It's no fun t' be barred from the ports of
+the country that has more of 'em than any nation of the world. It
+hampers a man. But I daren't go on British soil."
+
+"Could they come here and take you?" asked Ruth.
+
+The old man looked around before replying.
+
+"They maybe wouldn't know me," he hoarsely whispered. "I've grown a
+beard since those days."
+
+"Well, then, how would the British authorities know you?" asked Alice
+with a smile.
+
+"I'm not takin' any chances, Miss," was the answer. And though it might
+seem to an outsider that it would be safe, under those circumstances,
+for Jepson to visit British ports, if he kept away from the island where
+he had been imprisoned, he could not see it that way.
+
+"No sir!" he exclaimed. "No British ports for mine!"
+
+By this time Mr. DeVere, who had been engaged in finishing a few scenes
+in a play that had started the day before, came up to join his
+daughters.
+
+"Well, how is the great marine drama coming on?" he asked, his voice
+being more hoarse than usual. He had done some talking, as he found it
+helped to give a better idea of the characters he portrayed, but it was
+not necessary, in these picture plays, to get his voice "over the
+footlights."
+
+"There has been a halt," explained Ruth with a smile. "This is Jack
+Jepson, Father. He is to have one of the principal parts, but he balked
+at some underhand work, and--"
+
+"Pleased t' know you," Jack broke in with a jerky bow. "Your daughter's
+a smart gal," he said. "She made everything as clear as daylight t' me.
+I'm goin' on with th' play now."
+
+"That is when Mr. Pertell is ready," put in Alice. "He seems to have
+found some difficulty in that cowboy drama."
+
+This was evident, for the Western play had been stopped, and the camera
+operator, with a weary look on his face, was leaning against a post, as
+if in despair of ever completing that day's run of film.
+
+"No, no, Mr. Bunn, you must not do it that way," the manager was saying.
+"When Ardite, in the character of the young outlaw, shoots at you, stand
+up without flinching. That's your part--to be indifferent to gunfire."
+
+"Oh, that's my part, is it? Just to be shot at!" cried the old "Ham"
+actor. "Well, it's a mighty poor part, that's all I've got to say! It
+will be the last time I ever take a part like that. Oh, why did I ever
+leave the legitimate stage?"
+
+"Ha! Maybe it was because the stage would have left you, had you not
+left it," said Mr. Switzer, who was dressed up as a German comedian, and
+taking part in another play.
+
+"Ha! What is that?" asked Mr. Bunn pompously. But Mr. Switzer did not
+repeat his remark. He was called to resume his part.
+
+"Now Mr. Bunn, stand up and be shot at!" commanded Mr. Pertell. "Come,
+come! We can't lose all day on this little play. I've got to get busy on
+the marine drama, and I want some of you in that. Ready with that gun
+now, Paul!"
+
+"Yes, shoot him!" murmured Mr. Pepper Sneed, the human grouch. "Aim it
+right at him. Of course they are only blank cartridges," he added
+cheerfully, "but if the wadding hits you Bunn, lockjaw is almost sure to
+follow. Go on and shoot. I know something will happen," and he looked as
+though he would be disappointed if his prophesy were not borne out. "Go
+on, shoot!"
+
+"No! No! I protest! I withdraw from this play!" cried Mr. Bunn, looking
+around for his tall hat, without which he seldom was seen. It was his
+one remnant of departed glory.
+
+"No, you'll not withdraw!" cried Mr. Pertell. "We've got half the film
+run off with you on, and you've got to stick it out. Go on, Paul. And,
+Mr. Sneed, you needn't trouble to stand here and look on, as you're not
+in this cast. You have a--depressing effect."
+
+Mr. Sneed certainly did. However, he moved away, and the play went on.
+It was successfully filmed, and then Mr. Pertell was free to take up,
+where he had left off, the discussion of the preliminaries of the marine
+drama. "Out on The Deep" it was to be called.
+
+"Well, how about it?" asked the manager, as he approached the moving
+picture girls, their father and sailor Jack. "Have you succeeded in
+convincing him?"
+
+"That's what they have, Mr. Pertell," the old salt said. "I'm sorry I
+made such a fuss about those false papers. I didn't know it was only
+make-believe."
+
+"Well, if that difficulty is over with, we'll go on, though we can do
+only a few of the simple scenes today," the manager said.
+
+"Do you understand the play?" he asked of Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Not altogether. I will look over the scenario."
+
+"I can save you the trouble," the manager went on. "I'll outline it
+briefly for you. 'Out on the Deep,' is, as you can tell by the name, a
+marine story. Part of it will take place in a sailors' home. That will
+be the Snug Harbor, where I found Jack Jepson. We will go over to
+Staten Island some day and film those scenes.
+
+"Another part of the drama will take place in a shipping office. Of
+course that will be a studio scene, taken right here. I was starting in
+on that when Jack balked."
+
+"Well, I won't again," the sailor promised.
+
+"Glad to hear it," came from the manager. "But the big part of the play
+will actually take place on deep water," Mr. Pertell resumed. "We are
+going out in a big schooner, and----"
+
+"A real schooner?" asked Jack, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, a real schooner. It isn't a very good one, but it will answer our
+purpose, especially as we have to wreck her, and she will be a total
+loss. I had to pay pretty high for her, too. But I think it will be
+worth it. The shipwreck scenes, in the storm, ought to be great. And
+now, as I have decided to postpone the rehearsal of the play for a
+while, I think it would be a good plan for some of us to go and look at
+the _Mary Ellen_, and get familiar with her layout."
+
+"The _Mary Ellen_!" cried Sailor Jack.
+
+"Yes, that is the name of the schooner I have purchased to use as a
+shipwreck," said the manager.
+
+"Why--th' _Mary Ellen_!" cried Jack. "That was th' name of th' vessel
+where th' mutiny was!" and he started to his feet in great excitement.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+CAPTAIN BRISCO
+
+
+"Mutiny! What do you mean?" demanded Mr. Pertell, a little startled by
+the action of the old sailor.
+
+"That's just what I mean, sir! Oh, I forgot you don't know. But I told
+these young ladies about me being in a mutiny, an' I'm under suspicion
+in connection with it still. I can't go in an English port, and that's a
+nice blight to put on a man!" he said indignantly.
+
+Mr. Pertell looked bewildered.
+
+"Perhaps I can explain," said Ruth, "and if I go wrong, Jack, please
+correct me."
+
+"That I will, Miss!" he exclaimed.
+
+Thereupon Ruth told the whole story, much more connectedly, and more
+briefly, than would have been possible for the old salt. But Ruth had
+the knack of condensing a long scenario into a few words.
+
+"Was that it?" she asked Jack, when she had finished.
+
+"That's it, Miss, an' you did me more credit in the story than I
+deserved."
+
+"Oh, no I didn't," Ruth said, smiling. "I'd like to help you solve that
+mystery, too--the mystery of the disappearance of the captain and Mike
+Tullane."
+
+"That's it!" cried Jack. "If I could only find one of them, or if some
+of th' real mutineers would confess, it would clear me an' I could be
+free t' roam wherever I wanted t' in th' world. But it's too much t'
+hope for that. But you said th' name of th' vessel we was t' make
+believe be shipwrecked on was th' _Mary Ellen_, sir," and he turned to
+the manager. "The _Mary Ellen_ was the name of the craft where the
+mutiny occurred. Could it be--" he paused, hope showing on his eager
+face.
+
+"No, there's hardly a chance that this is the same one," said Mr.
+Pertell. "_Mary Ellen_ is a common name for vessels," he went on, "and
+there must be scores with it painted on their bows. I don't know
+anything about the vessel I have bought, but I doubt if she was ever in
+a mutiny. She is a very old craft, and isn't really fit for service now.
+But her owners say she will do for what I want. We are going to take her
+to Southern waters, and the main scenes of the drama will be
+photographed aboard her, and around her."
+
+"Where is the craft now, if I may ask?" inquired Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Over in Erie Basin," answered the manager. "I am having her fitted up,
+and a crew is being engaged. Of course it will be some time before we
+sail, but I want to get everything in readiness. So suppose we take a
+run over there now, and look at her."
+
+"That suits me!" exclaimed Jack, to whom matters nautical were as the
+breath of life. "And I hope you'll sign me on, sir; when it comes to
+makin' up your crew, sir."
+
+"I intend to ship you," was the answer. "Captain Brisco said he would
+need some good officers. You have a mate's certificate, have you not,
+Jack."
+
+"Yes, sir, and mighty glad and proud I'll be to fill that berth, sir."
+
+"Oh, won't it be jolly to go sailing!" exclaimed Alice. "I shall just
+_love_ it!"
+
+Mr. DeVere sighed resignedly.
+
+"I'm afraid it won't be very good for your throat, Daddy," said Ruth in
+a low tone. "The damp air will be sure to make you cough."
+
+"Oh, well--" he began.
+
+Mr. Pertell overheard what was said.
+
+"I don't like to ask you, Mr. DeVere," he said, "to do anything that
+will be bad for your health. But I certainly need your services, and
+those of your daughters, in this sea drama. Otherwise I would not ask
+you to run any risks with your throat.
+
+"But I will say this. We shall not be afloat until Summer, and, as we
+shall be in a warm climate, perhaps the bad effects will not be so
+pronounced."
+
+"No, I think so myself," the old actor admitted. "It may even do me
+good. I will doctor up in the meanwhile. And I realize that if I do not
+go, my daughters cannot. I would not like to have them miss this fine
+opportunity."
+
+"Oh, Daddy! We wouldn't go if it harmed you!" Alice cried.
+
+"Oh, I dare say I can manage," her father replied. "The new treatment I
+am taking seems to agree with me. Who knows? Perhaps, when it comes time
+to sail, my throat may not trouble me at all."
+
+"Let us hope so," Alice broke in. "I do so love the water, and the
+Southern sea will be a dream!"
+
+Perhaps if Alice could have looked ahead, and seen what lay before her,
+she would not have been so enthusiastic in anticipating the future.
+
+Mr. Pertell saw that the other plays under way in the studio were
+running smoothly, and then prepared to take Mr. DeVere, his daughters,
+and the old sailor over to Erie Basin, to inspect the _Mary Ellen_, as
+she lay in her slip, being refitted for another voyage--her last--for
+she was to rest beneath the waves when she had played her part in the
+moving picture play.
+
+"I wish I were going with you," said Russ Dalwood, as Ruth passed him
+where he was having a moment's respite from grinding away at the crank
+of a camera.
+
+"I wish so, too," she answered, in a low voice.
+
+"But I've got to stay here, and grind away at this film," he said
+hopelessly.
+
+"We'll see you to-night," she called to him, as she went out.
+
+Paul Ardite waved to Alice as she "twinkled" her fingers at him. Paul
+was in a cowboy costume, playing a scene in the cowboy story, which
+seemed to be giving more and more trouble as it proceeded.
+
+"This is the fifth time we've done that act," Paul called to Alice in an
+aside as she passed. "And all because Mr. Bunn is so fussy. They'll take
+him out, if he isn't careful. Where are you going, Alice?"
+
+"Over to see _Mary Ellen_."
+
+"Who's she? A new actress?"
+
+"Yes, she's a 'she' I suppose, and she's going to have a big part in a
+drama. I'll tell you about it later."
+
+The _Mary Ellen_ certainly did not present a very trim appearance as the
+little party went aboard her at the dock in Erie Basin. The decks were
+cluttered up with an assortment of ropes, planks, casks, boxes and other
+things, so that it was impossible to move about without great care. On
+coming in sight of the craft Jack Jepson's face wore a look of
+expectancy.
+
+"She might be the same _Mary Ellen_ that I was on," he said.
+
+But when he saw that the craft had three masts, whereas the ship where
+the mutiny had occurred boasted of five, Jack shook his head.
+
+"She isn't th' same ship," he murmured.
+
+Yet as he stepped on deck he gave a start, and an exclamation escaped
+his lips.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Alice, who was near him.
+
+"Well, Miss, you may think it strange," he said, "but if I had my eyes
+shut, I'd say I was on my old ship--th' _Mary Ellen_ I was tellin' you
+about."
+
+"But she had five masts, and this one----"
+
+"Yes, I know, Miss Alice. But, masts or no masts there's somethin' about
+this craft that's strangely familiar. I'm sure I've been on her before,
+and yet--no, it can't be--three masts can't make five, no matter how you
+count."
+
+"Well, this is the ship," said Mr. Pertell to his guests. "This will be
+our home when we get her fitted up in ship-shape. I don't know much
+about such things myself, so I've given Captain Brisco full charge. He
+is to get her in readiness."
+
+"Well, if you were to ask me I should say it would take the greater part
+of a year to get this in ship-shape," said Ruth. "I never saw such
+confusion--never!" and she gazed about the deck.
+
+"Why, Miss, this isn't anythin'--nothin' at all!" cried Jack Jepson.
+"With a few of my old shipmates I could get this craft ready for a
+voyage in half a day--that is, if she's all right below th' water line,"
+he added as an afterthought.
+
+"I'm trusting all that to Captain Brisco," said Mr. Pertell. "He was
+recommended to me by the ones from whom I purchased this boat. I think
+he will have everything in ship-shape for us in time."
+
+As they stood looking about the deck a man came up from below. From his
+appearance he was unmistakably a sailor, and one in authority. He issued
+several orders, on hearing which a number of men bestirred themselves,
+and then, catching sight of the little party, he called out in rough
+tones.
+
+"Come now! What's this? No visitors are allowed on board here. Get
+ashore at once!"
+
+"Hello, Captain Brisco!" called Mr. Pertell. "That is, if that's the
+proper nautical greeting."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Pertell. I didn't recognize you," said the commander of the
+_Mary Ellen_. "I beg your pardon! Won't you walk this way?"
+
+"We are on a little tour of inspection," the manager went on. "These are
+some of my principle moving picture actors, and I want them to get
+familiar with the ship. And, Captain Brisco, this is an old salt who
+will be with us. He is to be second mate, I believe. Jack Jepson, let me
+present you to Captain Brisco."
+
+A strange look came over the old salt's face. He stepped forward and
+burst out with:
+
+"I guess I've met Captain Brisco before, but that wasn't his
+name--then!"
+
+Captain Brisco started back as though a shot had been fired near him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+JEPSON IS WORRIED
+
+
+For an instant only did the commander of the _Mary Ellen_ show signs of
+perturbation. He recovered himself with an effort, hardly obvious to the
+moving picture girls who were watching. It was as though a cloud had
+passed over the sun so quickly as to give an observer no time to glance
+up and see it, before the shadow was gone. Then Captain Brisco smiled.
+
+"I think you've made a mistake, my man," he said, with the air of one
+used to commanding. "I'm sure I don't know you, whether or not you think
+you have had the pleasure of my acquaintance. How about it?"
+
+He turned a sharp look on Jack Jepson, and the latter faltered.
+
+"Well--well, maybe I am mistaken," he said slowly. "But I sure did take
+you for an old shipmate of mine. I sure did--an old shipmate," and he
+spoke the words slowly.
+
+"For instance--who?" asked Captain Brisco, and the words seemed to come
+out like the closing of the jaws of a steel trap.
+
+"Oh--er--you wouldn't know if I told you," said Jack. "I guess I was
+mistaken," he added.
+
+"And I'm sure of it," Captain Brisco said, coolly. "I don't know many in
+these parts, for I've been away for some time. And--er--who might you
+be?" he asked, with more of that commanding air.
+
+"This is the sailor who will be one of your mates on our little trip,"
+explained Mr. Pertell. "You said you would need officers, even for a
+short voyage such as we intend making, so I picked up Jack Jepson. Do
+you think he'll do?"
+
+"Depends on how much he knows of navigation," was the sharp answer.
+
+"Oh, I have my certificate," Jack answered. "If you want t' see it I
+have it----"
+
+"Never mind now," interposed Captain Brisco. "There are a thousand and
+one things to do, and nothing seems to be going right. Lay aloft there,
+some of you!" he cried to a group of men. "Get those halyards reeved and
+straightened out. Think we're going to lie here all Summer? Lively now!
+I think I could use you, if you've any knack of handling men," he added
+in lower tones, turning to Jack. "It's slow work, getting fitted out."
+
+"I could come any time," Jepson answered, and Alice noted that the old
+sailor gazed furtively now and then at the captain. It was as though he
+wanted to impress his memory with the face of the commander. "I'm over
+in Sailors' Snug Harbor," Jepson went on, "I came over to do some
+actin'----"
+
+"Yes, this play acting business is new to me, too," said Captain Brisco.
+"But I suppose I can get used to it. Seems rather queer to go to all
+this work and expense," he went on to Mr. Pertell, "just to fit a
+schooner out, and then sink her. It's a waste of good money, I should
+say."
+
+"We'll get our money back, never fear, if the film turns out all right,"
+said Mr. Pertell. "Now how are you coming on? That's what I came to see.
+I want some of my principal actors to get familiar with the ship, so I
+brought them down. I started with Jepson, up in the studio," he added in
+a lower voice, for the benefit of Captain Brisco, "but he balked, I'll
+tell you about it later. He can stay and help you if you like."
+
+"Well, I probably can use him," the commander said, as he looked at
+Jepson, who was wandering about the deck with a curiously abstracted
+air.
+
+"Sort of funny thinking he knew you, wasn't it?" commented Mr. Pertell,
+while Alice, Ruth and Mr. DeVere looked on with interest at the various
+activities connected with getting the _Mary Ellen_ ready for sea.
+
+"Oh, not at all queer," answered Captain Brisco, quickly. "I have
+commanded so many men and ships in my day that I must be familiar by
+name, at least, to hundreds of sailors. But I never saw this Jepson
+before. However, he seems to be a good, honest soul."
+
+"Too honest, by far!" laughed Mr. Pertell. "He wouldn't even pretend to
+take some false papers to carry out a film idea. Said he'd been in
+enough trouble over being falsely accused in a mutiny!"
+
+"A mutiny!" exclaimed Captain Brisco. "A mutiny!"
+
+"Yes. Why, is that remarkable?" asked the manager, for Captain Brisco
+seemed startled.
+
+"No, oh, no! I don't know as it is. I was only thinking if he was given
+to starting mutinies, he wouldn't be a safe man to have on board here."
+
+"Oh, you needn't fear for Jepson," the manager said. "He was innocent in
+that mutiny affair, I believe. But now as to details. I want to consult
+with you in regard to certain matters."
+
+And while the captain and manager sought a quiet corner, where they
+might converse, and go over the plot of the great marine drama, Alice
+and Ruth wandered about the ship. The sailors who were fitting her out
+looked curiously at the girls as they went to and fro. Mr. DeVere found
+a sheltered spot where he said he would wait until Mr. Pertell was
+finished with the captain.
+
+"Does your throat pain you much?" asked Alice solicitously.
+
+"Oh, not as much as I expected, coming so near the water. I think it
+will be all right. Don't worry."
+
+"Isn't it perfectly wonderful, to think we're going to be on board this
+schooner!" exclaimed Alice to her sister. "And are we going to sleep
+here and eat here, Jack?" she asked, as the old sailor came toward them.
+
+"Well, Miss, if you goes on a voyage you can't walk off th' ship
+whenever you want to, you know, to get a berth, and some grub. I mean
+something to eat and a place to sleep," he quickly translated. "You has
+to stay right on board until the voyage ends."
+
+"Oh, and could we see where we sleep?" asked Ruth.
+
+"The staterooms? Yes, of course," said Captain Brisco, who with Mr.
+Pertell came forward just then. "Jepson, take the ladies below. If
+you're a sailor you don't need to be told the way."
+
+"No, sir," was the respectful answer. Jack seemed to have acquired new
+dignity since coming aboard; and it was noticeable, a little later, that
+he took more pains with his talk, being more grammatical, and
+pronouncing his words better, as befitted a mate.
+
+"And I want to see where they do the cooking," remarked Ruth. "What is
+it they call it--the alley?"
+
+"The galley," corrected Alice. "Don't you remember?"
+
+"Oh, yes, so it is. What a funny name for a kitchen."
+
+"This way," directed Jack, as he started for the companionway. Meanwhile
+Mr. Pertell and Captain Brisco having settled on certain details, called
+Mr. DeVere into consultation, since that actor was to have a prominent
+part in the scenes that would take place aboard the ship.
+
+Jack Jepson led his two pretty charges below, where some men were also
+at work. They inspected the sleeping quarters, the galley and other
+parts of the ship. Then, at the suggestion of Alice they penetrated to
+the men's quarters--the forecastle, or "fo'cas'l," as Jack pronounced
+it, sailor-fashion.
+
+As they passed two carpenters doing some "patch-work," Jack paused and
+looked closely at what they were doing. Suddenly he turned to Alice and
+asked:
+
+"Is this craft to make a voyage all by herself?"
+
+"A short one--yes," Alice answered, for she had looked over the
+scenario. "Why do you ask?"
+
+"Oh, nothin'--nothin'--," answered Jack Jepson. "Only, oh, well, I
+s'pose it's all right," he went on. But as he led the way forward Ruth
+noticed a look of worriment on the face of the old sailor. It was so
+evident that it startled her--the more so as she heard him murmur:
+
+"Going all by herself; eh? Well, she certainly needs a consort."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+HARD WORK
+
+
+Ruth took advantage of the first opportunity to question Sailor Jack
+Jepson. The memory of that look on his face haunted her. But it was not
+until they had come from the _Mary Ellen_ that Ruth found her chance.
+
+While on board, arrangements had been made for taking some of the
+preliminary scenes of the marine drama, and Mr. Pertell urged Captain
+Brisco to hasten, as much as he could, the preparations for the voyage.
+
+But finally, when Alice and her father had gone on ahead, walking with
+Mr. Pertell, and were deep in a discussion about a certain scene, Ruth
+found a chance to ask:
+
+"Didn't you like what you saw downstairs in the _Mary Ellen_, Jack?"
+
+"Downstairs, Miss?" the sailor questioned, a puzzled look on his face.
+
+"Or whatever the right sea-term is for under the deck?" she went on.
+
+"Oh, you mean below."
+
+"Yes, didn't you like what you saw below?" asked Ruth.
+
+"What do you mean, Miss?"
+
+"Well, you didn't seem altogether pleased. I don't want them to hear,"
+she went on, motioning to her father and sister, "but you looked
+worried. Was anything--wrong?"
+
+"Wrong? No, Miss, not exactly wrong. But some of them fellers didn't
+seem to know their business in repairin' a ship, that was all. But we
+aren't goin' on much of a voyage, so I don't s'pose it matters--much."
+
+"But we are going on a pretty long trip, and for a time we'll all be
+alone on board the _Mary Ellen_, some distance from land," Ruth said. "I
+know, for I've read the outlines."
+
+"Is that so, Miss? Why--I--I didn't exactly know that. I wonder if I'd
+better----"
+
+Before Jack Jepson could continue Mr. Pertell turned back and called:
+
+"Oh, I believe I forgot to tell you people, but we are also to have a
+motorboat in connection with the _Mary Ellen_. A big, powerful gasoline
+craft, she is, called the _Ajax_. She'll follow us, part of the time,
+for some of the pictures have to be taken from a distance, as she trails
+along at the stern. We'll have plenty of time for rehearsal, though."
+
+"Ah, a motorboat to follow us. Then there isn't so much danger," said
+Jack Jepson, and he seemed talking to himself.
+
+"Danger!" exclaimed Ruth. "What do you mean by that?"
+
+"Danger? Did I say danger, Miss?" he asked, and again Ruth was surprised
+at the strange look on his face.
+
+"You certainly did say it," she replied.
+
+"Well, I didn't mean it," he said, though he spoke with an obvious
+effort. "I meant it would be much more company--company for you folks as
+aren't used to sailin' the seas. That's all, Miss. Oh, no, there's no
+real danger--that is there won't be to _you_, as long as old Jack Jepson
+can ward it off," he murmured under his breath.
+
+The little party went back to the studio, and, after lunch, some of the
+easiest and less important scenes in the marine drama were rehearsed.
+Sailor Jack soon understood what was wanted of him, and did very well.
+Ruth and Alice took pleasure in coaching the honest, simple old salt.
+His too-conscientious scruples about doing a seemingly wrongful act were
+overcome when it was explained to him, and he went through the scene in
+the studio shipping office very well.
+
+"And that will be all you'll have to do for a few days," Manager Pertell
+told him. "You will not be needed to take part in any scenes until we
+get ready for the second act. Meanwhile you had better arrange to stay
+aboard the _Mary Ellen_, while she is in the Erie Basin, and help
+Captain Brisco."
+
+"That I will! Aye, aye, sir!" exclaimed Jack. "And it'll be a relief to
+be where I can feel the heave of a deck, even if the craft is anchored,
+and to smell the real salt water again. I'll go aboard as soon as I can
+get back to the Snug Harbor, and stow my dunnage in a bag."
+
+He really seemed delighted to make the change, and the worried look left
+his face, though Ruth could not forget the shadow it had cast. What did
+it mean? She asked herself this over and over again.
+
+Meanwhile there was hard work for the moving picture girls and Mr.
+DeVere. A company engaged in the making of films does not content itself
+with merely producing one big play. There are any number of small reels
+that are needed, as "fillers." Some of them are called "split reels,"
+meaning that there are two plays, or sketches, on each one. And in the
+intervals of going through scenes in "Out on The Deep," or rehearsing
+for them, Ruth and Alice took part, with others of the Comet
+organization, in the making of many pictures.
+
+Several weeks went by in this way. Spring was gradually turning into
+Summer, to the delight of the girls, who loved the outdoors. Of course
+they loved Winter, too, for they had many outdoor scenes to take part in
+then, since snow effects are always easy to photograph.
+
+"But Summer is the best!" cried Alice, gaily dancing about the studio,
+after she had finished in a little comedy scene, one day.
+
+"I think so, too," agreed Ruth.
+
+"And when we get out on the deep blue sea," the younger girl added, "it
+will be ideal. Oh, I can hardly wait for the _Mary Ellen_ to start on
+her last voyage. Isn't it too bad she has to be sunk?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, it is rather tragic," agreed Ruth. "I hope we get far enough away
+when she takes her last plunge beneath the waves," she added with an
+involuntary shudder.
+
+"Oh, trust Captain Brisco for that," Alice said.
+
+"I had rather trust--Sailor Jack Jepson," murmured Ruth in a low voice.
+
+Meanwhile work on refitting the schooner had gone on apace. The moving
+picture girls, and their friends, had paid several visits to her, and
+found Captain Brisco, Jack Jepson and the others hard at work making the
+vessel a semblance of her former self.
+
+"She's an old tub," said Jack to the girls, "but she's in better shape
+than she was when you were here afore, Missies."
+
+And indeed the _Mary Ellen_ did seem so. A new coat of paint added as
+much to her appearance, as a new dress and hat does to a young lady,
+though _Mary Ellen_ could no longer be classed as young.
+
+Then came a day when many members of the theatrical company, including
+Jack Jepson, who now enjoyed that distinction, were taken down to the
+seacoast, some distance from New York. They went in a tug specially
+hired for the occasion.
+
+"Some of the scenes of the marine drama take place on the seacoast,"
+explained Mr. Pertell. "I want to get them now, when we have the chance.
+I need a rocky shore, and this is the nearest one we can reach. Get
+ready now. We have rehearsed these scenes, you remember."
+
+They were not easy scenes, and, even though they had been gone over in
+the studio, when it came to actually going through them on the beach,
+one difficulty after another arose.
+
+In the first place it was a raw, windy day, and there was a pretty high
+sea, dashing up among the rocks of the shore, and sending a spray over
+toward the cameras.
+
+"I can't do anything from this point!" finally complained Russ Dalwood,
+who was at the machine. "I've spoiled about a hundred feet of film now.
+We'll have to get around that point."
+
+"All right," agreed Mr. Pertell, "but the scenery isn't so good there."
+
+But when one difficulty was disposed of another one was found. Mr. Bunn
+made trouble when he was asked to do a certain "fall" in the water. He
+complained that he did not want to spoil his tall hat.
+
+"Oh, you and your tall hat!" impatiently exclaimed the manager. "Go on
+with that scene, I tell you!"
+
+"But I--er--I--" expostulated the old actor.
+
+Before he could make further objection a mist of heavy spray dashed over
+him, thoroughly wetting his beloved hat.
+
+"There!" cried Mr. Pertell. "Your tile is spoiled anyhow, now go on and
+fall in. It can't get any wetter!"
+
+"Oh, what a life! What a life!" groaned the "Ham" actor, but he went
+through the "business." Perhaps he realized that other engagements were
+not any too plentiful for men of his talent.
+
+Nor did Ruth and Alice have an easy time. They had to scramble over
+rocks, they had to escape from smugglers, they had to hide in caves,
+and once Alice had to fall down on the rocks, and pretend to be hurt. It
+was a very real fall, too, and she did not have to make much of a
+pretense at limping.
+
+"Oh, I'm so sorry!" exclaimed Paul Ardite, hastening to her side. "Shall
+I carry you?" he asked eagerly.
+
+"No indeed. I'm all right. I just----"
+
+"Keep back there, Paul! Keep back!" cried Mr. Pertell. "Don't get in
+range and spoil the picture. That's fine, Miss DeVere. It's very
+natural--that limp!"
+
+"It ought to be!" murmured Alice, biting her lips to keep back an
+exclamation of pain. "It's real enough, especially the pain."
+
+Moving picture acting is not all as easy as it seems.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE RISING TIDE
+
+
+"Well, that's very good, so far," said Mr. Pertell, when there came a
+lull in the taking of the preliminary scenes of the marine film. "A
+little more life wouldn't have hurt any, but the conditions aren't just
+the best. It was fairly well done."
+
+"Huh! Fairly well done!" exclaimed Pepper Sneed. "I wonder what he
+wants, anyhow? I nearly broke my neck scrambling over those rocks, and
+the skin is all gone from the palms of my hands, and all he says is that
+it was 'fairly well done!' I wonder what he wants, anyhow?"
+
+"Ha! He vants dot you shouldt altogedder preak your neck, ain't it?" put
+in Mr. Switzer. "Dot vould be a real funny picture, alretty yet!" he
+went on in his favorite character of a Dutch comedian. "Preak your neck,
+Mr. Sneed, und let Russ make der picture."
+
+"Ha! I think I see myself!" exclaimed the "grouch," as he looked for a
+seaweed-cushioned rock whereon to sit. "There's been a lot of trouble
+today, but, mark my words, there'll be more before we have finished.
+That's all I've got to say," and by the sour look on his face anyone
+would have thought that he rejoiced in his prediction of trouble to
+come.
+
+"What is the matter now?" asked Ruth, coming up in time to hear part of
+the discussion.
+
+"Oh, Pepper is sure the world is going to come to an end before the
+public has a chance to see him in his great rescue act of 'Out on The
+Deep,' I guess," replied Paul Ardite. "Cheer up!" he added. "The worst
+is yet to come."
+
+"You're right there," agreed Mr. Sneed, darkly. "There'll be an accident
+before this day is over, mark my words!"
+
+"Oh, Alice, are you hurt?" asked Ruth quickly, as she saw her sister
+limping toward her, for the little scene in which Alice had slipped and
+hurt her ankle, had taken place when Ruth was busy in another part of
+the play, farther down the shore line.
+
+"It isn't anything," the younger girl answered, bravely keeping back an
+exclamation of pain.
+
+"Will you be able to go on?" Mr. Pertell asked. He had followed Alice,
+when the scene closed, and when he had stopped Paul in time to prevent
+the photographs from being spoiled.
+
+"Oh, yes, I can go on, of course," Alice said, with an effort.
+
+"Because you have some important parts yet to do," the manager
+continued. He was not as heartless as this sounds. Really he was most
+kind and considerate. Yet he knew the pictures must be made and the
+present was the best time. If there were a delay, there was no telling
+what might intervene.
+
+He knew that Alice herself realized this. She would not give up unless
+positively unable to go on. The general public little realizes how often
+those who entertain them do so under positive pain and suffering. Of
+course moving picture scenes can be postponed more easily than can those
+in a real theatre. But the general rule holds good for the movies, as
+for the legitimate. "The show must go on!" That is the watchword of
+manager and player alike. "The show must go on!"
+
+"I have a bottle of arnica with me," said Mrs. Maguire, the "old lady"
+of the company. "I heard we were to do some rock-scrambling today and I
+brought it along. I'll rub some of it on your ankle," she said to Alice.
+
+"Yes, doctor her up a bit," advised Mr. Pertell. "She's too important to
+be left out of the film, for a while at least. I don't want to force
+you, Miss DeVere," he went on, "but really----"
+
+"Oh, I'll be able to go on," Alice bravely said. "It is only a little
+wrench, I think."
+
+Behind a screen of rocks Mrs. Maguire removed Alice's shoe and stocking,
+and the motherly old lady and Ruth bathed the injured foot. It was not
+as bad as Alice had feared, and when it was bound up again she found she
+could use it by "favoring" it slightly. She would not have to take part
+in a scene for nearly an hour, and she took advantage of the rest
+afforded by the wait.
+
+Meanwhile Mr. DeVere and some other members of the company were going
+through their parts. An old fisherman's hut had been found, a little way
+down the beach, and for a small sum of money the grizzled old salt had
+agreed to vacate for the morning, and allow the moving picture actors to
+use his home as the background for several scenes.
+
+"It isn't just what the scenario calls for," said Mr. Pertell, "but we
+can switch things around at the studio later, to make it fit."
+
+This is a secret of more than one film. The producer takes advantage of
+things as he finds them. Often, after a film has all been planned, and
+the pictures are being taken, a chance accident, or incident, will
+suggest an advantageous change, and it is made on the spot. Later the
+film is "cut" or added to, so that the change fits in.
+
+Again, on going to the outdoor scene called for in the scenario, the
+manager may see a background that suits him better than one he intended
+using. On the spot he will stop and have the act take place there,
+altering, or adapting, the plot of the story to fit. And many an
+accident has been turned to good account in making a film. But these are
+secrets known only to the initiated, and the public that sees the
+finished picture in some theatre little realizes how much chance had to
+do with its making.
+
+Scene after scene was "filmed," Russ and his camera associates grinding
+away at the machines. It was not easy work, for the wind and spray often
+interfered with the clearness of the picture. But of course that only
+added to the reality of it when the finished picture was shown.
+
+"Now for that scene on the far rocks," called Mr. Pertell when he had
+brought to a satisfactory conclusion a difficult part of the drama. "Are
+you able to go out there, Miss DeVere?" and he looked anxiously at
+Alice.
+
+"Oh, yes, I'm much better," she answered.
+
+"All ready then!" called the manager. "Russ, I want one or two
+'close-up' views in this, so prepare yourself accordingly."
+
+"All right," answered the operator, who was talking to Ruth. He put in a
+fresh reel of film, and adjusted the camera.
+
+A "close-up" view, I might explain, is one taken with the person, or
+subject, very close to the camera, so that it appears very large--larger
+than usual. For instance, it might be necessary, in some play, to show a
+certain ring. The hand of the person, with the ring on the finger would
+be held close to the camera, so that the resultant picture on the screen
+would show every detail of the ring clearly. You have often seen such
+views in moving pictures, though you may not have known what they were
+technically called.
+
+The "rock scene" that was to be filmed now was to take place out on a
+little rocky group some distance from shore. It was reached by a long,
+narrow rocky ledge that curved out into the bay. Alice, Ruth and Paul
+were to be in this picture, and Russ would plant his camera on the rocky
+ledge, between the actors and the shore.
+
+"Can you walk out there, Alice?" asked Paul, as he stepped along beside
+her, Russ walking with Ruth.
+
+"Oh, yes," was the answer. "My ankle is much better now. It was silly of
+me to slip that way."
+
+"You couldn't very well help it," he said.
+
+"That seaweed is very treacherous. I hope there is none on the rocks out
+there."
+
+"Why?" she asked. "Is the water deep?"
+
+"Rather, so that fisherman said."
+
+"Well, I'm not going to slip," declared Alice.
+
+It was not easy work getting out to the group of rocks on the narrow
+path of black stone, made slippery by the spray. But they managed it,
+and finally Ruth, Alice and Paul took their places.
+
+"All ready," called Mr. Pertell, who, with a copy of the scenario in his
+hand stood back of Russ to direct matters. "You are all supposed to be
+talking together, and then Paul discovers a sail out on the bay. You
+register surprise, Paul."
+
+"Very good," answered the young actor.
+
+I might explain that the word "register" is used to indicate that an
+actor or actress is to depict, or go through, the "business" of showing
+certain emotions, either by facial expression, or gestures.
+
+"And after Paul sights the vessel, you register hope, Miss Ruth," went
+on the manager. "All ready now--begin."
+
+So the filming of that scene went on.
+
+"Very good," complimented the manager. "Just a little more force there,
+Paul. Wait a minute, Russ. Do that one bit over."
+
+The scene was started over again, but it had proceeded only a minute or
+so before Russ gave an exclamation of annoyance.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"Spring broke," reported the operator. "I'll have to go get the other
+camera, and it will take me half an hour to get it in shape."
+
+"Well, we'll have time enough," Mr. Pertell said, with a look at the
+sun, which is a sort of god to photographers. Without its beams little
+can be done. "I'll go back and help you," said the manager who used to
+be an expert operator himself before he rose in the ranks.
+
+"You'll have to wait a bit," Russ called to Ruth, Alice and Paul. "Got
+to fix another camera."
+
+"All right. We'll stay here," announced Alice. "I don't want to make
+that trip again with my lame ankle," and she sat down in a niche of the
+rocks. The others followed her example. The minutes passed quickly in
+pleasant talk, but presently Paul jumped to his feet. There was alarm in
+his action.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Ruth, startled.
+
+"Look!" he said. He pointed toward the shore. The path of rocks was
+broken midway by a stretch of water. The tide had risen, cutting off the
+retreat to the beach.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+TOO MUCH REALISM
+
+
+"Oh dear!" exclaimed Ruth. It seemed a silly, futile thing to say, but,
+perhaps, very natural under the circumstances. Ruth arose, and put her
+arms about her sister, who tottered a little as she stood upright.
+
+"The tide has risen?" asked Alice, and her tone was questioning.
+
+"That's what has happened," went on Paul. "Pshaw! I ought to have kept
+watch of it. Russ was gone longer than I thought. But here we are now,
+fairly caught."
+
+"Can't we--can't we wade back to shore?" faltered Alice.
+
+"I wouldn't like to have you try it," answered Paul, and he moved over
+closer to the girl.
+
+"Why not?" she asked. "I'm not at all afraid of getting wet, and it
+can't be so very deep over those rocks--not yet."
+
+"It isn't that you would get wet," Paul answered. "But the rocks were
+slippery enough as they were. Covered with water, as they now are
+between us and the shore, I'm afraid you'd slip off, especially as your
+ankle will give you a twinge if you twist it."
+
+"It certainly will," agreed Alice. "It hurts worse now. But oh! We must
+get back to shore!" she exclaimed. "We must!"
+
+"We--I--I think I could lift her over the place where the water is,"
+said Ruth.
+
+"But you might both slip in," objected Paul. "And the water is quite
+deep on either side of this ledge of rocks. You see the ocean washes in
+against them, and scoops out the sand. So that there is a deep channel,
+ten feet or more, right alongside of the ledge of rocks. If you fell in
+there----"
+
+"Oh, don't speak of it!" begged Alice. "I wouldn't mind swimming if I
+were prepared for it but it isn't exactly Summer yet, and with a
+disabled foot----"
+
+"It isn't to be thought of," finished Ruth. "But we _must_ get ashore
+somehow, Paul. The water is getting higher every minute."
+
+"Yes, the tide has just begun to come in," said the young actor. "I
+should have noticed it before, but I didn't. Now I wonder--"
+
+He did not finish, but gazed back toward the beach, nearly a quarter of
+a mile away. To his surprise, and also alarm, not one of the members of
+the moving picture company was in sight.
+
+"That's strange," thought Paul, but he did not speak his thought aloud.
+
+"Oh!" screamed Alice, so suddenly as to startle them all.
+
+"What is the matter?" demanded Ruth.
+
+"A wave splashed right up behind me! Look!"
+
+The rising wind was sending little waves over the outer edge of the
+small island of rocks on which the three were marooned. It was another
+evidence that the tide was getting higher and higher.
+
+"What _shall_ we do?" asked Ruth.
+
+"We must get help--_somehow_!" Alice said. Then she looked shoreward, in
+the direction Paul was gazing, and she uttered the single expression:
+
+"Oh!"
+
+But it was fraught with meaning.
+
+"Why--they've gone!" gasped Ruth. "What--what----"
+
+"They'll be back!" Paul interrupted. "Probably Mr. Pertell just thought
+of some scene he could get, and he took them off down the beach to put
+them all in it. They'll be back in a little while, and then we can
+signal to them."
+
+"If--if it isn't too--too late!" faltered Alice.
+
+"Too late? What do you mean?" demanded her sister.
+
+"I mean these rocks will soon be covered, and covered deep, too," Alice
+said. "The high water mark is away above them."
+
+"Is it, Paul?" demanded the older girl. She wanted the statement of
+Alice disproved.
+
+"I'm afraid it is," the young actor made answer. "And the tide, I am
+sorry to say, is likely to be unusually high today. The moon has
+something to do with it. But we will be taken off before then."
+
+"Suppose we aren't?" asked Alice. "The wind and the sea are rising, and
+if we are swept off the rocks----"
+
+"Don't be so tragic about it!" broke in Ruth. "If we are to go to sea,
+and be in a shipwreck, even if it is only pictured, we must learn to
+face perils. And here we are only a little way from shore."
+
+"That's right!" cried Paul. "That's the way to look at it, Alice.
+There's no danger!"
+
+"That's easy enough for you to say--you two who haven't a lame ankle,"
+the younger girl said, seriously enough. "But I don't believe I can even
+swim!"
+
+"There will be no need of that," Paul said. "They are sure to come back
+and see our plight soon. I can't see what's keeping Russ. He promised to
+come back as soon as he fixed up another camera. It's very strange."
+
+Later they learned that when Russ and Mr. Pertell got back to the beach,
+leaving, as they supposed Ruth, her sister and Paul safe on the rocks,
+Pop Snooks, the veteran property man, discovered a certain nook that
+would answer for an important scene in the play. Wishing to take
+advantage of it at once, while the light was good, Mr. Pertell ordered
+the entire company over there to go through the prescribed "business."
+He took Russ and the two other camera operators with him, to make sure
+of getting at least one film.
+
+That is why the beach opposite the rocks where the three were marooned
+by the rising tide, was deserted just then. For the time both Mr.
+Pertell and Russ forgot their three friends, or, if they thought of them
+at all, it was to think that they were perfectly safe, and would come to
+no harm by waiting a bit.
+
+The tide rose higher and higher. In a few minutes it would lap the feet
+of the three marooned ones. A desperate resolve came into Paul's mind.
+
+"I'll swim, or wade, to shore," he said, "and get a boat."
+
+"And leave us here?" demanded Alice.
+
+"Yes. There is nothing else to be done," he answered, desperately.
+
+"No, please don't go!" begged Alice, putting a detaining hand on his
+arm. "I can't bear to be left here."
+
+"But it will be only for a few minutes," Paul said, "and the tide isn't
+rising so fast that it will sweep you away in that time."
+
+"I know--but--don't go!" begged Alice, her voice trembling.
+
+Paul looked at Ruth.
+
+"Perhaps you _had_ better stay," suggested the older girl. "They are
+sure to come back soon, and--well, we don't want to be left here."
+
+"All right," agreed Paul. "But I think I could get back with a boat in
+time."
+
+However, there was no need for him to go. A moment later the moving
+picture company, headed by Russ and the two other camera men, came
+around the turn of some sand dunes.
+
+"There they are!" cried Ruth.
+
+"Oh, come and get us!" fairly screamed Alice.
+
+Paul put his fingers to his mouth and sent out a shrill whistle.
+
+It needed only a glance on the part of Mr. Pertell and the others to
+show the plight of the three marooned ones.
+
+"I forgot all about them!" the manager exclaimed. "Russ--Mr.
+Bunn--Switzer--a boat--where's that fisherman--where's the life-saving
+station? This is----"
+
+"Avast there! Belay!" came the deep tones of Jack Jepson, who had come
+out to do certain parts in the shore scenes. "I'll take that boat out
+and get 'em. Don't worry!"
+
+"Oh, but my daughters!" exclaimed Mr. DeVere, hoarsely.
+
+"And Alice with a sprained ankle!" gasped Mrs. Maguire.
+
+"Don't worry! I'll get 'em!" declared the old salt. "Come on," he called
+to Mr. Bunn. "You look like you could handle an oar," and he started
+toward a dory that was drawn up on the beach.
+
+"I--I can't row!" exclaimed the old actor. "Besides, I might----"
+
+"Yes, he might spoil his dignity," said Russ fiercely in an undertone.
+"I'll go with you," he said to the sailor. "I can manage a boat!"
+
+"Good! That's the way to talk. Come on!"
+
+A few minutes later Russ and Jack had shoved out the fisherman's craft,
+and were quickly rowing toward the rocks. The tide was now so high that
+Paul and the two girls stood ankle-deep in the water that completely
+covered the rocks.
+
+"Ahoy there! Ahoy!" sang out Jack, as he and Russ sent the boat over the
+waves to the rescue. "Ahoy! We'll have you safe in a minute!"
+
+"Quick! Get that picture! Film it!" cried Mr. Pertell to one of the
+other camera men. "I can work that scene in--somehow."
+
+There was very little that was not "grist" which came to the "mill" of
+Mr. Pertell's cameras. The film began to unreel and before they knew it
+Paul, Ruth and Alice were being depicted in the rescue scene, which,
+when it was projected on the screen, made a series of effective
+pictures.
+
+There was little real harm done save for wet feet and startled nerves.
+Sufficient harm, one might think, but Ruth and Alice were beginning to
+forget they had nerves, so many were the strange acts they were called
+upon to perform in their moving picture work.
+
+Jack and Russ helped the three into the boat, and rowed to shore with
+them, where mutual explanations were made, and Mr. Pertell was
+sorrowfully apologetic for his forgetful share in it.
+
+"And the next time I forget about the tide, when I'm at the shore, I'll
+fine myself a box of candy to be forfeit to you girls," Paul said.
+
+"Be sure you don't forget to pay the fine," Alice warned him.
+
+As the company had brought along several changes of costume, there were
+dry shoes for the three marooned ones, and then, as it was too late to
+finish the scene on the rocks, they went back to New York. Some other
+day would have to be devoted, at least in part, to completing that film.
+
+In the days that followed, work on the _Mary Ellen_ went on apace. She
+was almost ready for her voyage to sea. The big motorboat, _Ajax_, was
+also being put in readiness. While Jack Jepson and the others were busy
+at the schooner there were also busy scenes at the studio, where Mr.
+DeVere and his daughters took part in many film plays. Nearly all the
+studio scenes for "Out on The Deep," had been completed.
+
+"But we must get that river attack before we start on the voyage," said
+Mr. Pertell one day. This "river attack" showed one phase of the big
+marine drama. Ruth and Alice, in company with Mr. Bunn, as an old
+'longshoreman, were supposed to be rowed across a river to escape harbor
+thieves. To get good local color the location of the scene was fixed on
+the Jersey side of the Hudson river, above the Palisades. Thither those
+of the company required in the scene journeyed one day.
+
+All went well until the time when Mr. Bunn, rather against his will, was
+rowing Ruth and Alice toward shore. They were being pursued by some
+rough men in a second boat. It is needless to say that the "rough men,"
+were also moving picture actors.
+
+"Go on there, Mr. Bunn! Row! Row!" called Mr. Pertell, while Russ, who
+was with him in a third boat, was making the reel hum in the camera.
+
+"I--I can't row any faster," said the old "Ham" actor.
+
+"But you _must_!" the manager cried. "That's better," he added as Mr.
+Bunn showed a burst of speed.
+
+"Oh dear! If ever I get through this series of pictures I'll quit the
+game!" groaned the former legitimate actor.
+
+Ruth and Alice "registered" the proper business as the men in the
+pursuing boat came nearer and nearer. The flight was to continue along
+the Jersey shore.
+
+"Jump out! Jump out!" commanded Mr. Pertell, giving directions from
+behind a screen of bushes, where he and Russ, having landed, were now
+hidden to take the land scenes.
+
+The girls and Mr. Bunn leaped ashore. The "villains" followed, firing
+blank cartridges.
+
+"Fine! That's fine!" cried the enthusiastic manager, when suddenly, from
+a road that ran along the shore, there sprang a number of country
+officers. They had their clubs in one hand and had drawn their
+revolvers.
+
+"Surrender! Surrender!" cried the leading officer to the "villains," who
+were pursuing Mr. Bunn and the girls. "Surrender! We've got you covered!
+We seen you chasin' these parties! Surrender!" and the police rushed
+toward the actors.
+
+"Keep back! Keep back!" implored Mr. Pertell, leaping out of concealment
+and waving his hands. But he was too late.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+A REVISED FILM
+
+
+Just what idea the local police had in mind when they rushed forward
+would be hard to say. Evidently, however, they believed they were intent
+on rescuing the girls from some imminent peril, for the leader of the
+officers, showing not a little fear, even in the heroic role he was
+playing, fired a shot into the air, and cried:
+
+"No you don't! No you don't! Nothin' like that there can be done while
+Captain Wealson is around. Up an' at 'em, men!"
+
+He and his men rushed toward the pursuing "villains," got right in the
+way of the camera, and proceeded to attack those whom they thought were
+guilty of some crime.
+
+"There it goes!" cried Mr. Pertell. "The picture is spoiled! It will
+have to be all done over again."
+
+In obedience to a gesture of despair from the manager, Russ ceased
+grinding at the crank of the camera.
+
+"That's enough! Stop!" called Mr. Pertell, and Ruth, Alice and the
+others who were making strenuous efforts (seemingly) to escape, came to
+a halt. Many times before they had heard that command which meant that
+something was going wrong, and that they might as well stop at once
+without wasting effort.
+
+"Why, I wonder what's wrong," said Alice, who had not quite grasped the
+interruption. "Everything seemed to be going beautifully."
+
+"Perhaps the film broke," suggested Ruth.
+
+"It's the police," Paul said, waving his hand at the officers, each of
+whom had clutched a "prisoner," and was holding him.
+
+"The police?" echoed Alice.
+
+"Yes, they came in when they weren't wanted," Paul went on.
+
+"Oh, I thought they were part of the picture!" exclaimed Ruth. And so
+she had. Often, to make a moving picture seem more realistic, a manager
+will not tell the actors all he has prepared. Thus he gets the element
+of surprise. Both Ruth and Alice, in this case, thought the local police
+had been brought into the scene at the last moment to add a touch of
+reality to the play. But, as it turned out, it was almost too much
+reality.
+
+"Say, what do you fellows mean, anyhow?" demanded the manager, of the
+police leader. "What do you mean, I say," and Mr. Pertell strode up with
+an angry look on his face.
+
+"What do we mean? Ha! That's a good one! Listen to him, boys! What do we
+mean? Why we mean to arrest these scoundrels, and we've done it, too!"
+he added proudly, with a wave of his hand toward the persons his men had
+made prisoners.
+
+"Well, you've made a big mistake," Mr. Pertell went on.
+
+"Mistake! Ha! I guess not!" cried the officer. "We don't make mistakes
+up here! One of my men seen something queer goin' on out in the river,
+and come and told me. Then I seen your boats puttin' off, and I knew
+something was wrong. So I got my forces together, and we waited for
+these fellows. We've got 'em, too! Every one of 'em!" he added proudly.
+"Lock 'em up, men!" he ordered. "We'll show these fellows what Jersey
+justice is like. Take 'em away."
+
+"Hold on!" cried Mr. Pertell, and this time he allowed a smile to show
+on his hitherto glum face. "You don't seem to understand."
+
+"Oh, I think I do," said the police officer calmly. "I understand a
+great deal more than you think I do. Come on."
+
+"Wait! I'll explain!" cried the manager. "It's for the moving pictures!"
+he added. "This is only a pretended attack and pursuit. Ask the young
+ladies themselves," he said, motioning to Ruth and Alice who were now
+smiling. Certainly they did not seem to be in any great alarm or
+distress over their recent adventure. Their appearance must have caused
+the officer to doubt the wisdom of his course.
+
+"Weren't these fellers chasing you?" he demanded, motioning to the
+prisoners. "Now don't say they wasn't, for I saw 'em."
+
+"Oh, yes, they were pursuing us," admitted Ruth, "but it was all in the
+picture."
+
+"The picture?" questioned the officer.
+
+"Yes. We are moving picture actresses and actors," she went on, and her
+father, coming up then, though he had had no active part in the chase,
+confirmed what she said.
+
+For a moment the police captain maintained a silence, and then, as he
+could no longer doubt what was said, since Mr. Pertell exhibited certain
+credentials, the representative of Jersey justice said:
+
+"Well, this certainly is one on me! We'd better go back, boys," he added
+to his men, "and we'd better keep quiet about this thing. But I sure
+thought this was a kidnapping case."
+
+"And you spoiled my picture," groaned Mr. Pertell. "Now we've got to go
+back to the middle of the river, and do it over from there."
+
+"Hold on a minute!" exclaimed Pop Snooks, who, as property man, was also
+a sort of assistant manager. "Maybe this will turn out all right after
+all."
+
+"How do you mean?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"Why, the police. We could have them try to stop the pursuers but get
+worsted in the encounter, and the roughs could keep right on after the
+girls. In that way we won't have to waste much film. Just go on with the
+picture from the point where these policemen came in."
+
+Mr. Pertell thought for a minute.
+
+"That's the idea!" he suddenly cried. "It will make a better picture
+that way. Say!" he went on to the police officers: "You're in on this!"
+
+"In on what?" asked the captain.
+
+"On this scene. I can use you and your men. You won't mind a little
+rough and tumble work, will you?"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+Thereupon the manager explained that he would turn the police to good
+advantage, and have them interfere in the attack, only to be outdone by
+the "villains."
+
+"It's only fair for you to do this, as you came in where you weren't
+needed and nearly spoiled the picture," the manager said.
+
+Whether it was this appeal to justice and fair play, or because he and
+his men were anxious to get into a moving picture, was not made clear;
+but the captain and the policemen consented to do their parts.
+
+There was a little coaching, something of a rehearsal and then that
+scene went on again, with Ruth and Alice "fleeing" from the pursuers,
+and the police charging downhill after the men.
+
+Then followed the improvised scene, of an attack by the police, and a
+repulse by the "villains."
+
+"Good! That's great!" cried Mr. Pertell. "It will be better than I
+thought it would. This is fine!"
+
+"Ha! Yes, maybe for you, but look at my eye!" cried Mr. Pepper Sneed.
+"Look at it!"
+
+"Well, what's the matter with it?" asked Mr. Pertell. "It's a little
+red, that's all I can see." The taking of pictures had stopped for the
+time being.
+
+"A little red! A little!" fairly howled the grouch. "Say it will be
+black and blue tomorrow. One of those policeman hit me in the eye with
+his elbow. It was an awful blow. I shouldn't wonder but that I went
+blind. Never again will I take part in anything as tough as this. I know
+I'll be laid up for a week," and with this gloomy thought he limped off,
+for he had been rather roughly handled in the męlée.
+
+"I wonder if that's all for us today?" asked Alice, as she saw Russ
+taking the legs off his camera.
+
+"Why, are you tired?" asked Ruth, solicitously.
+
+"A little, yes. I shall be glad when we get out to sea."
+
+"Perhaps we may have even harder work than this," suggested Ruth, for
+the race along shore had not been easy. "A shipwreck isn't going to be
+any society drama, Alice."
+
+"I know," agreed the younger girl. "But I think we shall like it."
+
+Neither of them realized what was in store for them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+OVERHEARD
+
+
+"Well, I think this will do," Mr. Pertell announced, as the members of
+his company gathered on the shore of the Hudson, ready to go back to the
+larger boat, whence they had come in the two small ones, to depict the
+pursuit. "It came out better than I expected when I saw that crowd of
+policemen charging down on us."
+
+"I thought sure we were in for a spell in the lock-up," remarked one of
+the extra men engaged as a member of the "pursuing villains."
+
+"You had a little extra work, doing part of the scene over again, so
+we'll give you all a little bonus," said the manager. "We'll get back to
+the studio now. There are a few scenes I want to make before we start
+off on our trip to sea."
+
+"How soon do we go?" asked Alice.
+
+"As soon as we can get stocked up. Captain Brisco has a few little
+repairs to make to the schooner, I believe."
+
+"Do you think the _Mary Ellen_ will prove to be a safe boat in which to
+go to sea?" asked Mr. DeVere, when he, with his daughters, and the
+others, were on their way back to New York.
+
+"Why not?" asked the manager.
+
+"Well, I heard Jack Jepson say the schooner was a pretty old one,"
+replied the veteran actor.
+
+"So she is," said Mr. Pertell, "if she hadn't been, our company never
+could have afforded to buy her just to make a shipwreck of her. But she
+is perfectly safe for what traveling we shall do. Brisco has assured me
+of that, and has seen to it. What sort of a yarn was Jepson giving you?"
+and Mr. Pertell seemed a bit annoyed.
+
+"Well, he merely said that the schooner was a pretty old one," went on
+Mr. DeVere, "and that she had seen her best days."
+
+"He didn't say that she was unsafe, did he?"
+
+"No, oh, no! Nothing like that!" exclaimed the actor quickly. "I was
+just wondering about her. I shouldn't like to take any chances you
+know," and he glanced over toward his daughters who had no part in this
+conversation.
+
+"Oh, the _Mary Ellen_ will be as safe as is necessary," the manager
+continued. "Besides we will be in Southern waters after we leave here,
+and there will be little danger from storms."
+
+"I am glad of that," Mr. DeVere said. "A warm Southern clime will be
+beneficial to my throat. It does not take kindly to our Northern
+weather, even at the best."
+
+In the days that followed there was plenty of work for the moving
+picture girls in the film studio. They had to take part in several
+little dramas that had to be completed before the sea scenes in the
+ocean play were undertaken.
+
+"Anything much to do this afternoon?" asked Russ of Ruth as he passed
+her near her dressing room one day about a week after the episode of the
+mistaken policemen.
+
+"No, I am free," she announced. "They have postponed that 'In the Slums'
+and I'm glad of it. I don't care for such characters as I have to assume
+in a play like that."
+
+"Nor I. I'm off for the afternoon, too. What do you say we take Alice,
+and go for a little trip to the Erie Basin?"
+
+"To see the _Mary Ellen_ again? There can't be much change since we saw
+her last."
+
+"No, not exactly to see her, though we could pay a visit if we liked.
+But you know we are to have a big motorboat follow us in the ocean
+scenes--I'm to take pictures from it, in fact--and that motorboat--the
+_Ajax_--is over in the Basin, near the old schooner. I thought maybe
+you'd like to take a look at her."
+
+"I would!" exclaimed Ruth with enthusiasm. "I'll tell Alice. She is
+disengaged, I know, for I heard Mr. Pertell tell her so."
+
+"I'm sorry we can't go for a trip in her," went on Russ, "but she isn't
+in shape yet. I have to go over to give some directions about building a
+platform for setting the camera on, and I thought we might combine
+business and pleasure."
+
+"It will be a pleasure to go," said Ruth, as she went off to find her
+sister.
+
+"Tell Paul, too, if you see him," Russ called after her. "We'll make a
+party of it."
+
+"All right," Ruth answered.
+
+She found Paul and Alice together--just as she half expected--and
+mentioned Russ's plan.
+
+Paul was cast for a role in a little play that afternoon, but he spoke
+to Mr. Pertell about it, and the manager kindly postponed it, as it was
+not very important.
+
+So, after lunch the four young people started for the place where the
+_Ajax_ was being overhauled, not far from the dock of the _Mary Ellen_.
+On the way they talked of their plans when they should be at sea. It had
+been given out at the studio that they would all go aboard the _Mary
+Ellen_, which would be headed for the Florida coast. Somewhere off that
+peninsula, just where had not been decided, the moving pictures would be
+made, and the shipwreck would take place. The details had not yet been
+perfected.
+
+"Are you going to travel alone in the motorboat?" asked Alice of Russ.
+
+"No indeed. She is to be carried in a cradle on the deck of the _Mary
+Ellen_, and----"
+
+"A cradle!" interrupted Alice. "Whoever heard of a boat being put in a
+cradle, as if it were a baby!"
+
+"Well, the _Ajax_ is going to be rocked in the cradle of the deep, isn't
+she?" asked Paul.
+
+"Oh, what a heartless joke!" mocked Ruth.
+
+"Just for that you'll be fined four ice cream sodas!" laughed Alice.
+
+"No, but speaking seriously," went on Russ, "the _Ajax_ will be cradled
+on the deck of the schooner; that is, the motorboat will be set in two V
+shaped affairs, called cradles. That's to prevent her rolling off into
+the high seas."
+
+"Do you think it will be rough?" asked Ruth, with an apprehensive look
+over her shoulder, as though she already saw a "hurricane in the
+offing," as her sister laughingly put it.
+
+"Well, you know we have to wait for a storm, to get some of the scenes,"
+Russ said. "Of course the weather often gets pretty bad in these
+Southern waters, in spite of their peaceful name," he continued, "but I
+don't suppose Mr. Pertell will venture out far from the harbor in a bad
+blow. Even a little wind will kick up enough sea to make it look pretty
+rough in a picture."
+
+"Oh, I don't mind a storm!" exclaimed Alice. "I just love it."
+
+"Oh--Alice!" cried her sister. "You know you'll be as frightened as I'll
+be."
+
+"We'll see," challenged the younger girl with sparkling eyes and a flush
+on her cheeks.
+
+They found the _Ajax_, after some little difficulty, among a score of
+other boats, in process of repair.
+
+"Oh, what a big one!" exclaimed Alice as she caught sight of the craft.
+"I do hope you'll give us a ride in her, Russ."
+
+"Of course I shall, between times of taking pictures," he promised.
+"What do you think of her, Paul?"
+
+"Pretty fine," agreed the young actor. "Has she any speed?"
+
+"Not much, I guess. It's an old sort of tub, but pretty steady in the
+water, Mr. Pertell said. That's what I want for taking pictures. It
+won't do to have her rolling and pitching. Well, let's go aboard, and
+see how they're coming on."
+
+Russ had a permit to view the craft, and as he was expected to give some
+instructions regarding the building of the platform, the man in charge
+of the overhauling work welcomed the four young people.
+
+The _Ajax_ was, as Russ had said, rather a tub, but it was a large,
+comfortable boat, and was capable of going on quite a cruise. There was
+a partially enclosed cabin, and many comforts and conveniences. But just
+for the present purpose, everything was being subordinated to the taking
+of moving pictures.
+
+"I'm readjusting the motor," the head of the repair gang told Russ, "so
+she'll start and stop, as well as reverse easily and quickly. That's
+what you want, isn't it?"
+
+"That's it, yes. You see I can't tell when I'll have to shift, to make
+allowances for what the actors and actresses will do. There's no telling
+about these moving picture people," and Russ gave Ruth and Alice, as
+well as Paul, a laughing look as though to indicate that they were very
+temperamental, and hard to get along with.
+
+"Are these some of the actor folks?" asked the mechanic who was laboring
+over the motor.
+
+"That's what they are, and good ones, too!" cried Russ.
+
+"Gee! They don't look it!" was the frank remark, and the two girls broke
+into peals of laughter.
+
+Paul and Russ showed Ruth and Alice over the big motorboat, and then
+leaving the three to their own devices for a while, the young camera
+operator went into details of the work with the head mechanic. Russ was
+told that the _Ajax_ would be ready in plenty of time for him. He
+expressed himself as satisfied with the progress made, though he made
+one or two slight changes in the platform, built on the forward deck of
+the craft, where he was to stand when he took the pictures of the
+shipwreck.
+
+"Well, how about those sodas now?" asked Russ of his companions when he
+had finished. "There's a nice place a few blocks up, and it's about warm
+enough for ice cream."
+
+"Couldn't we take just a look at the _Mary Ellen_ while we are here?"
+asked Alice. "Isn't that she, over there?" and she pointed across the
+basin.
+
+"You speak of that ship as if she were a person," objected Ruth.
+
+"And so she is!" Alice exclaimed. "A ship is always a lady, isn't she,
+Paul?"
+
+"She ought to try to be, at least," he laughed. "How about it, Russ?
+Shall we take the girls over to the schooner?"
+
+"Might as well, I guess. It won't take long, and it isn't far."
+
+A short time later the four of them stood at the gangplank of the _Mary
+Ellen_. They saw no signs of any men on deck, but they were doubtless
+below, making the repairs, which must be nearly finished.
+
+"Come on," said Russ, leading the way. "We'll go aboard."
+
+As they stood on deck, looking about them, they saw no one, but the
+companionway was in plain sight, and they started toward it, intending
+to go down into the main cabin.
+
+The place was rather dimly lighted, but when their eyes had become used
+to the gloom, they caught sight of a solitary figure in the forward end
+of the main compartment.
+
+"It's Jack Jepson," whispered Alice to her companions. "We'll give him a
+surprise. Keep quiet now. His back is toward me and I'll tiptoe up
+behind him and put my hands over his eyes. I'll make him guess who it
+is. He'll think some British suffragette has taken him on that silly
+charge of mutiny," she went on.
+
+"Be careful," admonished Ruth. "No pranks, Alice."
+
+"This isn't a prank. Keep quiet now."
+
+The old sailor was evidently not aware that visitors were in the cabin,
+for they had made little noise in descending the companion stairs, and
+what little they had caused was drowned by the distant noise of
+carpenters' hammers.
+
+As Alice advanced, the others remaining back in the semi-darkness, they
+all heard Jack Jepson break into a sort of monologue. He was talking to
+himself, in fashion something like this.
+
+"It ought to be hereabouts, if it's anywhere, and I'm sure it is. I
+can't be mistaken. They have cut her down, and made a lot of changes,
+but they can't fool me. I was suspicious when I first came aboard, and
+I'm more so every minute. I'm going to find out for sure, while I have
+the chance. Let me think now."
+
+He leaned up against a bulkhead, while Alice glanced back at her friends
+in some surprise. What meant the words they had overheard? The old
+sailor seemed strangely excited, and he was passing his hand over the
+paneling of the cabin as though in search of something long forgotten,
+or dimly remembered.
+
+A moment later another step was heard in the apartment, and Captain
+Brisco entered. He started at the sight of Jepson, though the commander
+had not yet seen the four young people.
+
+"What are you doing here?" he asked in a hoarse voice. The old salt
+started back as though caught in some guilty act.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"ALL ABOARD!"
+
+
+Ruth, Alice, Paul and Russ remained silent and unseen witnesses of the
+little scene being enacted before them. It was like some section taken
+from a moving picture drama, though they could not guess what the plot
+was, nor what the outcome would be.
+
+"What are you doing here, Mr. Jepson?" asked Captain Brisco, and there
+was sarcasm in the title he bestowed on his mate, for since he was third
+in command, having been given the post of second mate, the old salt was
+entitled to be called Mister.
+
+"I was jest--jest lookin'--lookin'--" Jepson faltered.
+
+"Well, you'd better look forward then," came, the harsh command.
+"There's plenty to do there, if we're ever to start on this voyage, and
+of all the----"
+
+At that moment Alice sneezed. She could not help it, and in trying to
+hold it back, she made more of a commotion than if she had let the
+sneeze come naturally.
+
+At the sound Captain Brisco and Jack Jepson turned and stared toward the
+dimness that marked the companionway.
+
+"Who's there?" called Captain Brisco, sharply.
+
+"We just came aboard to see how matters were coming on," said Russ
+stepping forward and under a skylight.
+
+"But we didn't expect to be welcomed with snuff," said Alice, as she
+sneezed again. This time Ruth joined her. There was an irritating odor
+noticeable in the cabin.
+
+"I beg your pardon," Captain Brisco said, as the others stepped closer
+to Russ, so they could be discerned. "I didn't know who it was. I am
+glad to see you. That's a paint-remover you smell. It is irritating. I
+am very glad to see you."
+
+But he did not say it at all as though he meant it. Alice said afterward
+she thought her sneeze had broken in on the captain's denunciation of
+the proposed sea voyage.
+
+"It was just as though he were going to say it was the most foolish and
+nonsensical thing of which he had ever heard," Alice explained. "Oh, why
+_did_ I have to go and sneeze just then?"
+
+"Did you want to hear what he would have said?" asked her sister.
+
+"Yes, I did. I don't like Captain Brisco."
+
+"You mustn't say such things," Ruth cautioned her. But this was some
+time later.
+
+Just at present the commander of the _Mary Ellen_ was trying to make his
+unexpected guests feel a welcome he rather grudgingly extended.
+
+"We have been over looking at the _Ajax_," explained Russ, "and we
+thought we'd stop in and pay you a call."
+
+"Oh, yes, I'm to carry the _Ajax_ on deck, I believe," the commander
+said. "Well, you'll find us all pretty busy here," he went on. "Mr.
+Jepson, will you kindly go forward and see how the men are coming on
+with that caulking?"
+
+It was a very different voice from the one he had used when Ruth, Alice
+and the others had been unseen listeners.
+
+"What about the mainmast?" asked Sailor Jack. "It's sprung, as I told
+you it was, and unless those stays----"
+
+"I'll look after that!" interrupted the captain. "You do as I tell you,
+and leave that mast to me."
+
+"But you said that it didn't need--" persisted the second mate.
+
+"Never you mind what I said!" and the commander's voice was harsh. "I'll
+look after that. Now you go forward!"
+
+It was more in the nature of a command than is usual between captain
+and mate. The girls felt this, as well as did the boys. But they said
+nothing.
+
+"Come along and see how we are progressing," continued Captain Brisco in
+more genial tones, as Jack Jepson left the cabin.
+
+"Then you are going to be ready in time?" asked Paul.
+
+"Ahead of time," said the commander, boastfully.
+
+"That's good!" exclaimed Russ. "Mr. Pertell is anxious not to be
+delayed."
+
+"He won't be on _my_ account," Captain Brisco assured the young
+operator. "A few more details, and we'll be ready for sea. About time,
+too, for this good weather won't hold any too long down among those West
+Indian islands."
+
+"Oh, are we going there?" asked Alice. "That will be delightful!"
+
+"I thought we were to go only to Florida," Ruth remarked.
+
+"There has been a slight change in the plans," the captain said. "Mr.
+Pertell and I decided on it. I believe it is not generally known yet,
+but there is no secret about it. I told him he could get better results
+by going a little farther south than merely along the Florida coast,
+down toward some of the West Indies, and he agreed with me."
+
+"The West Indies," mused Alice as she followed the others about the
+refinished schooner. "I wonder if we will get near the 'Hole in the
+Wall' that Jack told about? I'd like to see it, but I suppose a hole in
+the water is a pretty hard thing to find."
+
+Alice wondered whether she would see the old sailor before they went
+ashore again. She had taken quite a fancy to him, as had Ruth, and the
+old salt, on his part, seemed to like the moving picture girls more than
+any other members of the Comet Film Company.
+
+"I wonder what he was doing all alone there in the cabin?" mused Alice
+as she hung back a little while the others were examining some changes
+that had been made in the dining-cabin. "It seemed as though he were
+trying to discover some secret panel, a passage or hiding place, or
+something like that. And Captain Brisco certainly was rather brusque
+about it. I do hope there won't be any quarreling or mutiny aboard the
+_Mary Ellen_ when we put out to sea."
+
+For a time Alice was a little alarmed, but she soon recovered her
+composure, and was able to take her part in the conversation.
+
+The _Mary Ellen_ was indeed assuming a "ship-shape" appearance. The
+litter that had obstructed her decks on the first visit had given place
+to a semblance of neatness. The craft had been newly painted and she
+glistened in the sun, her brass work having been highly polished.
+
+"A few more days and we'll pull out of here," announced Captain Brisco,
+as they went up on deck. "Then I suppose you folks will begin to cut up
+all sorts of capers," and he smiled indulgently. He seemed to have
+recovered his good nature, or, rather, perhaps, to have summoned some of
+it to be used on this occasion.
+
+"Well, we'll leave the 'cutting-up' to Mr. Switzer," said Paul with a
+laugh. "He's the comedian of the company."
+
+One of the workmen approached and asked the captain some question. It
+seemed to be about pumps, though the girls did not understand it very
+clearly.
+
+"You needn't bother to mend those valves," the commander said. "We
+shan't need the pumps anyhow, and there's no use putting too much time
+and work on the old hulk. Pertell told me to get her ready for sea so
+she'd last a reasonable length of time. They're going to wreck her
+anyhow, you know."
+
+"Yes, I know. But those pumps----"
+
+"Let 'em go!" the commander ordered. "Now about those stays," and he and
+the sailor plunged into a mass of technical details in which the moving
+picture girls were not interested, nor, I am sure, would you be, my
+readers.
+
+In spite of all the work that had been done on the _Mary Ellen_, she was
+still far from being a fine ship. Many things were left undone, as they
+would not show in a picture. As the captain had said, Mr. Pertell was
+not desirous of putting too much time or expense on her, just to send
+her to the bottom after a few days' use. Still the craft had to be
+rendered seaworthy, as some views were to be taken showing her progress
+down the coast to the Florida Straits.
+
+A little later Captain Brisco was called below, and he took leave of his
+visitors, saying he would be busy for some hours.
+
+"Well, it's time for us to go," Ruth said. "We promised to meet daddy at
+dinner," she added to her sister.
+
+Alice assented and looked around, as though in search of someone.
+
+"What is it?" Ruth asked.
+
+"I was looking for Jack, to say good-bye. There he is over there," and
+she pointed to the old man polishing the brass work of the binnacle in
+front of the steering wheel. "I'm going over and speak to him," she
+added.
+
+Jack Jepson had his back toward Alice, and was not aware of her
+approach. She heard him murmuring to himself, and the words sounded
+strange to her--as strange as the first ones she had overheard from him
+that day.
+
+"It'll never do! It'll never do!" Jack Jepson was saying. "It's criminal
+wrong, that's what it is. But I'll jest keep a sharp watch, an' at the
+first sign of danger, I'll--"
+
+Then he heard the footfall of Alice on the deck, and turned quickly. He
+smiled at her, and the smile was in strange contrast to his rather
+ominous words. As Alice knew very little about the sea or boats, she
+paid no attention.
+
+"I came to bid you good-bye," she said. "We are going back to New York
+now, but we'll soon be aboard here for a long stay, I hope. My, how nice
+everything looks!"
+
+"Yes, but it--it's too nice!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+"Too nice? What do you mean?" she asked wonderingly.
+
+"Oh, well, nothing, Miss Alice. You wouldn't understand. I'm glad to see
+you. This isn't a mate's work, properly speakin'," he said, as he
+indicated the box of polish, "but then we haven't started discipline
+yet. We'll do that at sea."
+
+"And I'll hope we'll soon be out on the deep," voiced Alice.
+
+A week later the entire moving picture company that was to take part in
+the marine drama assembled at the dock where the _Mary Ellen_ had been
+refitted for her last voyage. Stores and provisions had been put aboard,
+the _Ajax_ lay stowed in the cradle on deck, and the members of the
+company, the moving picture operators and the manager and his
+assistants, had sent their baggage aboard. There was plenty of extra
+film.
+
+"All aboard!" called Captain Brisco, and the gangplank was about to be
+hauled in. "All aboard! We won't wait for him!" he went on, speaking to
+the first mate and to Mr. Pertell who stood near him.
+
+"Won't wait for whom?" Alice heard Mr. Pertell ask.
+
+"A new hand I hired at the last minute. He's a good navigator, better
+than Jepson, and that's why I took him on. But he isn't here, and so
+we'll go without him."
+
+"Not short-handed, are you?" asked the manager, rather anxiously.
+
+"No, not for this voyage. I think----"
+
+But the captain was interrupted by a shout up the wharf. A man,
+seemingly a sailor, came running toward the schooner.
+
+"There he is now!" the captain exclaimed. "All aboard. Hurry up, my man,
+or you'll be left."
+
+The man flung himself on the gangplank which was separated from the
+dock by some little distance. He scrambled aboard, and just then, Alice,
+standing near Jack Jepson, heard the old sailor utter an exclamation of
+surprise, and murmur:
+
+"Can that be him? Can that be him--after these years? No, it can't be!"
+
+"All aboard!" cried Captain Brisco. And the _Mary Ellen_, in charge of a
+fussy little tug, began moving away from the dock.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+OVERBOARD
+
+
+Alice was so impressed with what she had heard sailor Jack say, that, in
+spite of the desire to give all her attention to the start of the
+voyage, destined to be so momentous, she looked first at Jepson and then
+at the new arrival. The latter appeared to be an ordinary sailor, but
+there was a commanding air about him, as though he were used to having
+his own way. But he was sufficiently subservient to Captain Brisco,
+saluting the commander in formal fashion.
+
+"You're late!" growled Captain Brisco.
+
+"Yes--couldn't help it," was the almost cheerful answer. "You knew I
+wouldn't be left though, didn't you?"
+
+"Well, I wasn't sure of it," Alice heard the captain answer. "Get below,
+and then we'll talk later."
+
+Alice turned to see how Jack Jepson was taking this. The old salt seemed
+to be listening intently, but he had his back turned.
+
+"He knows that man who just came aboard," decided Alice, "and there is
+something queer about it all. In fact there is something queer about
+this vessel and Captain Brisco. I feel as though I were in the midst of
+a mystery. I'm going to see if I can't solve it."
+
+That was Alice's way. She always did like to solve puzzles, from the
+time when she was a small child, and she went at this one in much the
+same way as had been her habit in the case of the simple ones in the
+juvenile papers she took when a little girl.
+
+"There's something between Captain Brisco, Jack Jepson and this new
+man," Alice decided. "Jack is afraid of being recognized, and yet he
+wants to make sure who this new man is. Can it have anything to do with
+the mutiny, I wonder?"
+
+It was a question she could not answer just then. She resolved to be on
+the watch, to look and listen, without saying much, until she had in her
+mental grasp some of the loose ends of the puzzle.
+
+Ruth was some distance off, talking to her father. Mr. DeVere, in spite
+of the warmth of the day, had a light silk scarf about his throat, which
+had pained him during the night. The other members of the company were
+scattered about the schooner which was being towed out to sea. Miss
+Pennington and Miss Dixon were waving to some young men who had come to
+see them off. Mr. Wellington Bunn's face wore a glum look. Perhaps he
+saw no chance of doing anything with his favorite role of Hamlet in this
+marine story that was soon to be enacted.
+
+Alice heard Jack muttering to himself. She could not catch all the
+words, but she heard him say:
+
+"Yes, it must be the same one! He hasn't changed much--not as much as I
+have. He won't know me. But what am I to do?"
+
+The old salt's musings, however, were cut short, for Captain Brisco
+called to him.
+
+"I say there, Mr. Jepson," ordered the commander, "will you go forward,
+and see how the bitts are standing up under the strain of that hawser? I
+don't want them to pull out, and they're none too strong. Lively now!"
+
+"Aye, aye, sir!" dutifully answered the second mate, and he shuffled off
+along the deck, while Captain Brisco and the new arrival went below,
+being, apparently, on very friendly terms.
+
+"And that is another queer part of it," mused Alice. "That new man is
+supposed to be a common sailor--he must be, as all the offices, from
+captain down, are filled. And yet Captain Brisco treats him as an
+equal. I can't understand it."
+
+None of the others of the moving picture company appeared to find
+anything odd in the reception of the man who had almost been left. In
+fact, save for Alice and Jack Jepson, no one paid any attention to him.
+As the captain and the new man whom he had addressed as "Hen Lacomb"
+went below, the attention of Alice was taken by Ruth.
+
+"Don't you think, dear," her sister said, "that we had better get our
+possessions in order. I understand that some pictures are to be taken
+aboard the schooner here, and we will want to get our costumes out where
+we can easily reach them."
+
+"I suppose so," murmured Alice. "But I wonder who he is?" she added,
+half unconsciously.
+
+"What in the world are you talking about?" asked Ruth in some surprise.
+"Do you mean that young man who was waving to Miss Dixon?" for a certain
+youth seemed very loath to bid farewell to the former variety actress.
+
+"Yes. Who is he?" asked Alice, accepting this chance to get out of
+answering, though what she had meant was the identity of the mysterious
+Hen Lacomb, and not the youth on the dock.
+
+"I've seen him before," Ruth said.
+
+"Who?" asked Alice quickly, her mind still intent on the mystery.
+
+"Why, Alice, how odd you are! That young man of whom we are speaking, to
+be sure. I mean I've seen him around the studio. He seems to be quite
+impressed by Miss Dixon."
+
+"Yes," said Alice, vaguely. "Well, let's go below," she suggested. "You
+notice how nautical I'm getting," she went on.
+
+"Forgetful you mean," supplemented Ruth. "Well, anyhow, we have fine
+weather for the start."
+
+The schooner was well out from the dock now, and the pilot was in
+charge, so there was nothing for Captain Brisco to do for the present.
+He had gone to his cabin, and the stranger, or, rather, Hen Lacomb, to
+give him the name bestowed on him, was with the commander.
+
+"I wish I knew what they were talking about," said Alice, and, without
+intending to do so, she spoke aloud.
+
+"Who?" asked Ruth. "Really, you are saying the strangest things this
+morning, Sister mine!"
+
+"Oh, I was thinking--thinking----"
+
+Alice was rather at a loss for words to explain.
+
+"You must have some of your new roles on the brain," went on Ruth. "I
+know I've been doing a lot of thinking over mine. They are nearly all
+nice ones, I'm glad to say, but I don't like the parts we have to take
+in the shipwreck. Fancy having actually to jump into the water."
+
+That was one of the things required, according to the scenario.
+
+"There's no danger," Alice said, as she and her sister reached the
+stateroom they were to share.
+
+"Oh, but think of _sharks_ in those Southern waters!"
+
+"I'm not going to think of them," declared Alice. "Besides, we shall be
+in the water only a short time, and the motorboat will pick us up. It
+will be nice and warm."
+
+The plan of the shipwreck included the jumping overboard of some of the
+company, and their rescue in small boats, or by the motorboat _Ajax_,
+that would follow, with Russ in it taking the moving pictures of the
+"thrilling scenes."
+
+"Well, that doesn't come until toward the end," Ruth remarked, "so I'm
+not going to think about it until then. Now let's unpack."
+
+Ruth and Alice had comfortable, if rather restricted, quarters in a
+small cabin containing two bunks. Their father was near them, and the
+other members of the company had rooms scattered about. The ship's crew,
+of course, berthed forward, and the two mates, of whom Jack Jepson was
+one, were quartered with the captain. Alice wondered what would be the
+standing of Hen Lacomb.
+
+She learned a little later when she saw him taking his bag "aft." That
+meant he was to be treated as an officer. There is all the difference in
+the world on a sailing ship, whether a man bunks "forward" or "aft." In
+the latter case he is either an officer or a passenger, and in the
+former case he is classed as a member of the crew, a "foremast hand,"
+and, as such, has no authority.
+
+"Hen Lacomb is evidently someone in power," decided Alice, though she
+said nothing to her sister or father, or even Jack. She managed to
+learn, by judicious questions, that Hen, as she began to think of him,
+was a friend of Captain Brisco, and a sort of passenger-helper on the
+_Mary Ellen_.
+
+And now that the voyage was really started, those who were to take part
+in the play began to consider their roles.
+
+In brief the plan was this. The schooner, under her own sail, would
+proceed to the warm West Indian waters and clime, and there, when
+suitable surroundings were found, the taking of the main scenes in the
+big drama would begin.
+
+I shall not weary you with an account of the trip down. In spite of her
+age, the schooner proved a good sailor, for she had been well refitted,
+even if she was to be wrecked. Day after day passed and the sun shone
+warmer as they came farther and farther south.
+
+Some few scenes were filmed aboard the craft, but there was not much
+work for anyone, and the time was most enjoyable. Even Mr. Sneed, the
+"human grouch," consented to smile, now and then.
+
+They passed Key West, but did not dock, and kept on. Alice wondered if
+they would come near the "Hole in the Wall," but she did not like to
+ask, for fear of making trouble for Jack. She did not know how much of
+his story he wanted known to those aboard the ship.
+
+It was a warm, sunny day, and Mr. Pertell had announced that he would
+begin some of the more important scenes of the drama in a short time.
+The _Mary Ellen_ was plowing through the blue waters, bending over under
+a good wind. Nearly all the members of the company were out on deck,
+under awnings. Alice saw Jack Jepson at some work on the port rail, and
+noticed Hen Lacomb and the captain stroll toward him. The two latter
+seemed to converse for a few minutes, when suddenly there was a heavy
+lurch and roll to the craft.
+
+"Mind your helm there!" sang out Captain Brisco angrily to the
+steersman. At the same time there rang out a cry from Hen Lacomb.
+
+"Man overboard! Man overboard!"
+
+Alice, startled, leaped to her feet. Jack Jepson had disappeared!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+"SAIL HO!"
+
+
+Alice DeVere was not an ordinary sort of girl. She may have been, once,
+but that was before her advent in moving pictures. There had been times
+when a sudden emergency would cause her to feel faint, if not actually
+to succumb to that interesting ailment, which is so useful, especially
+in stories and books.
+
+But Alice, who was the nearest to the scene of what had just happened,
+neither fainted, nor became unduly excited. She had seen too many
+emergencies in the work of taking moving pictures to become "rattled,"
+which is not used in a slangy sense at all, but merely to indicate that
+one's nerves vibrate too rapidly. Consequently, after her first scream,
+Alice was almost as calm and collected as could be expected of a veteran
+sailor.
+
+"Man overboard!" Alice cried, echoing the shout of Hen Lacomb, who, she
+noticed, after his first hesitation, began lowering a boat, or trying
+to, for it needed two at that task.
+
+"I'll help!" cried Alice rushing to the aid of the strange man who
+seemed so friendly with Captain Brisco.
+
+"Oh--you----!" he exclaimed, with a swift look at her. Then he resumed
+the work of loosing the ropes so they would run freely in the pulley
+blocks of the davits.
+
+Meanwhile Captain Brisco had bawled out an order to the helmsman to
+bring the ship up in the wind. A sailor had tossed overboard a
+life-ring, and then came to help Lacomb lower the boat, for Alice found
+it beyond her strength, eager as she was.
+
+"There he is!" cried Russ, as he rushed to the rail beside Alice. He
+pointed to the water. Fortunately the sea was smooth, and rising and
+falling on the waves could be seen the head of the old sailor.
+
+"Oh! Oh!" gasped Ruth, who glided over to the side of Alice. "If--if a
+shark should come now."
+
+"There aren't any around here!" declared Russ. He did not know whether
+there were or not, but he said that to make the girls feel more
+comfortable. After all, if there were sharks, whatever he said would be
+of no effect, and it was better to take the best view of it, he thought.
+
+"Lower away!" cried Hen Lacomb, and the boat went down to the water.
+Two sailors, beside himself, slid down the ropes into it, and took the
+oars. They cast off the davit blocks, and began rowing toward the
+bobbing head. Old Jack could swim well, it seemed, in spite of his age.
+The water was warm, and it was broad daylight, so he was in
+comparatively little danger--except from sharks and from the fact that
+he had on his clothes, which would soon become soaked and hamper him.
+
+But no sharks appeared; that menacing triangular fin which marks them
+was not seen cutting the water, and no big twelve-foot man-eater was
+observed to turn on his back in order to bring his curious, under-shot
+mouth with its rows of keen teeth to bear on poor Jack Jepson.
+
+If a shark had appeared, it would probably have put an end to the plans
+of Mr. Pertell to have his company give an idea of shipwreck by leaping
+into the water. No one would have jumped into those waters had they been
+shark-infested. But, as I have said, none of the tigers of the deep
+showed, and, a little later, Jack was being lifted into the small boat.
+They had reached him just when his strength was about exhausted.
+
+"Oh, have they saved him?" asked Miss Pennington, coming on deck very
+pale. Alice said afterward she had not had time to put on her "war
+paint."
+
+"I--I can't bear to look!" faltered Miss Dixon, following her friend.
+"Tell me dear--is he--is he dead?" she asked of Alice.
+
+"Dead! No, of course not!" said Alice, none too politely. "Don't be
+silly! He just fell overboard, and they got him back again; that's all."
+
+Miss Dixon looked angry and flounced back to her cabin with her chum.
+Jack and his rescuers were hoisted up in the boat, the other sailors
+hauling on the ropes, the blocks of which were hooked fast to rings in
+the bow and stern posts of the rowing craft.
+
+"Well, you tried to leave us rather suddenly," said Mr. Pertell. "Don't
+go trying that again, Jack--at least until we finish making the
+pictures," he went on with a whimsical smile. "You're in too many
+important scenes to be lost that way."
+
+"I haven't any fancy that way myself," said Jack, who seemed little the
+worse for his unexpected bath.
+
+"How did it happen?" asked Captain Brisco of his mate, though it seemed
+as though he had been near enough to have seen for himself.
+
+"Why, I was standing near the rail," Jack explained, "talkin' to Mr.
+Lacomb, here," and he indicated the strange man, "when, all at once the
+ship gives a lurch, and--well, I went over, that's all I guess," and he
+looked at Lacomb, as though to get him to confirm the account.
+
+"Yes that's right," said the other. "I--I tried to grab him, but I was
+too late. I nearly went over myself," he added, grimly.
+
+"Yes," assented the old salt, "you did," and he shot a look at the
+other.
+
+Did Alice fancy it, or did Lacomb wince, and shrink back? And did a look
+pass between him and Captain Brisco--a look full of meaning?
+
+Alice was puzzling over these questions in her own mind, when the
+helmsman spoke.
+
+"It wasn't _my_ fault," he said. "I was steering all right, but Captain
+Brisco came and spoke to me and handed me a paper. I took one hand off
+the wheel, and the----"
+
+"No one has said it was your fault," broke in the commander quickly. "I
+was giving you a copy of the sailing orders for the day. I wouldn't have
+bothered you if I had known a puff of wind and a big wave were coming
+along together, to snatch the wheel out of your grip. But it wasn't your
+fault. However, no harm is done. You had better get below, Mr. Jepson,
+and put on some dry clothes. Mr. Lacomb will stand watch until you feel
+all right again."
+
+"Oh, I'll be all right in a little while," Jack said. "I don't need no
+one to stand my trick on deck. I'll be back shortly."
+
+He went below, the water dripping from him. The ship was put back on her
+course. The excitement had not lasted long.
+
+"Too bad you didn't have a camera ready, Russ," said Paul to the
+operator, when matters were normal aboard the _Mary Ellen_ once more.
+"You might have filmed a good rescue scene."
+
+"I was too much excited to think about that," Russ admitted. "Besides,
+we are going to have plenty of rescue stuff in a few days, and this
+wasn't a particularly thrilling one. Poor old Jack! I wonder how it
+feels to fall overboard?"
+
+"Not very pleasant," Paul said. He had done it more than once in the
+interests of the pictures.
+
+Alice, going below for something a little later, met the old salt on his
+way to the deck again, he having changed to dry garments.
+
+"Oh, are you all right?" she asked anxiously, for she and her sister, as
+well as Mr. DeVere, had taken a liking to Jepson. "Are you all right?"
+
+"All right, Miss Alice," he replied. "No harm done at all."
+
+"I thought sailors never fell overboard," she said, half jokingly. "I
+supposed they were so sure-footed that accidents like that never
+happened to them."
+
+"They don't--not usual like, Miss," said Jack with that earnest, honest
+air that characterized him.
+
+"Then how did you come to do it?"
+
+"I--I didn't do it, Miss," Jack answered. "I didn't _fall_ overboard."
+
+"You didn't?" cried Alice, not noticing the accent Jepson put on one
+word.
+
+"No, Miss. Not exactly."
+
+He looked around as though to make sure no one was listening, and then,
+in a hoarse whisper, he said:
+
+"I didn't _fall_ overboard. I was _tossed_!"
+
+Then, before she could ask him what he meant, he gave her a warning
+glance, and passed on. Just as he did so, Captain Brisco came along the
+passage way.
+
+"I was just coming down to see how you were," he said, with a quick look
+at Alice. "I didn't know you were here, Miss DeVere," he continued,
+rather awkwardly. "Hope the accident didn't upset you."
+
+"Oh no," she said, glad that it was rather dark, and that the commander
+could not notice how pale she had become at hearing the ominous words of
+the old sailor.
+
+"Accidents will happen, but they don't always end so luckily," the
+captain went on. Jack Jepson had passed up on deck, and Alice, not
+feeling in the mood for talking, passed to her cabin. Captain Brisco,
+after a moment of hesitation, went up on deck again, and, had anyone
+observed him, they would have seen him in close conversation with Hen
+Lacomb. The two men spoke in low tones.
+
+Jack Jepson was soon himself again, and on duty as though nothing had
+happened. But he had created a very queer state of mind in Alice DeVere.
+Her suspicious were increased, and she asked herself a multitude of
+questions she could not answer. Nor dared she repeat them, even to her
+sister.
+
+"If he were tossed overboard, who did it?" she asked herself. "And why?
+The only one near him was Lacomb, and what object could he have in
+wanting to drown Jack? Oh, I can't understand it! I _must_ ask Jack what
+he meant."
+
+This was not so easy to do as Alice had expected. She wanted to speak to
+the old sailor privately, but there was no chance.
+
+That afternoon there began the taking of some of the more important
+scenes of the marine drama. These scenes were those that had to be
+filmed on the ship itself, and they kept everyone busy. Besides, Alice
+did not want to make too obvious an effort to talk to the old salt, as
+she feared Captain Brisco would become suspicious. There was a nameless
+mystery in the air that had its effect on Alice. Ruth noticed a
+difference in her sister, and questioned her about it, but Alice was
+able to say it was due to the difficult and exacting work of the new
+drama, and, in part, it was.
+
+Several days passed, and she had had no chance to speak to Jack. Each
+day was filled with work, or rehearsals, and some of the films had to be
+taken several times, due to the uncertain footing on the deck of the
+ship, which produced awkward motions on the part of the actors.
+
+It was on a warm afternoon, with a hint of a storm in the atmosphere,
+when Mr. Pertell said:
+
+"Well, I guess that will do for a while. This will pretty nearly bring
+us up to the shipwreck scene. We shall have to make a landing on one of
+the islands here, to get the proper background."
+
+They were then well down among the West Indies.
+
+"Where do we land?" asked Alice, who was on deck with her sister,
+standing near Jack Jepson, who was acting as lookout, with a telescope
+in his hand.
+
+"Well, I'm not particular," Mr. Pertell said. "Perhaps Jack can suggest
+a good place."
+
+"Well, I know something about the locality here," the old sailor
+answered, and he looked at Alice with a friendly wink. "I shouldn't want
+to go ashore at the place where I escaped from after that mutiny," he
+went on. "They might not want to let me go again."
+
+"No, that's so," agreed Mr. Pertell. "It might not be just the thing,
+though you could prove your innocence."
+
+"No, I can't! That's the trouble!" cried Jack, who had told his story to
+the manager. "I don't want to be caught, and put in jail. I'm going to
+keep away from that island where I was locked up."
+
+"Which one was it?" asked Ruth.
+
+"I don't know the name," Jack said, "but I can tell it the minute I set
+eyes on it. I don't want to go there. I had enough----"
+
+Jack paused suddenly. The glass went to his eye, and he called out:
+
+"Sail ho!"
+
+"Where away?" demanded the helmsman.
+
+"Two points off on the lee bow. She's a small steamer, and she--she's
+flying the British flag!" added the old man.
+
+A strange look of fear came over his face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE ACCUSATION
+
+
+"What's this?" demanded Captain Brisco, coming on deck just then.
+"What's up?"
+
+"Sail ho!" repeated Jack Jepson. "Over there, Captain!" and he pointed,
+and extended the telescope. Alice noticed that the hand of the old salt
+trembled, though usually he was as steady as the proverbial surgeon.
+
+"Hum! Yes. One of the English revenue ships," remarked Captain Brisco.
+"It's the first one we've met down here."
+
+"It is a British vessel, isn't it?" asked Jack Jepson, and there was a
+queer strain in his voice.
+
+"Yes," replied his superior. "What of it?"
+
+"Oh, nothin' sir! Nothin'."
+
+But Alice thought it was something.
+
+"Well, we haven't any need to speak to her," went on Captain Brisco.
+"We're going to anchor soon."
+
+"Anchor?" asked Jepson.
+
+"Yes, they want to take some of their pictures!" It was evident to
+Alice, from the tone of voice in which Captain Brisco spoke, that he had
+little sympathy with the work of the film actors. But he had been hired
+to do his part with the ship, and must carry out his agreement with Mr.
+Pertell.
+
+The captain handed back the glass, and went to consult with the manager
+about making a landing. They were near several small islands, any one of
+which would probably do as a background for some of the picture-play
+scenes.
+
+Left to himself Jack Jepson took another long look at the oncoming
+steamer.
+
+Alice watched him curiously.
+
+"Yes, she's a lime-juicer," he remarked, and something like a sigh
+escaped him.
+
+"A--a lime-juicer?" repeated Alice in some surprise. "I thought you said
+she was a _steamer_."
+
+"So she is. But we old sailors used to call all British ships
+'lime-juicers,' because they used to be the only ones that was compelled
+by law to carry lime juice."
+
+"Why lime juice?" Alice wanted to know.
+
+"To prevent scurvy, Miss. Lime juice, potatoes or anything like that
+will keep sailors from the scurvy disease, Miss. They found it out, the
+Britishers did, and made their ships carry such stuff. Lime juice is
+easier to stow away than potatoes, and every sailor had to have his
+share.
+
+"Scurvy is a bad disease, Miss. It's terrible, and though lots of fun
+was made of the lime juice British ships, they done their duty, Miss. It
+got so other nations had to fall into line. And, though lime juice isn't
+as needful as it was, 'cause they have other things that do as well,
+perhaps, I always think of a Britisher as a lime-juicer."
+
+"I see," murmured Alice. "Yes, I can see the English flag," she went on,
+as she looked through the glass Jack passed to her. "She is headed right
+for us, too."
+
+"That's what I make out, Miss. And I wish it was my watch below; I sure
+do, Miss!"
+
+"Why, you aren't thinking that they may be after you, are you, Jack?
+After you on that old mutiny charge?"
+
+"They might be, Miss," he said in a whisper, looking cautiously around.
+"You see that charge isn't dead, and then there's the one of escapin'
+from an English prison. They might overlook the mutiny, especially as
+they may not have all their witnesses now--some of 'em may be dead. But
+an English prison officer never forgets, nor forgives, an escape, and
+the law doesn't either. If they was to see me, I'd be taken back to
+stand the charges ag'in me."
+
+"But how would they know you?" asked Alice. "Besides, it isn't at all
+likely that anyone on that vessel had anything to do with your being
+taken into custody on the mutiny charge. That was years ago."
+
+"I know Miss, but they might remember me, even if I have changed a lot.
+And this is mostly English waters around here. English islands, too. It
+was somewhere about here I was imprisoned. Before I set foot on land,
+I'm going to find out if it's English, and if it is, I'm goin' to stay
+on board. I'm not goin' to take any chances."
+
+"But can't they arrest you at sea, if there should be such a possibility
+that they recognized you?"
+
+"Not if I'm three miles from land, I think. Still, I may be wrong about
+that. I wish I hadn't come on this voyage, that's a fact. I don't like
+the sight of that English flag."
+
+"Don't worry," advised Alice. "There isn't one chance in a thousand that
+you would be recognized after these years. In the first place, you have
+changed a lot. And, in the second place, probably the English officers
+who arrested you, and the others, are in some other part of the world
+now. Why do you think they may be on that steamer?"
+
+"Well, things don't change down here as much as you might think,"
+replied Jack, as he and Alice watched the steamer coming nearer. "And an
+Englishman is less likely to change than anybody else, Miss. He'll often
+stay in the same berth until he dies. So it's likely some of the same
+officers who were around here when I was arrested are here yet. And they
+may be on that vessel."
+
+"But how can they recognize you?" Alice persisted.
+
+"Well, if they didn't know me, they might know this ship."
+
+"This ship! Why, this is only a small vessel, and yours was a big
+five-master."
+
+"I know, Miss, I know," said Jack, with a nervous look over his
+shoulder. "But here's a secret I haven't told to anyone yet. This may be
+the _Mary Ellen_, but she used to be the _Halcyon_!"
+
+Alice started back in surprise.
+
+"The _Halcyon_!" she gasped. "How could it be?"
+
+"This way, Miss. They built her over, cut down her length, and changed
+her so hardly anybody would recognize her. But I knew the _Mary Ellen_
+for the _Halcyon_ almost as soon as I came aboard."
+
+"And is that why you acted so--so queer?"
+
+"Partly--yes. You see she was first the _Mary Ellen_ and the mutineers
+named her the _Halcyon_. Then, when she was rebuilt she became _Mary
+Ellen_ again."
+
+"But I never knew they could make vessels over," Alice protested.
+
+--"Oh, yes, it's often done," the sailor assured her. "This certainly
+was the old _Halcyon_, as she was called when the mutineers had her, and
+anyone who had sailed in her would know it. A sailor's eye can't be
+deceived. There's others on board as know it, too."
+
+"Others here? Of the mutinous crew?"
+
+"Hush, Miss, if you please! Not so loud! Yes, others who were in the
+mutiny, but who got off scott free, while I was the one to suffer. But
+they're tryin' to keep under cover. There's a game afoot, but I'll spoil
+it if I can--that is, if this British steamer don't make trouble for
+me."
+
+Alice's head seemed to swim. She was getting into the depths of the
+mystery now with a vengeance. What did it all mean? To what did Jack
+have reference? Could it be that Captain Brisco, and the man with whom
+he was so friendly, were in a plot?
+
+Alice felt as if she must tell someone. It was too big a secret for her
+to keep to herself.
+
+One thing seemed necessary. She must rid Jack of some of his fear of
+being arrested again.
+
+"But if the ship is changed so, how could any of the British officers,
+provided any are on that steamer, recognize her?" Alice asked.
+
+"I don't know how, but I'm sure they could," said Jack, rather
+unreasonably. "And you mark my words. They'll see us and in spite of our
+change of rig, they will want to speak us. A sailor never forgets a
+ship. Of course there may be no officers on that steamer who would know
+the old _Halcyon_, but ag'in, there may be. I'm afeered, Miss."
+
+"Oh, but you needn't be. Mr. Pertell will make it all right even if----"
+
+"He isn't bigger than Johnnie Bull," said Jack ominously, "though Mr.
+Pertell is a good friend of mine. Ha! Didn't I tell you? There they come
+right for us, and they're signallin' us to lay to."
+
+It was evident that something had taken place aboard the steamer. A
+signal flag broke out at her mast, and Captain Brisco, seeing it,
+exclaimed impatiently:
+
+"What can they want with us?"
+
+"They want to talk, that's evident," said Hen Lacomb, who stood near the
+commander.
+
+"But what about?"
+
+"We'll soon know."
+
+As the _Mary Ellen_ lay almost motionless on the sea, for she had been
+brought up sharply, the steamer approached. It was so calm that she
+could come quite close without danger of a collision. A man, evidently
+an officer, hailed through a megaphone. Jack dared not desert his place
+as lookout.
+
+"What vessel is that?" demanded the officer of the British steamer.
+
+"The _Mary Ellen_, from New York," answered Captain Brisco. "Out on a
+moving picture cruise. We're in a hurry."
+
+"Better not be," was the exasperating comment. "There's someone here who
+wants to ask you a few questions."
+
+Another figure joined the speaker, and at the sight of this second
+officer, old Jack Jepson groaned.
+
+"I knew it! I knew it," he whispered to Alice. "That's the man in charge
+of the revenue cutter who arrested me years ago. See! He recognizes me!
+I thought this would happen."
+
+It was evident that something out of the ordinary was taking place.
+
+"_Mary Ellen_ ahoy!" called the second officer. "If you didn't used to
+be the _Halcyon_, I miss my guess. And there's a man aboard you I want!
+There he stands!" and he pointed an accusing finger at Jack Jepson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE STORM
+
+
+The old sailor seemed to shrink down in his clothes and become smaller.
+He cast an appealing glance at Alice who stood near him.
+
+"See!" he murmured. "What did I tell you?"
+
+"It may be all right yet," she answered. "Surely after these years they
+can do nothing to you, especially when you were not guilty."
+
+"Ah, but it's the escape from the prison that hangs over me," he said.
+"They want me more for that than on the mutiny charge. Oh, what shall I
+do?"
+
+"Stay here and 'face the music,' as Russ or Paul would say," suggested
+Alice. "I'll speak to my father, and to Mr. Pertell. You are an American
+citizen, and----"
+
+But she had no time for further advice. Again came the hail from the
+steamer.
+
+"Stand by there, _Mary Ellen_, or _Halcyon_, as your name used to be,"
+was the sharp order. "I'm going to send a boat aboard you. We want that
+man!" and once more he pointed accusingly at Jack.
+
+"I don't know what you're talking about," blustered Captain Brisco.
+"That man is my second mate, and you can't take him from me that way.
+This isn't war time," and he seemed disposed to protect Jack.
+
+"Don't let them take me, Captain!" the old sailor pleaded. "You know
+what it means. Don't let them take me away!"
+
+"I won't!" declared Captain Brisco, and for the moment the heart of
+Alice warmed to him. She fancied she had misjudged him. But as she
+looked at him, she saw a look on his face that made her doubt. It was a
+look that made his words seem insincere. And when the moving picture
+girl saw the captain speaking in an aside to Hen Lacomb, her doubts were
+redoubled.
+
+"Stand by!" someone on the steamer ordered. "We're sending a boat to
+take the prisoner."
+
+"This is a pretty how-d'-do!" blustered Captain Brisco. "They're going
+to leave me short-handed, and just at a time when I'm likely to need
+every man I can get, too," and he cast an anxious look around the
+horizon. It had suddenly become quite dark. A bank of clouds, slate
+colored, and fringed with an ominous yellow, had gathered in the west,
+and there was a moaning in the air as though a far-off wind were sending
+a message to those in peril to beware of its breath.
+
+The sea, too, had a glassy look. The big waves rose sullenly, and sank
+back into troughs, with an oily smooth motion as though they resented
+being thus confined. It was like the action of some raging beast in
+leash. There was a curious oppressiveness in the air, too, and more than
+one found difficulty in breathing.
+
+"What is it? Oh, what is it?" asked Ruth, as she came toward her sister.
+"I feel as though something terrible were going to happen."
+
+"Something _has_ happened!" Alice exclaimed. "They've got poor old Jack!
+Isn't it a shame, when everything was going so nicely?"
+
+"Got him!" questioned Ruth. "What do you mean?"
+
+"It's those Britishers! They recognized this ship as the one on which
+the mutiny occurred. She's been built over--the ship I mean--but the
+steamer knew her--I mean some officer did. And they're going to take
+Jack away. You know he told us how he broke out of jail, after he was
+locked up on an unjust charge. Well, they want him for that, but he
+doesn't want him to go--at least he pretends he doesn't."
+
+Alice paused for breath--she needed it.
+
+"Well!" exclaimed Ruth. "You may understand what you mean, but I don't,
+my dear. Who wants whom, and who doesn't want whom--and what?"
+
+Thereupon Alice explained how Captain Brisco had declared Jack should
+not be taken, and yet how Alice, herself, believed he would give him up.
+
+"But what does it all mean--that enmity you say Captain Brisco has
+against Jack?" Ruth asked Alice, for Alice spoke about the time Jack had
+fallen overboard, and mentioned how the sailor had said he was tossed
+over the rail.
+
+"I don't know what it means," the younger girl replied. "It is all queer
+and mysterious, and it's getting worse. But I think there is some secret
+between Captain Brisco and that Hen Lacomb that Jack has found out, and
+they're afraid he'll tell. That's why I think they would be glad to see
+him taken away--no matter what happened to him. It's all very well for
+Captain Brisco to say he doesn't want Jack to go, but I believe he's
+glad this happened."
+
+"Oh, Alice! What a thing to say!"
+
+"I don't care! I believe it!"
+
+All this while preparations had been under way aboard the steamer to
+lower a small boat, but there seemed to be some delay.
+
+Meanwhile Jack Jepson remained as lookout on the _Mary Ellen_, though
+there was no need of him there, for the schooner was now merely
+drifting, with sails aback, and the steamer, too, was at the call of the
+wind and currents.
+
+"Come on, mate!" hoarsely whispered a sailor to Jack. "Slip below, mate,
+and we'll hide you. If they try to take you, we'll stand 'em off. I
+don't like the Britishers anyhow. I was shanghaied into one of their
+lime-juicers once, an' I never forgot it! Slip below!"
+
+"No, I'll take my medicine!" said Jack grimly. "Might as well get it
+done with. This thing has been hangin' over my head a number of years
+now, and I'll be glad to hear the last of it. It's a terrible thing for
+an innocent man."
+
+"Perhaps some way may be found for clearing you," suggested Alice. "I'll
+speak to my father. He knows some prominent lawyers in New York, and
+they will induce the government to take up your case. Go quietly, Jack,
+and we'll do all we can for you."
+
+"Oh, I shan't raise a row, Miss, never fear. No good'd come of that, and
+it would only make trouble. I'll go quietly enough."
+
+"Ha! What is going on?" asked Mr. DeVere, who had been down below. "Has
+anything happened?"
+
+Alice and Ruth tried to tell him at once, the former eager to enlist
+his sympathies in Jack's cause. Mr. DeVere promised readily enough.
+
+"Though I can't hold out any hope for you," he said. "I know nothing of
+law, but international affairs are always slow."
+
+"But I ought to get justice in the end, ought I not?" asked Jack,
+respectfully.
+
+"You ought, my man, and I'll do all I can for you," said Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Oh, what a pretty sight!" exclaimed the voice of Miss Dixon, as she
+emerged from a companionway with her chum, Miss Pennington. "Isn't it
+romantic--stopping to speak to a steamer at sea?"
+
+"Delightful," agreed Miss Pennington. "I wonder if the captain of the
+steamer will ask us to tea? It's a British vessel, and Englishmen are so
+fond of tea."
+
+"Yes, and they are so romantic and good-looking," agreed Miss Dixon.
+"But perhaps this is only for moving pictures."
+
+"Oh, pshaw! Perhaps it is!" sighed her companion, and the two of them,
+who had been taking surreptitious glances in mirrors, enclosed in the
+flaps of their bags, ceased "primping," until they could be sure whether
+or not there was any object in it.
+
+"What's it all about?" asked Miss Dixon again.
+
+"Oh, they're going to take one of our men, I believe," said Pop Snooks,
+the property "angel," as the ladies often called him.
+
+"Oh dear! What are they? Pirates?" gasped Miss Pennington.
+
+"No, it's Jack Jepson they're after. Some old charge, I believe."
+
+"Ha! I knew something would happen on this voyage!" exclaimed Mr. Pepper
+Sneed. "I felt it in my bones all along."
+
+"Good thing you're not disappointed," murmured Alice.
+
+"Oh dear!" sighed her sister. "It's too bad. And I liked Jack so."
+
+"So did I," returned Alice. "But they're a long while sending that
+boat."
+
+It did seem so, for there were no signs yet, of one being lowered over
+the side, though Captain Brisco, after the command to lay to, had
+ordered his accommodation ladder lowered to receive the visitors.
+
+Then came another hail from the steamer.
+
+"_Mary Ellen_ ahoy!"
+
+"Aye, aye!"
+
+"We won't send a boat right away. A hurricane is sweeping up fast, and
+this is a bad locality in which to be caught," called one of the
+steamer's officers through a megaphone. "We'll have to get out of here,
+and so had you better. There's no sea-room here. We'll pick you up
+later, and don't forget you are in English waters, and subject to our
+orders. We're going to have that man!"
+
+"Well, if you put it that way, of course I'll have to give in," said
+Captain Brisco. "I'll wait for you after the blow."
+
+"Well, that's a respite, anyhow, but not a very pleasant one," said
+Alice.
+
+"No," agreed Jack Jepson, who breathed easier now. "We're in for a bad
+storm, I reckon. We'll have to make everything snug."
+
+"Attention!" once more came the hail from the steamer, and when Captain
+Brisco answered, he was ordered to follow a certain course by compass,
+as being safest.
+
+"Then I can pick you up!" the steamer captain cried as the propellers
+began to churn the water. The British vessel swept away, leaving Jack
+Jepson still on the schooner, but under threat of arrest.
+
+Then the forerunner of the storm came, filling the sails of the _Mary
+Ellen_, and heeling her over until the lee scuppers were awash.
+
+"Make everything snug!" cried Captain Brisco. "It's coming on to blow
+great guns!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+GRINDING AWAY
+
+
+Events aboard the _Mary Ellen_ did not transpire at all slowly. In a
+comparatively short space of time she had been converted from an old
+hulk into a good sailing vessel, she had put to sea with a party of
+moving picture workers, including a sailor accused of mutiny, who had
+broken jail. She had been stopped by the English ship, and now the old
+schooner was starting to scud before the blast of a hurricane. For the
+time being the accusation against Jack Jepson was forgotten.
+
+"Lively now, everyone!" cried Captain Brisco. "When a storm breaks down
+here, it isn't any child's play. Double reefs in all sails, and two men
+at the wheel. Lash everything fast, pass life-lines, and passengers keep
+below."
+
+"Oh, but I want to see the storm!" exclaimed Alice.
+
+"Oh, how can you!" remonstrated Ruth. "It is going to be--awful!"
+
+And indeed, if the evidence of sky and sea, and the moaning of the wind,
+were any indication, a great storm was in prospect.
+
+The billows that had been rolling with oily smoothness now began to show
+little feathery crests of foam, and they were following one another with
+greater quickness, as if impatient to be at their shattering work.
+
+The wind seemed most ominous of all. It was as though it came from afar
+off, down behind the horizon line that showed black, with a fringe of
+angry yellow in the west. A low, mumbling, roaring, moaning wind it was,
+that whistled mournfully through the rigging of the schooner, and howled
+down the companionways.
+
+"Oh dear!" sighed Ruth, as she slipped her arm into that of her sister,
+and started for their cabin. "Come on, Alice. I'm afraid!"
+
+"Nonsense! What of? Nothing has happened--yet."
+
+"No, but there is going to be a terrible storm!"
+
+"And I just love a blow. I've never seen one at sea, and, as this may be
+the only chance I'll get, I'm not going to miss it. Stay up with me,
+Ruth. Don't be like those sillies, and go below," and she motioned to
+Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon who were scurrying for cover, as the wind
+and the sea increased.
+
+"Well, I'll stay up a little while," agreed Ruth. "But I--I'm afraid all
+the same."
+
+"Nonsense!" cried Alice gaily. "We have a good ship under us. It went
+through a mutiny, and I guess it can weather a storm."
+
+"That's just the point--can it?" asked Ruth in a low voice.
+
+"What do you mean?" Alice asked in a curiously strained voice.
+
+"I mean that this is an old vessel, 'made over,' as we would say of a
+dress, Alice, it can't be as good and strong as a new one would be, and
+in a storm----"
+
+"Oh, don't be nervous!" broke in Alice. "Here, I'll ask Mr. Blake," and
+she stopped the first mate who was hurrying to and fro directing the men
+at their work of making everything snug below and aloft.
+
+"Isn't she safe, Mr. Blake?" Alice appealed.
+
+"Who?" the first mate wanted to know.
+
+"This ship."
+
+"I--I think so," he said. "Yes, surely," he added quickly. "We will ride
+out the storm, never fear. It hasn't gotten here yet, and we may only
+get the outer edge of it. But you must excuse me now," and he hastened
+along the deck.
+
+"There!" cried Alice. "What did I tell you?" she asked triumphantly.
+
+"Well, I'll stay here with you a little while," Ruth agreed. "Then I'm
+going below and----"
+
+"Bundle up all your possessions and sit on a life preserver," broke in
+Alice with a laugh. "Oh, Ruth, you are--hopeless!"
+
+"Yes, but look at that!" and the older sister pointed to the west. There
+had been a rapid change. There was more yellow in the clouds now and
+less blackness, though there was enough of that ominous color too.
+"Doesn't it scare you, Alice?"
+
+"Not so much, no. Of course I've never been in a bad storm down here,
+and I don't know what they do to one. But I think we'll weather it, as
+the sailors say. But I wonder what Mr. Pertell is doing?"
+
+She motioned to the manager who was seen amidships, talking to Russ, the
+chief camera operator. They were near the big motorboat _Ajax_, which
+still rested in the cradle on deck.
+
+Mr. DeVere was also in conversation with the manager and his chief
+helper.
+
+"Let's go over and see what it is," suggested Alice. "Maybe they are
+frightened too."
+
+"I wouldn't blame them," murmured Ruth, with a nervous glance over her
+shoulder at the oncoming storm.
+
+The two girls joined their father and the others. Pop Snooks, the
+property man, who could make almost anything from a brick wall to a
+king's palace, on short notice, was called into the consultation.
+
+"I'm sure they're going to do something!" Alice exclaimed, as she
+noticed Mr. Pertell beckon Captain Brisco to him. And when the girls
+reached the group they learned what was afoot.
+
+"Why yes, you'd have time for some pictures before the storm gets here,"
+Captain Brisco was saying. "It's evidently going to be slow in
+breaking."
+
+"And it wouldn't be too rough for the motorboat?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"Oh, no. She's built dory fashion, and bigger waves than these wouldn't
+swamp her. It's a question though, if your man is game."
+
+"Oh, don't worry about me!" exclaimed Russ Dalwood. "I'll make pictures
+as long as the light will hold good. How is the boat? Is she all ready
+to start?"
+
+"All ready to put into the water," the captain assured him. "She has
+been that way since we reached this locality. What do you say?" he asked
+the manager. "Shall we lower away?"
+
+"I think so," was the answer from Mr. Pertell. "I want to get some views
+of the schooner sailing off before the storm. It will be a sort of
+introduction to the shipwreck that is to come later."
+
+"All right!" exclaimed Russ. "That suits me. I'll get the camera and
+films ready. I'll need a helper."
+
+"Oh, of course," agreed the manager. "You can't manage the boat and the
+engine and work the camera too. Grinding away at the film will keep you
+busy, especially as the water's a bit rough."
+
+"A _bit_ rough!" exclaimed Russ with a smile. "I like the way you say
+it. But the rougher it is the better effect we'll get on the film. I'll
+be ready when you are, Captain Brisco."
+
+"All right, I'll have the boat over at once," and the commander gave the
+necessary orders for lowering the _Ajax_ over the side. This had been
+provided for when she was cradled, so there was little delay at this
+task.
+
+"Are we to do any 'stunts,' while Russ is taking pictures?" asked Alice
+of the manager.
+
+"No, you are just to stand around on deck, and look a bit anxious. You
+are supposed to be an old-time passenger packet you know, on a long
+voyage, and you are running away from the storm. We don't want many feet
+of this film--just enough to indicate what is to come. The real
+shipwreck--that is the imitation of it--will come later, when this
+storm blows over. Get on the side where the motorboat will be," the
+manager directed, "and line up along the rail."
+
+While Russ was "loading" his camera, Ruth and Alice watched the sailors
+getting the _Ajax_ ready. The engine had been tested, and seemed to work
+well. Jack Jepson came along with a small keg of water, and a bundle
+done up in a piece of sail cloth.
+
+"What's that for?" asked Alice.
+
+"Provisions and water," answered the old sailor.
+
+"But they're only going to be away a few minutes," the girl objected.
+"They won't want anything to eat or drink."
+
+"It's a rule of th' sea," said old Jack, "never to put a boat over the
+side without provisioning and watering her. You never can tell what will
+happen on th' ocean. I've seen boats put out just for a little row
+around, and a fog would come up, and they'd be away nearly a week. And
+when they didn't have any water or food aboard--well, Miss, them's not
+nice things to talk about to ladies," he said simply. And Alice
+understood.
+
+The storm seemed to be holding off, at least for a time. Far away the
+dark mass of the British steamer could be seen. The _Ajax_ was soon
+ready, and lowered to the heaving water.
+
+"Mr. Sneed, you get in and help Russ," ordered Mr. Pertell. "You know
+something about motor-boats, don't you?"
+
+"A little, yes. But I--er--I don't like to get in one when a storm is
+coming up."
+
+"Nonsense!" the manager ejaculated. "There's no danger! You are going
+only a short distance away from the schooner, to get some views of her
+as she rides the waves. It will make a good film, the coming storm, and
+the waters rising and falling. Get aboard, Mr. Sneed, and do whatever
+Russ wants you to. He'll be busy with the camera so you will have to
+steer, and run the engine. The last won't bother you though, for it has
+a self-starter on and a gear clutch. You'll be in no danger."
+
+Mr. Sneed did not seem anxious to go. However, orders were orders, and
+members of the company, even Mr. Wellington Bunn, thought twice before
+refusing Mr. Pertell. So, when Russ came up with his cameras, bringing
+two in case of emergency, Mr. Sneed was already in the boat, which was
+rising and falling at the foot of the accommodation ladder over the side
+of the schooner.
+
+"All aboard!" sang out Russ gaily, as he prepared to descend, his
+cameras having been lowered to Mr. Sneed by a rope. "Look pleasant,
+girls, you're going to have your pictures took," and he laughed.
+
+There was an ominous hush in the air now. The moaning of the wind seemed
+to have died down, at least for the time being, but the waves were
+higher, the swells were long, and did not break much.
+
+It was lighter, also, though the light was of a sickly yellowish cast.
+However, it would serve for a few pictures.
+
+"Let her go, Pepper!" called Russ to his actor-helper and the motor
+whirred, as the _Ajax_ started away from the side of the schooner. Russ,
+setting his camera up on the platform made for it in the bow, began
+grinding at the crank, taking many views of the pitching, tossing
+schooner as it rose and fell on the bosom of the heaving ocean.
+
+"I don't like this!" exclaimed Mr. Sneed, when a dash of spray wet him,
+as he sat at the wheel. "I wish I hadn't come. I'm sure something will
+happen!"
+
+"Something sure _will_, if you don't keep her headed up into the seas,"
+declared Russ. "We'll be swamped, that's what will happen. Steady now.
+I'm getting some good ones," and he worked away at the camera, while the
+schooner sailed farther and farther away. Russ wanted to give the idea
+of distance on the film.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+DISABLED
+
+
+"How much longer you going to be?" asked Mr. Pepper Sneed, as he saw
+Russ change slightly the position of the camera.
+
+"Oh, not much longer now," was the answer. "I have about all they'll
+want, I guess. This is only a sort of 'cut-in' effect, anyhow--a
+preliminary to the grand performance that is to come later. Poor old
+_Mary Ellen_, we'll soon see the last of her, I expect."
+
+"Burr-r-r!" exclaimed Mr. Sneed as he shifted his helm. "Don't talk that
+way. It sounds rather prophetic, you know, seeing the last of the ship,
+and all that, you know."
+
+"Well, I meant that they're going to sink her. You knew that, didn't
+you?"
+
+"Oh, yes, worse luck! I'm to be one of the last to jump over the side, I
+believe. I don't like it."
+
+"Well, it won't be for long," Russ said. "It will be all over in a few
+minutes--I mean the shipwreck proper, though there'll be a lot of
+rescue scenes, and then the castaways on an island, and all that sort of
+thing. Put me over a little more to the left, Pepper. I can get a fine
+view that way, with the light shining on the passengers at the rail."
+
+He clicked away at the camera crank, and then exclaimed:
+
+"No, no! I said to the left. You're putting me to the right."
+
+"Oh, so I am. I was watching that storm. I don't like the looks of
+things, Russ. I believe we're going to be in for it sooner than they
+thought."
+
+"It does look as though it were going to burst," Russ agreed, as he
+looked up from the "finder" of his machine long enough to take a glimpse
+at the weather. "Mr. Pertell said he'd signal us with a flag when he
+thought we had enough, but I don't see anything of a signal, do you?"
+
+"No," answered the gloomy actor, who had not been needed in the present
+scenes. "And I wish I _could_ see it. It's getting too rough out here
+for me, even if we have a good boat," and he adjusted the gasoline feed
+to give a little more power to the engine.
+
+"Well, it's getting almost too dark to get any more pictures, anyhow,"
+Russ declared. "We sure are in for a blow. It's coming up fast too.
+We'd better get back to the ship without waiting for a signal. They may
+have hoisted one, that we didn't see."
+
+"That's it, I think!" cried the other. "Say, where is the schooner,
+anyhow?"
+
+Russ, who was taking the tripod from his camera looked up quickly.
+
+"Why, can't you see her?" asked the young operator.
+
+"No, and I don't believe you can, either, nor can your camera find her.
+She's disappeared!"
+
+"Disappeared? Nonsense!" Russ cried. "It's just that the sea mist has
+come up and hidden her. It will blow away in a moment. Say, but it is
+getting rough!"
+
+Well might he say that, for he could hardly keep his footing on the
+platform where he had stood to make the views. He came down into the
+half-covered cabin which formed the forward part of the _Ajax_.
+
+"Well, where is the schooner, if you can see her?" growled Pepper Sneed.
+"Steer for her if you can sight her--I can't!"
+
+He seemed morose and angry. Perhaps it was just fear. Russ did not stop
+to determine that point. The operator took the steering wheel, first
+standing up to get an idea of his course.
+
+"Say, it _is_ getting dark!" he cried. "Well, we'll have to go it blind.
+We'll pick up the schooner in a minute or two, I expect. She ought to be
+right over there," and he pointed.
+
+"Where?" asked Mr. Sneed.
+
+"There," said Russ again.
+
+"Humph! You're away off!" declared his companion. "The last I saw her,
+and I was headed right for her, she was over there," and he indicated a
+direction differing from that Russ had shown by at least forty-five
+degrees.
+
+"I wish they'd show a light!" Russ murmured as he tried to peer through
+the mist and the gathering darkness. "Why don't they show a light? We
+could see that!"
+
+"Maybe they don't know we're lost," suggested Pepper Sneed.
+
+"Lost!" cried Russ. "We're not lost! We'll be up to them in a minute or
+so, but I do wish they'd show a light."
+
+The motorboat _Ajax_ was chugging over the heaving water at good speed,
+but as far as the eyes of either of her occupants could see, she might
+have been driving straight into the utter desolation of a vast ocean,
+for not an object was in sight.
+
+The wind had again taken up that nerve-racking moaning and groaning
+sound, as of an unseen giant in distress, and the spray from the crests
+of the waves blew in the faces of the two young men, as they crouched
+down behind the shelter of the half-cabin.
+
+It seemed as though the storm had begun, had halted in its purpose, or
+had gone off momentarily in some other direction, and was now headed
+back, to sweep destruction down on those aboard the _Mary Ellen_, and
+the two in the motorboat.
+
+But where was the _Mary Ellen_?
+
+That was a question Russ and Mr. Sneed asked of themselves over and over
+again as they drove into the very teeth of the storm. They had to head
+into it, as in the small boat no other course would have been safe.
+Fortunately the _Ajax_ was built dory-fashion, with high bow and stern,
+after the pattern of the skiffs in which the fishermen of the New
+Foundland banks go out in heavy weather.
+
+"What are you going to do?" asked Mr. Sneed, as Russ increased the speed
+of the engine, so that the small craft fairly tore up the inclined hills
+of green waters, which the waves represented, and slid down them with
+sickening speed on the other slope.
+
+"I'm going to keep on until I find her--find the schooner," Russ said,
+grimly. "That's all we can do. But I can't understand why they don't
+show a light."
+
+"Maybe they're having troubles of their own," suggested the actor.
+
+"Well, they could shout, so as to let us know where to steer," Russ went
+on, rather provoked.
+
+"We could do that ourselves," Pepper Sneed said.
+
+"Do what?" asked Russ, hardly conscious of what he was saying, for just
+then a heavy wave threatened to swamp the dory, and it required skillful
+handling to keep her from being swamped.
+
+"We could yell," suggested Mr. Sneed. "Come on, give 'em a call!"
+
+Russ agreed to this, and, standing up, so their voices would carry
+better, and bracing themselves against the tumbling, swaying motion of
+the craft, they sent out a cry for aid--and yet not so much a cry for
+aid, as they were not yet in distress, but a cry for direction.
+
+"If I could only see where to steer," Russ exclaimed, when they had
+paused in their yelling, well-nigh exhausted, "it wouldn't be so bad!
+But I can't see a thing. It's getting darker every minute. I never saw
+such a funny storm."
+
+"It's coming up all right," declared the actor. "Going to blow great
+guns soon."
+
+"It's blowing them now," said Russ, grimly, as he clung to the wheel.
+"I can hardly keep her on the course."
+
+"What's the use of steering a course when you don't know whether it's
+right or not?" asked the actor.
+
+"Well, I'm not going to give up," Russ said, grimly. "I think I'm headed
+for the schooner, though I ought to have fetched her sooner than this,
+at the speed we're going."
+
+"Perhaps she's blowing away from us," suggested Mr. Sneed.
+
+"That's it!" Russ cried. "Why didn't I think of that before? She's
+running away from us. She can't help it, though, for she must scud
+before this storm. We've got to increase our speed to catch up to her.
+The wind and our engine ought to be more than a match for her sails
+alone. I'll put on more speed."
+
+The wind was now a howling gale.
+
+Suddenly, as they drove on, the motor seemed to increase its speed.
+
+"What's that?" asked Mr. Sneed. "I thought you had her running at her
+limit."
+
+"So did I," Russ answered, bending over the machinery. Then he cried:
+"She's racing! We've lost our propeller! We're disabled in this storm!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+IN THE VORTEX
+
+
+"Haven't we looked distressed long enough?"
+
+"I'm going below. I can't bear to watch that storm!"
+
+The speakers were Alice and Ruth DeVere respectively, and they were
+leaning over the rail of the _Mary Ellen_, peering off into the swirl of
+driving mists, and across the heaving waters toward where the motorboat
+had been last seen.
+
+"Yes, I think Russ has enough pictures," Mr. Pertell said in answer to
+the remark of Alice. "I think you all looked sufficiently distressful.
+If the scenes of the shipwreck itself go as well as the first part of
+the drama has gone, we'll have a fine film."
+
+"Then may I go below?" asked Ruth. "I don't like the looks of the
+weather."
+
+"It does seem as though we'd get the storm after all," her father
+remarked.
+
+"Go below, by all means," assented the manager. "We have done enough for
+today, and I'll signal Russ to come in, if he hasn't already started to
+do so. My, but this wind is blowing a regular gale!"
+
+Others than Ruth found it uncomfortable on deck, and there was a general
+movement toward the cabins which had been fitted up with considerable
+comfort, even if the craft was an old one.
+
+But just then, when there was a partial calm before another burst of
+fury on the part of the storm, something occurred that threw the ship
+into a flurry of excitement for a time. The sailors were making some
+changes in the craft's canvas, when suddenly the throat and peak
+halyards of the mainsail either parted, or, coming loose from the
+cleats, came down on the run. The effect was to lower the sail so
+quickly, and in such a fashion, with the wind blowing hard against it,
+that there was a crash, a banging and booming of the canvas, and the
+boom and gaff. The first mate, who was standing near the mast, was
+knocked down, narrowly escaping going overboard.
+
+"Oh, what has happened?" cried Ruth.
+
+"Be still!" commanded Alice, clutching her sister by the arm. "Yelling
+isn't going to do any good. We're not hurt."
+
+They were standing near a companionway, well out of reach of the falling
+sail.
+
+"Oh, we're sinking! We're sinking!" screamed Miss Dixon.
+
+"And the sharks! The terrible sharks in the water!" hysterically added
+her friend.
+
+The other ladies of the party were very much frightened, naturally, not
+only by the accident to the sail, but by the screams of the two former
+vaudeville actresses.
+
+"Lively now, men!" called Jack Jepson, who happened to be nearest the
+confusion of tangled ropes and sail. "Get him below. He doesn't seem to
+be much hurt."
+
+He pointed to the motionless body of the first mate. A quick examination
+showed that the man was badly stunned, but that seemed to be the extent
+of his injuries, as far as could be told.
+
+"Up with her now! Up with her!" the second mate cried, as he gave orders
+for hoisting the sail again, for the schooner was not under proper
+control with the main canvas down, and a storm coming up rapidly. The
+sail had been reefed, so the gaff had not fallen as far as otherwise
+would have been the case.
+
+"What's the matter?" shouted Captain Brisco who came up from his cabin
+with Hen Lacomb. The two were seldom apart of late. A glance served to
+tell the commander what had happened. He saw that Jack Jepson had
+matters well in hand, and though Alice guessed that Captain Brisco had
+no love for his second mate, the commander knew seamanship when he saw
+it.
+
+"Lively now!" he cried. "That's the idea! We'll run before the gale
+now."
+
+"But the motorboat!" cried Ruth, who had conquered her desire to flee to
+the cabin, and hide her eyes and ears from such nerve-racking sights and
+sounds. "Where is the _Ajax_--and Mr. Sneed--and--Russ?" she faltered.
+
+"They'll probably be coming in now," the captain said, but he did not
+take the trouble to look around and see. "We can't wait for them in this
+wind," he went on.
+
+"But we _must_ wait for him!" Ruth cried, getting excited. "We can't go
+off and leave them in that motorboat, on the ocean, in a storm! We must
+wait!" She started toward Captain Brisco, with her hands held out
+appealingly.
+
+Alice was wildly looking around for a sight of the smaller craft. She
+had seen it just before the sail fell, but now there was nothing about
+the schooner but a bare waste of waters.
+
+She knew enough about the technical side of moving pictures to realize
+that for some time, it had been too dark to take any film. Russ must
+have known that, too, and would have started back for the schooner. But
+if he had, where was he now?
+
+Alice asked herself that question as she looked around.
+
+"You must wait for him!" cried Ruth.
+
+"Who? What's this?" demanded Mr. Pertell, for he had been hurrying to
+and fro, making sure none of the members of his company had been injured
+in the slight accident.
+
+"Russ hasn't come back," volunteered Alice, who almost always spoke
+ahead of her sister.
+
+"He's out there!" Ruth found voice to say, "and Captain Brisco isn't
+going to wait for him."
+
+"You can't hold a ship still on the ocean, and a storm coming up!" the
+commander cried, as though to justify himself. "We've got to run for it.
+It would be madness now to lay to."
+
+"But we can't desert Russ and Mr. Sneed!" cried the manager. "I thought
+he was coming in. What shall we do? We must do something! I shouldn't
+have asked him to risk it!"
+
+The schooner was rapidly forging ahead, even under reefed sails, so
+powerful was the wind.
+
+"We could work around," said Jack Jepson, who had come up on deck after
+seeing the first mate comfortably bestowed in his berth. "We could work
+around and----"
+
+"Who's in charge of this ship; you or me?" snapped Captain Brisco.
+
+"You are, of course," was the quiet answer.
+
+"Well then, have the goodness to keep still and let me manage matters.
+I'm giving orders--not you!"
+
+Poor Jack slunk back, smarting under the undeserved rebuke.
+
+"I don't care who is in command!" cried Mr. Pertell. "This is my ship
+and you're under my orders, Captain Brisco. I order you to pick up that
+motorboat!"
+
+"And I tell you we can't do it! They've got to come to us, we can't go
+to them. They're not dependent on the wind as we are. They can travel
+any direction they like, and they'll have to head for us."
+
+"But we must make some effort to find them!" cried the manager. "It
+would be wicked--criminal not to."
+
+"Look here!" cried Captain Brisco. "You are the owner of this schooner,
+it is true, and as such you are my superior, but the law gives me
+supreme command of this craft at sea, unless I'm dead, or otherwise
+deposed. And I tell you I won't risk all these lives by trying to beat
+back in the teeth of this wind, to pick up a motorboat. It would be
+worse than criminal--worse than wicked to do it. It would endanger all
+on board!"
+
+There was some logic in that. Even Mr. Pertell, exercised as he was by
+the threatened danger to Russ, could appreciate that.
+
+"But we must do something," the manager repeated.
+
+"I'm doing all I can," Captain Brisco replied. "I'll shorten sail down
+to the minimum; that will keep us before the wind, and out of the trough
+of the sea! More I can't do. We must depend on them to pick us up. They
+ought to be able to do it. You told me Dalwood could manage a boat."
+
+"So he can--but--"
+
+There was ominous meaning in the broken-off sentence.
+
+"Well, we'll do the best we can," concluded Captain Brisco. "They will
+have to take chances, as we're doing."
+
+He went forward to give some orders.
+
+Those aboard the schooner peered anxiously over the storm swept waters
+for a sight of the motor craft, but they saw nothing. They shouted and
+called, but only the wind howled back at them.
+
+Then, with a suddenness that was appalling, they seemed to be flung into
+the midst of a hurricane. The wind lashed the sea to fury, and the _Mary
+Ellen_ spun around like some gigantic top.
+
+"We're in the vortex!" cried Jack Jepson. "We're in the vortex of a
+cyclone! All hands look to themselves!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+WRECKED
+
+
+Confusion on board a ship in a storm may be real confusion and riot, or
+it may only seem so to those not used to the sea. Often what is a
+hopelessly tangled mass of sails, ropes, spars and gears to the
+landsman, is as clear to a sailor as a skein of yarn is to an
+experienced knitter, who can ply her needles in the dark.
+
+It was so on the _Mary Ellen_ when the storm, that had been so long
+threatening, and half-performing, broke in all its fury.
+
+There was a tangle of ropes, a banging and slamming of canvas, which,
+stretched taut and to its utmost, was as stiff as a board. There was a
+rattling of blocks and the creaking of the boom-crotches against the
+masts. The squeak of the gaffs higher up added to the din.
+
+The shouting of Captain Brisco, and the answering calls of his men did
+not lessen the confusion.
+
+"Lower away! Lower away!" the commander cried, ordering even the already
+doubly-reefed sails gotten down, so the powerful wind would have less
+resistance. Even with the small area of canvas shown, the craft was
+being heeled over until the scuppers--or the holes by which water runs
+off the deck--dipped under the waves, and there was plenty of sea
+aboard.
+
+"Set that storm jib!" came the next order, when the main sails had been
+furled, and that was no easy task with the sharp pitching and tossing of
+the schooner. Not a very seamanlike job was made of it, but there was no
+time for the finer touches. The sails were just clewed up to prevent
+them from blowing away, until more time could be devoted to them.
+
+The storm jib, which is the sail furthest front on a vessel, unless it
+be a flying jib, was set to give her enough way so she would respond to
+the helm, for it was necessary to keep the craft before the wind, and
+head on to the seas--that is, the big waves must be cut and broken by
+the sharp prow, or bow, for had they come at the schooner sideways, she
+would have been swamped instantly.
+
+Even the small area of the storm jib was hardly necessary. The _Mary
+Ellen_, in that blow, would have scudded along fairly well "under bare
+poles," that is with no sails set at all. Even Captain Brisco had his
+doubts about the storm jib resisting. It might pull away from the
+holding ropes at any moment. But its loss would do no harm, for it would
+only be blown out to sea, and there were enough spare sails.
+
+So, as I have said, order came out of confusion, but even the order was
+somewhat confused, at least to the members of the moving picture
+company. They had been ordered below, and had managed, somehow, to get
+there, though more than one received bumps and bruises on the pitching,
+tossing companionway.
+
+"Oh, what an awful storm!" complained Miss Dixon, when they were huddled
+in the cabin.
+
+"Isn't it awful--terrible!" agreed her companion. "I am frightened to
+death. We may sink at any minute."
+
+"Oh, not so much danger of that in a wooden ship," said Paul
+consolingly. He wished the two former vaudeville actresses would try to
+have a little courage.
+
+"I am so frightened," murmured Miss Pennington. "I wish Captain Brisco
+would come down here."
+
+"What for?" asked Alice, hardly able to keep the contempt out of her
+voice.
+
+"So he could tell us if we are in any danger, and what we ought to do,"
+was the selfish answer. "He _must_ save us!"
+
+"He's trying to save the ship!" said Alice, "and you two ought to be
+ashamed of yourselves at a time like this. Think of poor Russ and Mr.
+Sneed out in that motorboat all alone!"
+
+"Oh, but they--they're men," faltered Miss Dixon.
+
+"Then why don't you try to be women!" snapped Alice.
+
+"Hush, my dear," said her sister gently.
+
+"I can't!" was the answer. "When I think of poor Russ----"
+
+"I'm going to put on a life preserver," exclaimed Miss Pennington,
+favoring Alice with a frosty stare.
+
+"Perhaps that would be a good plan for us, my dears," said Mr. DeVere to
+his daughters. "It can do no harm, at all events."
+
+"No," admitted Alice. "But we appear to be all right--for the time
+being, at least."
+
+It seemed quieter up on deck now, for the sailors had ceased rushing
+about adjusting the canvas, though there was still plenty of noise.
+There was the rattle and bang of blocks, the whipping about of ends of
+ropes, the slap, now and then, of the storm jib, as it was whipped back
+and forth. Now and then a heavy sea would fall on deck with a crash.
+
+At such times the _Mary Ellen_, stout as she was, would tremble from
+stem to stern, and those in the cabin would shiver and look at one
+another apprehensively.
+
+"Come on, Laura," called Miss Pennington to her companion. "Let's take
+all the precautions we can. We'll put on life preservers. But oh, I
+daren't think of being in the water with all those sharks."
+
+"Don't talk that way!" said Paul in a sharp whisper, as he saw Ruth
+shrink back at the word "shark."
+
+Miss Pennington did not deign to answer, but she and her friend were
+soon struggling with the straps of a life preserver. At this moment
+Captain Brisco came down into the cabin.
+
+"What does this mean?" he asked, and his voice was stern.
+
+"We--we are getting ready for an--an emergency," faltered Miss
+Pennington.
+
+"Well, there won't be any emergency--at least not for a while," the
+commander said grimly "We are doing very well. If you want to be
+uncomfortable do so, and put on those cork jackets. But there is no need
+of it. I'll give you plenty of warning if the ship is likely to founder,
+and we'll lower the boats."
+
+"Is there any real danger, Captain?" asked Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Well, of course there always is, in a storm at sea. But we are in no
+more danger than hundreds of others. This is a wooden ship, and it will
+be a long time sinking, even if it gets to that point, which is far off.
+We haven't leaked a drop yet, and we're running before the storm nicely.
+You need have no fears."
+
+"That's what I thought!" exclaimed Alice, with a look at the two former
+stage actresses.
+
+"Humph!" sniffed Miss Dixon. "Any one would think you were a sailor."
+
+"She's a good deal better 'n some," said Jack Jepson coming into the
+cabin then to report something to Captain Brisco.
+
+"Then you would not advise us to put on life preservers?" asked Mr.
+DeVere.
+
+"Not now, at least," the captain replied. "I have done everything
+possible, and the only thing now is to run before the storm. We are in
+good shape. The _Mary Ellen_ is a better craft than I gave her credit
+for being. The only thing to do is to wait, and hope for the best."
+
+"Have you plenty of lifeboats?" the old actor wanted to know.
+
+"Yes, enough for all hands. They are provisioned and watered, and are
+staunch craft. My men have orders to stand by in case of any real
+danger, and put the small boats over. But we will stick to the ship
+until the last, though that is not saying, mind you, that we will have
+to desert her."
+
+"Oh! I couldn't think of going in one of those small boats!" cried Miss
+Dixon. "They are so low in the water. I should faint every time I looked
+over the side."
+
+"Well if she looked once, and fainted and stayed so, it would be a good
+thing for all hands," murmured Paul Ardite.
+
+"Oh, don't say that," Alice reproached him.
+
+"That's how I feel about her," he answered.
+
+"What can be done about picking up the motorboat?" asked Mr. DeVere.
+They all looked anxiously toward Captain Brisco.
+
+"I have a man on the lookout," answered the commander. "It may seem to
+some of you heartless to go away and leave her."
+
+"It was," murmured gentle Ruth. But she only whispered the words. There
+were tears in her eyes.
+
+"But I could do nothing else," resumed Captain Brisco. "As I told you, a
+vessel can't remain stationary on the sea. We had to move on before the
+gale. And, as I also said, the motorboat has a better chance of going
+where she wants to than have we, who must depend on our sails. I have no
+doubt but that the two in the _Ajax_ are safe."
+
+But if Captain Brisco, or any of those then huddled in the cabin of the
+_Mary Ellen_, could have seen Russ and Mr. Sneed just then they would
+not have envied them.
+
+With the racing of the engine, indicating to Russ that the propeller had
+dropped off into the sea, he at once shut off the power. Without the
+resistance of the screw the machine would soon have racked itself to
+pieces.
+
+"Well, what's to be done?" asked Mr. Sneed.
+
+"That's the way to talk," was the response. "We've got to do something,
+that's sure."
+
+The storm which at that moment was enveloping the _Mary Ellen_ was, at
+the same time, buffeting about the smaller motorboat. When she lost
+headway by the stopping of her engine she no longer took the seas head,
+or bow, on. She fell into the trough, and was in imminent danger of
+being swamped.
+
+"We've got to bring her up, the first thing we do," Russ decided. "What
+we need is a drag anchor. That will bring her head on to the waves, and
+we can ride them better until help comes."
+
+"Will help ever come?" asked the actor, despondently.
+
+"Of course it will. Or else we'll find the schooner, or they us!"
+responded Russ.
+
+While he was talking, he was looking about for something to use as a
+drag anchor.
+
+"That will do!" Russ decided as he saw a heavy wooden box. "I'll use
+that." Quickly he tied a rope to it, and tossed the box out.
+
+"This is better!" exclaimed Russ. "Now let's take an account of stock,
+and see what else we can do. We may be here for some time."
+
+"We can't live very long in this awful weather!" groaned, rather than
+spoke, Mr. Sneed.
+
+"Oh, don't give up so easily," said Russ.
+
+But when the storm grew worse, and the tiny craft was buffeted about,
+shipping considerable water, even stout-hearted Russ was not as hopeful
+as he had been. He had stowed the camera in a safe place, and put the
+films in a water-tight box well forward. Then the only thing to do was
+to wait. In vain he scanned the sea through the storm for a sight of the
+schooner. He could catch no glimpse of her.
+
+Meanwhile the lookout on the _Mary Ellen_ was eagerly watching for any
+signs of the _Ajax_, but he had even less chance of seeing her than Russ
+and Mr. Sneed did of sighting the larger vessel.
+
+The storm was constantly growing worse. As old Jack had said, the
+schooner had actually been caught in the very vortex of it, but the
+whirling motion, imparted by the meeting of two different wind
+currents, had been the saving of the craft. She had been shunted to the
+outer edge, as a cork, going around in a whirlpool, is sometimes tossed
+to safety by the very violence of the motion.
+
+Then she had scudded before the gale.
+
+All that night they scudded before the storm, not knowing where they
+were, and when morning came there was a wild and tumultuous waste of
+waters all about them. Alice ventured up on deck, against the advice of
+her father and sister.
+
+She saw Jack Jepson and some sailors amidships. They seemed to be in
+earnest consultation. Alice drew near them, intending to ask if there
+were any news.
+
+As she came near the mainmast, there was a sudden veer to the craft, a
+snapping, splintering sound, and the mast, with its gear of sail, boom
+and gaff crashed over the side, smashing the stout bulwarks.
+
+"Look out, gal!" hoarsely cried Old Jack, and he snatched Alice back
+only just in time, for the mast splintered down right in front of her.
+
+With the crash and splintering of the wood, and the breaking of the side
+of the schooner, there arose the cry of:
+
+"We're wrecked! We're wrecked!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+"MUTINY!"
+
+
+Jack Jepson's first thought was to get Alice to a place of safety.
+
+"You shouldn't have come up!" he shouted in her ear, as he fairly
+carried her along the sloping deck. He had to shout to be heard above
+the roar of the wind, the pounding of the broken mast against the side
+of the schooner, and the swish of the salt water whipped into spray by
+the powerful gale.
+
+Jack set Alice down at the head of the companionway, and indicated by
+gestures, rather than words, that she was to go below. As she descended
+the sloping stairs, holding to the rope rail to prevent stumbling, she
+saw Captain Brisco spring forward. Whatever else he was, the commander
+did not shrink from any emergency.
+
+"Cut away that mast!" he cried. "She'll have us stove in if we don't cut
+her loose!"
+
+"Aye, aye, sir!" answered Jack.
+
+He and several other sailors had seized axes as soon as the result of
+the crash was seen, and now sprang to the broken bulwarks, over which
+the mainmast lay, the jagged end of it in the water, pounding against
+the side of the schooner at every roll, and threatening to punch a hole
+in her as a battering ram punctures a wall.
+
+"Strike hard, men!" called Jack, and the sound of their axes followed.
+Ropes were severed with a blow, but the wire shrouds were tougher, and
+it was not until several minutes had passed that the mast, with its
+tangle of sails and ropes, was chopped free to float away on the crest
+of a billow.
+
+"Get up the mizzen storm sail!" ordered Captain Brisco. "She's falling
+off!"
+
+The schooner was indeed in danger of wallowing in the trough of the big
+waves.
+
+Pausing only for a moment, the sailors who had labored so valiantly at
+cutting loose the broken mast, sprang to get more sail on the craft. She
+was deprived of the reefed, or shortened, one that had been on the stick
+which was now overboard, and the jib was not enough to hold her head to
+the waves.
+
+"What is it? Oh what is it?" gasped Miss Pennington as Alice fell,
+rather than walked down the companionway into the cabin.
+
+"Are we sinking?" demanded Miss Dixon.
+
+"Not at all!" answered Alice, catching her breath, and, with a shake of
+her head freeing her face from the salty spray that had drenched her.
+"It isn't anything at all."
+
+She determined to make light of it, even though her own heart was
+beating like a hammer at the thought of her narrow escape from possible
+death.
+
+Alice really did not know whether there was any danger or not from the
+fall of the mast. She had often read of such things happening, and she
+remembered that the masts were always "cut away." So she supposed, as
+long as this was being done, that the proper course was being followed.
+
+"There's no danger at all," she said, speaking more calmly now.
+
+"No danger!" cried Miss Pennington. "Listen to that!"
+
+It was the noise of sailors on deck chopping away the mast-gear.
+
+"Oh, one of those upright sticks, that they hang the sails on, fell
+over. Not enough glue on it, I guess," said Alice, calmly.
+
+"Not enough glue!" gasped Paul. "Well, I never--"
+
+"Can't you take a joke?" Alice whispered to him, as she saw that her
+minimizing of the accident was having its effect.
+
+"Oh, yes, of course!" Paul exclaimed. "Not enough glue on it--Oh yes!"
+and he had to turn away to keep from smiling at the idea of a
+mast,--that is the most firmly set of anything on a ship, (being indeed
+almost an integral part of it)--the idea of that being stayed with glue
+was enough to make almost anyone smile, even in the midst of danger.
+
+The sounds on the deck gradually became more quiet. The danger seemed to
+be over for the time being. The moving picture actors and actresses
+crowded around Alice to hear her story of the accident. She carefully
+avoided mentioning her own peril, but she resolved to properly thank old
+Jack later. Just now Alice did not want her father to worry. His throat
+was troubling him, because of the amount of salt spray in the air.
+
+On deck Captain Brisco and Jack Jepson took charge of matters until the
+wreckage had been cleared away. And a lot of wreckage there was. The
+_Mary Ellen_ looked little like the trim, schooner that had left New
+York a few weeks before.
+
+Jack Jepson stepped close to the stump of the mainmast. He gave one look
+at it, and uttered a single word.
+
+"Rotten!" he exclaimed.
+
+"What's that?" cried Captain Brisco sharply.
+
+"Rotten!" repeated the mate. "That mast had dry rot to the very core.
+Only the varnish held her together."
+
+"What's that to you?" cried the captain in angry tones. "You keep your
+opinions to yourself! When I want 'em, I'll ask for 'em! Now get below
+and see if we're taking in any water."
+
+"Very well, sir," was the answer, but Jack gave the captain a queer
+look.
+
+He found some water coming in, but not more, he thought, than the pumps
+could take care of, so he reported the matter only to Captain Brisco.
+
+"That's good," the commander said, seemingly well pleased. "I guess they
+can have their fake shipwreck after all, if the weather clears."
+
+As the day advanced, the storm lulled slightly, but it was still rough.
+Those of the moving picture company who ventured up on deck went below
+again with white, scared faces at the sight of the wreckage of the
+mainmast. For it did look doleful.
+
+"This shipwreck comes pretty near being real," said Mr. Pertell. "If we
+could only photograph it now, it would make a fine film."
+
+"Can't you?" asked Alice.
+
+"Yes, I suppose I could make some views."
+
+A few hundred feet of film were exposed by one of the operators, but the
+pretended shipwreck would need to be taken from a small boat, and the
+sea was too rough to admit of that.
+
+Then the storm, that had given them a brief respite, began again, worse
+than before. The schooner was tossed about like a toy, and the
+mizzenmast was sprung so that no sail could be rigged on it.
+
+Then when a great wave struck the craft, washing over her from stem to
+stern, the work of the ocean and the storm elements seemed completed.
+The _Mary Ellen_ staggered under the blow like some living thing, and
+she did not rise to it as buoyantly as she had before.
+
+Jack Jepson came rushing up from below.
+
+"We're leaking fast!" he cried. "We'd better take to the boats, Captain
+Brisco! The pumps won't work!"
+
+"The boats! Nonsense!" the captain cried. "We'll ride it out here. The
+schooner is all right!"
+
+"I tell you she's sinking!" yelled Jack. "We must take to the boats."
+
+"What? Do you dare give orders in my face!" stormed Captain Brisco.
+"This is mutiny, sir! This is mutiny! I'll put you in irons!" and with
+raised fist he started toward the old sailor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+HELP AT LAST
+
+
+Jack Jepson was a brave man. He proved it then by standing unflinchingly
+in front of the angry captain, when shrinking back might have meant a
+blow that would have brought about a general fight. Seeing him standing
+there fearlessly, made Captain Brisco pause. And that gave the others
+time for action.
+
+"What does this mean?" cried Mr. Pertell.
+
+"He is trying to start a mutiny as he did once before!" fairly yelled
+Captain Brisco.
+
+"I never started a mutiny before, and I'm not trying to do so now!"
+retorted Jack, and he seemed to have lost much of his timid simplicity.
+"I tell you the ship is sinking, and we had best take to the boats while
+there is time."
+
+"And I tell you that you are wrong!" snarled Captain Brisco. "I order
+you below!"
+
+"And I won't go, until I have told these people what is going on here!"
+retorted Jack Jepson.
+
+"If that isn't mutiny, I'd like to know what is," cried the captain.
+
+"Well, if that's mutiny, then I'm glad to be a mutineer!" shouted the
+old salt, "and any court in the land would uphold me, for I am trying to
+save lives, and you're trying to throw 'em away."
+
+"Throw 'em away! What do you mean?"
+
+"You know what I mean," replied Jack, and there was significance in his
+voice. "I won't say anything about putting to sea in a ship that wasn't
+fit--with masts that were nothin' but dry rot, and with pumps that only
+half work at best. And I won't say anything about your plot--there isn't
+time now. But I will say----"
+
+"A plot!" cried Alice, who, with Ruth, stood near her father.
+
+"Yes, a plot, Miss!" Jack Jepson cried. "I'll tell you about it later.
+But now we've got to do something. The water's comin' in fast, and if we
+can't stop it, we'll have to take to the boats."
+
+"Look here!" stormed Captain Brisco, and his voice was almost in keeping
+with the howl of the gale all about them, and almost as raucous as the
+salty spray that flew over everything. "Look here! Who is captain of
+this ship?"
+
+"You are," replied Jack quietly enough. He looked the angry man full in
+the eye, and the half-raised fist of the commander fell again.
+
+"Then if I'm captain, I'm going to be obeyed!" came next. "I order you
+below, Jepson. You're no longer mate of this craft. You're deposed! Hen
+Lacomb, I hereby appoint you first mate until my regular one recovers,
+and you, Hankinson, you're second mate. Lively now. Jepson, go below,
+and if he makes any more trouble, Hen, clap him in irons," he added
+significantly.
+
+For a moment there was silence following this announcement--that is, as
+much quiet as the storm permitted. Then Alice cried out:
+
+"Father, won't you say something! Mr. Pertell, you're not going to
+permit this, are you? I'm sure Jack Jepson is honest and that he is
+faithfully warning us. Don't let him be put down this way. Ask him what
+he means by a plot!"
+
+"Oh, Alice!" protested her sister. "At a time like this--when we may all
+be drowned!"
+
+"We'll all be drowned worse, maybe, if Jack's advice isn't taken. What
+is it?" she asked, appealing to the old sailor. "What is the plot you
+spoke of?"
+
+"Ask him?" cried the old salt, pointing an accusing finger at the
+captain. "Ask him, and if he doesn't tell you, I will. Talk about a
+mutiny! It wouldn't be half as bad as his plot for getting possession of
+this vessel."
+
+"What's that!" cried Captain Brisco, starting forward. "You dare accuse
+me----"
+
+"Yes, you and Hen Lacomb!" cried Jack, who seemed to have acquired a new
+boldness. "I charge you with plotting to make a fizzle of the shipwreck
+these picture people planned. You were going to pretend the vessel was
+sinking, before the time set for the pictures, and you were going to get
+them to abandon the schooner. Then you and Lacomb were going to come
+back to the ship later, take her to some secret port, fit her out again
+and use her for your own purposes.
+
+"That's the plot! That's what I overheard you and Lacomb plannin', and
+when you suspected I knew, you thought I'd be better off in the sea.
+That's how I happened to go overboard. I was thrown! That's what I
+charge you with. Deny it if ye dare!" and he pointed an accusing finger
+at the two men. "You threw me overboard, Hen Lacomb! And Captain Brisco
+planned to have you do it!"
+
+Captain Brisco appeared to struggle with some emotion. His face went red
+and white by turns. He seemed unable to speak. But at last he choked
+out:
+
+"What! You dare say that to me. You accuse me----!"
+
+"Yes, and I have the proof!" cried Jack. "Here's the agreement you made
+Lacomb sign. You were afraid to trust to him unless he made a promise
+in writing, and here it is. I found it in the secret compartment in your
+cabin. Your cabin that used to be mine in the old _Mary Ellen_. That's
+how I made sure this ship was the old one I used to serve on, made over.
+I found this agreement! It's the proof of what I say. Deny it if you
+can."
+
+"Why--why--" stammered the captain. "Do you dare--" but it seemed he
+could not get any farther. He glanced at Hen Lacomb who stood near him.
+A meaning look passed between the two men, and Hen started edging around
+toward Jack Jepson.
+
+"Father! Mr. Pertell!" cried Alice. "Let us have this settled! Jack has
+made charges. They may be true or they may not be. But our lives surely
+are in danger if this vessel is sinking."
+
+"And I say she isn't sinking! She's as sound as a bell below the water
+line!" cried the captain.
+
+"And I say she has a hole stove in her, an' unless it's stopped we'll be
+at the bottom in a few hours!" cried Jack. "The mast knocked a hole in
+her and she's takin' water fast. The pumps are no good, but they can be
+fixed with a little work on 'em."
+
+"Keep still!" the captain shouted. "You're under arrest as a mutineer."
+
+"No he isn't!" exclaimed Mr. Pertell. "This is my vessel. I'm the chief
+owner of it, and I here and now depose you as captain, Mr. Brisco, and
+appoint Jack Jepson in your place!"
+
+There was a gasp of baffled rage from the former commander.
+
+"Jack, take charge," said Mr. Pertell. "Select as mates whoever you
+want. We'll go into this matter of the plot later. Just now we must save
+the ship if we can. Everything must give way to that. Do you accept?"
+
+"What! Him captain?" cried Hen Lacomb, who was edging nearer and nearer
+to Jack all this while.
+
+"Why not?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"He doesn't know how to navigate. He'll run us aground."
+
+"I wish he _would_ run us on der ground!" murmured Mr. Switzer. "I haf
+hat enough of der ocean. Der ground is goot enough for me."
+
+"I can navigate!" cried Jack. "I hold a master's certificate, though
+I've only filled mates' berths of late."
+
+"I--I refuse to serve under him," stormed Captain Brisco. "And when we
+reach port, I shall lay this matter before the authorities. You can't
+depose a captain this way!"
+
+"Can't I?" asked Mr. Pertell coolly. "I rather think I can. I looked up
+the law on the rights of owners before I started on this voyage. Jack
+Jepson is captain."
+
+"And I refuse to serve under him."
+
+"Very well. Then you can either work your passage, or pay for your
+passage, I don't care which. But I'm going to save this ship, and the
+lives of those aboard her, if I can."
+
+There was a sudden little scuffle near Jack Jepson, and Hen Lacomb went
+sprawling on the deck.
+
+"No you don't!" drawled Mr. Switzer in his most German comedian voice.
+"I think you haf fallen. Dit you hurt yourself?" he asked of the
+prostrate Hen.
+
+The latter, with a growl, got to his feet, an angry look on his face.
+
+"What happened?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"Oh, noddings dit happen," was the reply. "It iss only vat might haf
+happenet. He vas getting so close by Jack dot Jack might fall ofer board
+again, und ve don't vant to lose our new captain so soon yet," explained
+Mr. Switzer cheerfully.
+
+He thus made light of the affair, but later it came out that Hen Lacomb
+had evidently had the intention of at least trying to pitch Jack
+overboard, as the easiest solution of the trouble of Captain Brisco and
+his crony.
+
+"This is enough!" cried Mr. Pertell. "Jack, you're captain. Do what you
+like to insure the safety of us and the ship. Captain Brisco is no
+longer in command of this vessel," the manager went on to a wondering
+group of sailors. "I call for three cheers for Captain Jack Jepson!"
+
+They were given with a will, for evidently Jack was a favorite, and the
+deposed captain was not. The latter slunk below followed by Hen Lacomb.
+
+"We've got to try to stop that leak first of all!" said Jack, as he
+carefully put in his pocket the paper he had claimed was an agreement
+between Brisco and his crony. "I appoint Jim West as first mate and
+Frank Snyder as second!" the new captain went on. "Come below, you two,
+and we'll see what we can do. We've got to mend the pumps. Keep her
+about as she is," he ordered the steersman.
+
+"Aye, aye, sir!" was the respectful answer. Jack was already developing
+new qualities as a commander.
+
+"This is a distressing state of affairs," said Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Not as bad as it might be," Mr. Pertell answered. "There is a chance
+for us now. I never dreamed that Brisco was such a scoundrel."
+
+"Oh, I'm so glad Captain Jack is in charge!" cried Alice. "And I'm so
+glad he found out about the plot. Maybe this will help to clear him of
+the other unjust charge," she went on.
+
+"Perhaps," agreed Ruth. "But oh, Alice! If we should sink!"
+
+"Nonsense! We're not going to sink!"
+
+And so it proved--at least the _Mary Ellen_ was not doomed to go to the
+bottom at once. The storm still raged with seemingly unabated violence,
+but the sailors, under the direction of Captain Jepson, got a heavy
+piece of canvas over the worst leak, and then the repaired pumps kept
+the water in the hold down to a normal level.
+
+The failure of the pumps to work, until Jack and the men fixed them was
+due to criminal negligence on the part of Brisco. He put to sea with
+this necessary part of a ship in poor condition, not thinking they would
+be needed.
+
+Brisco was a desperate man, and so was Lacomb. They had been involved in
+more than one shady transaction, and though both may have been aboard
+with Jack, during the mutiny, they successfully covered their tracks.
+
+Brisco and Lacomb sulked below, and, for the time being, no effort was
+made to bring them up and set them to work, though every hand was
+needed. Some of the members of the film company turned in and helped. It
+was thought better not to incite a fight.
+
+So the _Mary Ellen_ lurched on through the storm, a mere semblance of
+the gallant craft she had appeared to be on leaving port. And those
+aboard labored desperately to keep her afloat.
+
+"Talk about a shipwreck!" gasped Mr. Pertell, as a wave drenched him,
+"this is the most realistic I ever saw. If I could only picture this!"
+
+But it was impossible. How the planned drama of the sea would end, no
+one could tell.
+
+"And oh! to think of poor Russ and Mr. Sneed out in this--if they _are_
+still out in it," murmured Alice, as she and Ruth clung to one another
+in their cabin.
+
+"The _Ajax_ may have survived," Ruth said, hopefully.
+
+And indeed, at that moment, the motorboat was making the best of the bad
+weather.
+
+The sea anchor which Russ had rigged provided the necessary drag and
+steerage way, and the boat's head was kept to the waves. Her high bow,
+and covered fore-part, enabled her to ride seas that would have swamped
+another craft of like size. And her dory-build added to her safety. The
+bank fishermen know well how to shape a boat to meet heavy seas.
+
+"Well, we seem to be doing fairly well," said Russ, as he and his
+companion settled down in the shelter, to nibble at a bit of hard tack
+and drink some of the water Jack had put on board.
+
+"Yes, I suppose it might be worse," agreed Mr. Sneed. And that, for him,
+was saying a great deal.
+
+So the _Ajax_ drifted on, as the _Mary Ellen_ was driving, before the
+gale, the occupants of neither craft knowing aught of the others. And
+the storm still raged.
+
+After a while Russ, for want of something better to do, began looking
+over the motor. Presently he discovered something that made him shout
+for joy.
+
+"What is it?" asked his companion. "Do you see the schooner?"
+
+"No, but I can make this boat run. Look, the propeller hasn't dropped
+off at all! The set screws of the sleeve have become loose and the
+propeller shaft didn't turn, that was all."
+
+If any of you know anything about motor-boats, you know that the shaft
+which passes through the stuffing box, and to which shaft the propeller
+is fastened, is joined to the shaft of the engine by a coupling, or
+sleeve. If you take two lead pencils, and thrust an end of each into
+each end of a hollow, brass pencil holder, you will get an idea of what
+I mean. One pencil will represent the shaft to which the propeller is
+fastened, and the other the engine shaft. The brass holder is the
+coupling, or sleeve. In order that the shafts will be held rigidly
+together, turning at the same time, set screws in the sleeve are tightly
+turned down on the shaft, binding both in the sleeve.
+
+It was the set screws on the propeller shaft that had loosed, allowing
+the sleeve to slip uselessly around, that had caused all the trouble.
+With a wrench Russ tightened the screws. He tested them, and, finding
+them firm, started the engine. A moment later the _Ajax_ was moving over
+the waves under her own power.
+
+"Hurray!" cried Mr. Sneed. "This is great!"
+
+"And we don't need this any longer," Russ said, hauling in the drag
+anchor. Then, able to mount the waves, the motorboat was in much better
+condition for fighting the storm.
+
+On and on she rushed. Hour after hour passed, but the gale showed no
+signs of abating. The two young men were weary and disheartened, when,
+as there came a little rift in the clouds Russ, who stood up to look
+about, gave a yell.
+
+"What is it now?" asked Mr. Sneed. "More trouble?"
+
+"No!" cried Russ. "I see a steamer. Help at last! I'm going straight for
+her!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A SIGNAL OF DISTRESS
+
+
+Russ had been running the motor at moderate speed, for he did not know
+just how long the supply of gasoline would last, and he did not know as
+yet what might be before him and his companion in distress. But the
+sight of the steamer gave him hope, and he turned on full speed.
+
+The _Ajax_ was a powerful craft, though even a mighty steamer would not
+have found it easy to make headway in that sea and in that gale. The
+motor craft responded gallantly, and shot up on the crest of each wave,
+sliding down the opposite side as though she were going to investigate
+the uttermost depths of Father Neptune's caverns.
+
+"Steamer! I don't see any steamer!" exclaimed Mr. Sneed, as he looked in
+the direction toward which the face of Russ was turned.
+
+"You will when we both come on top of a wave at the same time," was the
+answer. "You see we lie so low in the water she can't see us, and we
+can't glimpse her until we're both on a crest together. She's off to the
+east there. Watch and you'll see her. Look now!"
+
+At that moment the _Ajax_ rose on a mighty wave, which lifted her high
+toward the sky, in which were now rifted clouds. Mr. Sneed glanced to
+where Russ pointed, and saw the long, black hull of a steamer, from
+whose stacks belched forth clouds of smoke, showing that her engines
+were being driven at top speed to overcome the storm.
+
+"There she is!" cried Russ. "Now if we can only reach her, we'll be all
+right, and we can help the others."
+
+"The others," murmured the actor.
+
+"Yes, those on the _Mary Ellen_. She must be in trouble in this storm,
+for she isn't built for this sort of thing. It's a wonder she lasted as
+long as she did."
+
+"Maybe she's at the bottom now," suggested Mr. Sneed.
+
+"Cheerful, aren't you?" remarked Russ. "I thought you'd given that sort
+of thing up."
+
+"I meant to. I really did. I'm sorry!" the other exclaimed, contritely
+enough. Really he was a different sort of Mr. Sneed from the "human
+grouch" who often made matters so unpleasant for members of the Comet
+Film Company. Since he and Russ had so nearly faced death, Mr. Sneed
+was much braver and more cheerful.
+
+"I think she'll keep afloat for some time," Russ went on, "as she is all
+wood, you know. She may be pretty well battered, though."
+
+If he could only have seen the hapless _Mary Ellen_ then, he would have
+believed her quite battered indeed. For another rotten mast had fallen.
+
+"Do you mean you're going to ask those on the steamer to look for the
+schooner," asked Mr. Sneed.
+
+"That's what I'm going to do, if we can get to her," Russ said. "It's
+going to be nip and tuck, for she's going fast and she won't see us, as
+we're so low in the water. She's not heading in our direction, either,
+but I'll go after her on a long slant, and maybe I can reach her, or get
+near enough to make her see us. This is a pretty fast boat."
+
+They were speeding over the waves, now down in a hollow, and again on
+the crest. Sometimes they would lose sight of the steamer altogether,
+and again they would catch a fleeting glimpse of her. And, when they
+did, she seemed farther off than ever.
+
+"Oh, we'll never reach her!" said Mr. Sneed, despondently enough.
+"She'll never give us any aid."
+
+"There you go!" cried Russ. "I thought you'd given up that sort of
+thing!"
+
+"Well, I didn't mean just that," the actor said. "Perhaps we will make
+her see us after all."
+
+"That's better!" exclaimed Russ. "We'll get her--or crack a cylinder!"
+and he tried to get a few more revolutions out of the fly wheel.
+
+In spite of their brave front, Russ and his companion were sufficiently
+miserable. Their boat constantly shipped water, and they had to use the
+hand force pump, which, fortunately, was in the craft. A pump was
+connected with the cylinder cooling apparatus, designed to free the
+cockpit of bilge water, but the pump would not work.
+
+Russ and Mr. Sneed were wet through, for the cabin could not be entirely
+closed against the spray. And they had nothing to eat except cold
+victuals. There was a gasoline stove aboard, but there was nothing to
+cook, for only an emergency ration had been put in the craft, and that
+was more because of a whim on the part of Jack Jepson, than because he
+really thought it would be needed.
+
+But more than once as they drank of the water, and nibbled the hard
+biscuits, or crackers, in the water-tight box, Russ and his companion
+blessed the forethought of honest Jack Jepson--I beg his pardon,
+Captain Jepson it was now, though neither Russ nor Mr. Sneed knew that.
+
+"I think I'll hoist a signal," said the actor, as they drove on, now
+seeing the steamer, and again losing her.
+
+"Good idea," Russ agreed, as he busied himself with an oil can.
+
+Mr. Sneed managed to lash an oar upright, and on it he fastened a bit of
+canvas. It stood out straight, like a board, so strong was the wind that
+whipped it.
+
+"I hope they see that," commented the actor.
+
+"I hope so, too," added Russ. "It doesn't do any good to yell, for the
+wind is blowing from them to us."
+
+More than once, as they urged their craft on a long slant toward the
+steamer, they almost gave up hope. But it sprang up again, and finally,
+as a break in the clouds let out a little rift of light, someone on the
+watch aboard the steamer saw the fluttering signal.
+
+"She's seen us! She's seen us!" cried Russ in delight.
+
+"How can you tell?" demanded his companion.
+
+"She whistled. I saw the steam. You'll hear the blast in a second."
+
+And they did. Light travels faster than sound. They saw the steam from
+the powerful whistle before they heard the hoarse blast; even as one
+sees the flash of a gun before hearing the report.
+
+The steamer changed her course, and came on toward the motorboat.
+
+"Suppose it's the English one, that wants to capture poor Jack,"
+suggested Mr. Sneed.
+
+"That doesn't make any difference," Russ said. "She'll save us, and then
+look for the schooner. We can take up Jack's case later."
+
+It did not prove to be the English steamer. Instead it was a powerful
+fruiter, hailing from New York, and Russ and Mr. Sneed were soon aboard,
+the _Ajax_ being hoisted to her deck. Then she resumed her course, but
+it was a different one.
+
+For, on the earnest plea of Russ and Mr. Sneed, the steamer's captain
+consented to turn back and search for the _Mary Ellen_.
+
+"I don't know as I'll find her," he said, "but we can't let all those
+poor souls perish."
+
+So the search began. It lasted three days, during which the storm nearly
+blew itself out. And on the morning of the fourth day, when the sullen
+sea was trying to calm itself, and when the wind had died down to a
+moderate gale, the lookout of the _Sirius_ called out:
+
+"Sail ho!"
+
+"Where away?" came the demand.
+
+"Dead ahead. She's a schooner, low in the water, and she's flying a
+signal of distress!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+CLEAR SKIES
+
+
+Instantly there was commotion and excitement on board the _Sirius_, for
+Russ and Mr. Sneed had told their story of the starting out to make a
+pictured shipwreck, which shipwreck had evidently, now, become real.
+
+"That's the _Mary Ellen_, I'm sure of it!" Russ cried as he caught a
+glimpse of the sighted schooner. "But what has happened to her?"
+
+"Masts are gone, and she's sinking," one of the steamer's officers told
+him. "I guess we can't get to her any too quickly."
+
+And it was high time a rescue was made, for Captain Jepson, and Mr.
+Pertell had decided to take to the boats with all on board.
+
+The _Mary Ellen_ _was_ sinking; there was no doubt of that. All that
+could be done had been done, but to no avail.
+
+But hope revived when the steamer was sighted.
+
+A little later, the _Sirius_ stood by. And high time, too. As a last
+resort, when it was found that the repaired pumps could not keep the
+water down in the hold, so big was the leak, the signal of distress had
+been hoisted. And, after many anxious hours, it had been thus
+providentially answered.
+
+Then a thought came to Mr. Pertell. The weather had cleared. The
+schooner would keep afloat a few hours more. Why not make the pictures
+of the shipwreck now? It would be his only chance. True, they would not
+be just as planned, but they would be better than losing all the efforts
+that had been made.
+
+There was a brief talk with the captain of the _Sirius_. He consented to
+stand by until the sea drama, quickly revised, was acted out--at least,
+until shipwreck scenes were portrayed.
+
+It was rather an exciting time, the passengers dropping overboard from
+the sinking schooner, and being rescued in boats. Russ, on board the
+_Ajax_, which was again put into the sea, worked the camera. The _Mary
+Ellen_ made a more realistic wreck than had been hoped for. Former
+Captain Brisco and Hen Lacomb, alone, refused to take any part in the
+drama.
+
+At last the final film was run off, the last rescue was made by the
+motor craft and small boats, and all, passengers and crew, from the
+sinking schooner, were taken aboard the _Sirius_.
+
+"There she goes!" said Alice softly, as, with a final lurch, and a
+blowing up of her decks, from the compressed air under them, the old
+craft, bow first went beneath the waves. Russ took the final pictures.
+
+"Game to the last!" said Captain Jepson. "She went down bow on, to show
+she wasn't afraid of Davy Jones! That's the last of her, and the last of
+Brisco's schemes to get her for his own use."
+
+"Tell me about that now," suggested Mr. Pertell. "I have time to listen
+now, for we aren't trying to save a sinking ship."
+
+They were all now safely aboard the steamer, which had resumed her
+course. The moving pictures had all been taken, save some that needed a
+shore background, and these could be done later.
+
+"Did Brisco really plot to get the _Mary Ellen_?" asked the manager.
+
+"He did," said Jack Jepson. "I'll tell you the whole story." And he did.
+Briefly it was this:
+
+On his first trip to the schooner, Jack had recognized Brisco as an
+unscrupulous man who had been engaged in several shady ship
+transactions. But Brisco denied his identity, and Jack pretended to have
+been mistaken, in order to throw him off his guard. Brisco was also,
+Jack said, one of the mutineers of the _Halcyon_, but the plotter
+denied this, and Jack admitted he may have been mistaken.
+
+Then came the advent of Hen Lacomb, whom Jepson recognized as a fellow
+plotter with Brisco. The evil men knew him, too, after a bit, but they
+counted on the charge of mutiny hanging over him to make him keep quiet,
+and not reveal their plot.
+
+Brisco and Lacomb plotted to get the schooner for themselves. They were
+not really going to endanger the lives of the passengers or crew, but
+their game was to only pretend to sink the ship, and to raise such an
+alarm that she would be hastily abandoned. Then they would come back to
+her later, salvage her, and use her for their own ends.
+
+Jack Jepson had overheard this plot, and, as he had said, found the
+incriminating document signed by Lacomb. This was hidden in a secret
+compartment in what had formerly been his bunk, when the schooner was
+the _Halcyon_.
+
+When Brisco and Lacomb discovered that Jepson knew their secret, they
+tried to get rid of him, by a seeming accident. But Fate interfered with
+their plans, and the storm made a big change. Then came the deposing of
+Captain Brisco, and the rest of the story is known to my readers.
+
+"Well, Jack Jepson--or, Captain Jepson, though you haven't now command
+of any ship," said Mr. Pertell, "we owe much to you."
+
+"It's nothin' at all," Jack said, modestly enough. "When I saw this
+steamer, though, I thought it was that Britisher coming back for me."
+
+"It's a shame that the charge of mutiny should hang over you!" exclaimed
+Alice. "I think it should be wiped out."
+
+"I wish it could be," Jack said with a sigh.
+
+A steward, a little later, came to where the rescued ones were talking
+together--Brisco and Lacomb having gone off by themselves--and the
+steward said the steamer's captain wanted to talk to the schooner's
+commander.
+
+"There he is," said Mr. Pertell, pointing to Jack Jepson. "That's our
+new captain."
+
+The steward looked. A queer change came over his face.
+
+"Jack!" he cried. "Is it really you? I've looked all over the world for
+you!"
+
+"Tom Buttle!" cried Jepson, leaping to his feet. "My old shipmate. Say,
+if anyone knows, you do, that I never had a thing to do with that mutiny
+on the _Halcyon_. Don't you know I didn't?"
+
+"Of course I do!" the steward cried. "I can prove you were as innocent
+as a babe, and I know others who can, too."
+
+"What's this--more of the mystery?" asked Alice.
+
+"It's the end of it, I hope," said Jack solemnly. "Tell 'em, Tom!"
+
+"There isn't much to tell," the steward said. "I was a shipmate with
+Jack on the _Halcyon_ or the _Mary Ellen_, in the old days. He's
+probably told you of the mutiny. I was hurt in it, and lay unconscious
+when they arrested him for it. I didn't recover until he had been put in
+jail, and when I tried to give my evidence, I could get no one to listen
+to me. Then I heard Jack had escaped and I rested easy. I never knew the
+charge was hanging over him all this while.
+
+"I've been all over the world since, sailing in different vessels, and
+in every port I'd inquire of Jack from those who knew him. But I never
+found him until now. Clear him--of course I can clear him of the unjust
+charge!"
+
+"Thank Heaven for that!" said Jack Jepson.
+
+"Everything is cleared up!" cried Alice gaily. "Even the sky--see how
+blue it is!"
+
+In due time Jack's innocence was proved before the English courts, and
+the charge against him wiped out. He was then free to come and go as he
+pleased. But the mystery of the disappearance of Captain Watson, of the
+_Halcyon_, or old _Mary Ellen_, and his companion, Mike Tullane, was
+never solved.
+
+The _Mary Ellen_, all that was left of the reconstructed _Halcyon_, was,
+of course, a total wreck. Brisco's plan failed. Nothing was done to him,
+as it would have been difficult to prove a case against him.
+
+Arrangements were made for taking the needed land scenes of the sea
+drama, and when this was done, the whole company returned to New York.
+
+"Well, Alice," remarked Ruth one day, as they were on their way up the
+coast in a steamer, "did you have enough of sea-life this trip?"
+
+"I certainly did," was the answer. "No more shipwrecks for me!"
+
+"Same here!" put in Russ. "It's taking too many chances!"
+
+"Oh, you'd do it over again--or something like it--and so would you
+girls, if you knew a good film would come of it," predicted Paul Ardite,
+with a laugh.
+
+And here we will say good-bye to the Moving Picture Girls.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA***
+
+
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+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Moving Picture Girls at Sea, by Laura Lee
+Hope</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: The Moving Picture Girls at Sea</p>
+<p>       or, A Pictured Shipwreck That Became Real</p>
+<p>Author: Laura Lee Hope</p>
+<p>Release Date: June 27, 2006  [eBook #18699]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Cori Samuel,<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net/)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 353px;">
+<img src="images/p001.jpg" width="353" height="550" alt="Russ began taking many views of the pitching, tossing schooner." title="Russ began taking many views of the pitching, tossing schooner." />
+<span class="caption">Russ began taking many views of the pitching, tossing schooner.&mdash;<i><a href="#Page_157">Page 157</a></i></span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h1>The Moving Picture Girls at Sea</h1>
+
+<h4>Or</h4>
+
+<h3>A Pictured Shipwreck That Became Real</h3>
+
+<h2>BY LAURA LEE HOPE</h2>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p class="smcap">Author of &quot;The Moving Picture Girls,&quot; &quot;The Moving Picture
+    Girls at Rocky Ranch,&quot; &quot;The Outdoor Girls Series,&quot; &quot;The
+    Bobbsey Twins Series,&quot; Etc.</p></div>
+
+<h4><i>ILLUSTRATED</i></h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4>THE WORLD SYNDICATE PUBLISHING CO.</h4>
+
+<h5>CLEVELAND, O NEW YORK, N. Y.</h5>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h5 class="smcap">Copyright, 1915, by</h5>
+
+<h4>GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP</h4>
+
+<h5><i>Printed in the United States of America</i></h5>
+
+<h6>by</h6>
+
+<h5>THE COMMERCIAL BOOKBINDING CO. CLEVELAND, O.</h5>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="toc">
+CHAPTER &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  PAGE<br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">I &nbsp; &nbsp; The Great Marine Film &nbsp; <a href="#Page_1">1</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">II &nbsp; &nbsp; Jack Jepson &nbsp; <a href="#Page_10">10</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">III &nbsp; &nbsp; Something of a Mystery &nbsp; <a href="#Page_21">21</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">IV &nbsp; &nbsp; The Sailor's Story &nbsp; <a href="#Page_28">28</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">V &nbsp; &nbsp; The Mary Ellen &nbsp; <a href="#Page_36">36</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">VI &nbsp; &nbsp; Captain Brisco &nbsp; <a href="#Page_45">45</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">VII &nbsp; &nbsp; Jepson is Worried &nbsp; <a href="#Page_53">53</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">VIII &nbsp; &nbsp; Hard Work &nbsp; <a href="#Page_60">60</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">IX &nbsp; &nbsp; The Rising Tide &nbsp; <a href="#Page_68">68</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">X &nbsp; &nbsp; Too Much Realism &nbsp; <a href="#Page_76">76</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XI &nbsp; &nbsp; A Revised Film &nbsp; <a href="#Page_87">87</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XII &nbsp; &nbsp; Overheard &nbsp; <a href="#Page_94">94</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XIII &nbsp; &nbsp; &quot;All Aboard!&quot; &nbsp; <a href="#Page_104">104</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XIV &nbsp; &nbsp; Overboard &nbsp; <a href="#Page_114">114</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XV &nbsp; &nbsp; &quot;Sail Ho!&quot; &nbsp; <a href="#Page_123">123</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XVI &nbsp; &nbsp; The Accusation &nbsp; <a href="#Page_133">133</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XVII &nbsp; &nbsp; The Storm &nbsp; <a href="#Page_141">141</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XVIII &nbsp; &nbsp; Grinding Away &nbsp; <a href="#Page_149">149</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XIX &nbsp; &nbsp; Disabled &nbsp; <a href="#Page_158">158</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XX &nbsp; &nbsp; In the Vortex &nbsp; <a href="#Page_165">165</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XXI &nbsp; &nbsp; Wrecked &nbsp; <a href="#Page_172">172</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XXII &nbsp; &nbsp; &quot;Mutiny!&quot; &nbsp; <a href="#Page_182">182</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XXIII &nbsp; &nbsp; Help at Last &nbsp; <a href="#Page_188">188</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XXIV &nbsp; &nbsp; A Signal of Distress &nbsp; <a href="#Page_200">200</a></span><br />
+<br />
+<span class="smcap">XXV &nbsp; &nbsp; Clear Skies &nbsp; <a href="#Page_206">206</a></span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1"></a>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3>THE GREAT MARINE FILM</h3>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Well, at last a breathing period, Ruth. Oh, I am surely tired!&quot; and the
+girl threw herself on the couch, without stopping to remove her light
+jacket and hat. Her head sank wearily on a cushion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Alice! Be careful! Look out!&quot; exclaimed the other occupant of the
+pleasant little room, a room made habitable by the articles of tasteful
+adornment in it, rather than by the location of the apartment, or the
+place itself. There was a &quot;homey&quot; air about it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm too tired to look out, or even look in,&quot; was the answer, as the
+younger girl closed her eyes. Truly she seemed much &quot;fagged,&quot; and worn
+out.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, Alice, dear&mdash;your hat!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It doesn't matter, Ruth. Please let me rest. I thought we'd never get
+home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a>But it isn't your old hat, Alice, and&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's an old hat from now on!&quot; broke in the younger girl, not opening
+her eyes. &quot;It's spoiled anyhow. Some of the water from that parlor
+scene, where Mr. Bunn upset the globe of gold fish, splashed on it, and
+the spots never will come out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Alice, is your hat spoiled?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It doesn't matter. Mr. Pertell is going to buy me a new one. He said it
+was up to the company to do that, especially as I did so well in that
+burning room scene the other day. There!&quot; and the girl on the couch
+raised her small fist and plumped it full on the crown of the chic
+little toque she was wearing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Alice DeVere!&quot; cried her sister, aghast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ruth DeVere&mdash;Lady Clarissa&mdash;Se&ntilde;orita Alamondi! Whatever you like, only
+let me&mdash;alone! I've posed and acted and otherwise contorted myself
+before at least five thousand feet of film today, and I'm not going to
+be disturbed now, just for the sake of a hat that is as good as paid for
+anyhow, so 'please go 'way and let me sleep,'&quot; and Alice murmured the
+chorus of a once popular song.</p>
+
+<p>Ruth sighed. Somehow, looking at her gentle and refined face, one
+understood that a sigh, from her, was the only possible answer under the
+cir<a name="Page_3" id="Page_3"></a>cumstances. Not that the girl on the couch, with closed eyes, was
+unrefined. But there was a wholesome air of good health about her that
+caused one to think of a &quot;jolly good fellow,&quot; rather than a girl who
+needed to be helped on and off trolley cars.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You <i>are</i> tired,&quot; commented Ruth, after a pause. &quot;Shall I make you a
+cup of tea, dear? Or we could go over to Mrs. Dalton's, if you like. You
+know she told us always to come in when we came from the theatre, and
+have tea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, dear, thank you. It's awfully good of you to offer, but I don't
+want you to trouble. I'll be all right in a few minutes. I just want to
+rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was a tiresome day; wasn't it, dear?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should say so, 'and then&mdash;some,' as Russ would say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shouldn't quote Russ when he uses slang,&quot; was the older girl's
+rebuke.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't help it, Ruth. That just seemed to fit. But you can't feel so
+very rested yourself. You had some heavy parts today.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I don't mind. I really was in love with that role of Lady Clarissa.
+I always did like English plays, anyhow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, we are getting more than our share of them this season. I wish
+Mr. Pertell would swing to a good American drama again. Say, <a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a>didn't we
+have fun at Rocky Ranch?&quot; and as she asked this some of the weariness
+seemed to slip off Alice as a discarded garment is let fall. She sat up,
+her eyes flashing with fun, and her cheeks that had been pale were now
+suffused with a heightened color.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, we did have fun,&quot; assented Ruth. &quot;But it was hard work,
+too,&mdash;especially when that prairie fire came a little too close for
+comfort.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That <i>was</i> rather scary,&quot; assented Alice. &quot;But it was outdoors, and
+that was what I love. Oh, I can just smell that wonderful air yet!&quot; and
+she breathed in a long breath. A look of annoyance passed over her face,
+and she made a gesture of disapproval, &quot;wrinkling&quot; her nose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They're having corned beef and cabbage again downstairs,&quot; she said,
+pointing to the apartment below them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, they have a right to it,&quot; Ruth said, with a tolerant smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not when daddy hates it so,&quot; disagreed Alice. &quot;Come on, let's make a
+cup of tea. And is there any cheese?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cheese?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; the younger girl went on. &quot;I'm going to make a Welsh rarebit.
+Daddy just adores them, and the smell of the toast will take away the
+odor of that cabbage. Is there any cheese?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a>I think so. But I thought you were tired.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was, but I guess thinking of the moving picture days at Rocky Ranch
+acted as a tonic. I'm rested now. There!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She tossed the hat, which she had so mistreated, on a chair, slipped off
+her jacket and started for the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>think</i> there is some cheese,&quot; went on Ruth, following her younger
+sister. &quot;But don't make the rarebit as you did last time. It was so
+tough that Russ said it would do very well to half sole his rubber
+boots.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was because I put the milk in too suddenly. I won't do it that way
+this time. Come on, we'll get up a nice little tea for daddy. He's sure
+to be tired also. They had to film that big scene of the accusation over
+three times before Mr. Pertell was satisfied.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is that so? I didn't know that, I was so busy with that English play.
+Then father will be late.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A little. He said he'd follow us in about an hour, though. So we'll
+just about have it ready in time. Did Russ come out with you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; and though she uttered but this simple word the cheeks of Ruth
+took on a more ruddy hue.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I saw Pearl waiting for him,&quot; went on Alice. &quot;But&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a>You did?&quot; cried Ruth, and then she added quickly: &quot;Oh, I mean I suppose
+he had to go with her to film that scene in Central Park, near the
+lion's cage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't get jealous now,&quot; teased Alice. &quot;I said Pearl waited for him,
+but, she is&mdash;still waiting, I guess.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Ruth tried to appear indifferent, but it was not an unqualified success.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I mean that Russ got one of the other camera men to take his place, and
+go out with Miss Pennington,&quot; said Alice with a laugh as she began
+cutting the bread in thin slices for toast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But Russ&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He went up town. He told me to tell you he thought he could get that
+book you spoke of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I didn't want him to go to all <i>that</i> trouble!&quot; remonstrated Ruth,
+looking at her sister, and then suddenly averting her gaze.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Guess he doesn't call much <i>trouble</i> where <i>you</i> are concerned,&quot; said
+Alice significantly, cutting up some chunks of cheese which she put in a
+double boiler with some lumps of butter. &quot;He said if you wanted a book
+to give you some of the details of the country, where that English play
+was supposed to take place, you were going to have it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a>It's awfully good of him,&quot; murmured Ruth. &quot;I just casually mentioned
+that I'd like to know something about the people of that section, and he
+offered to get a book he had once heard of. But I didn't want him to
+make such a fuss over it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;La-la-la!&quot; chanted Alice, about nothing in particular.</p>
+
+<p>The girls busied themselves getting tea. The kettle was soon singing on
+the gas stove, the crisp odor of toast had replaced the heavier one of
+cabbage, and the rarebit was almost ready to serve, when a step was
+heard out in the hall of the apartment house where the DeVere family had
+their New York home.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's daddy!&quot; exclaimed Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And just in time,&quot; added Ruth, as she poured the boiling water on the
+tea, adding to the fragrant food perfumes that now filled the apartment.</p>
+
+<p>The key clicked in the lock, the door opened, and a rather imposing
+figure of a man entered, laying aside his hat and light overcoat, for
+the Spring day was a bit chilly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hello, Daddy!&quot; called Alice, putting up her face to be kissed, as she
+came in from the kitchen with a plate of delicately browned toast.
+&quot;You're just in time. And it's such a <i>lovely</i> rarebit!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a>That's good, my dear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Father, how hoarse you are!&quot; cried Ruth. &quot;Is your throat bad
+again?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, this harbor dampness isn't just the best medicine for it. But I
+shall spray it, and it will be better.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He sank somewhat wearily into a chair as he spoke, and Ruth glided over
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Daddy,&quot; she said, &quot;you look worried. Has anything happened? Is anything
+wrong at the moving picture studio?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, nothing wrong, but&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that something out of the usual had occurred. Even
+light-hearted Alice sensed it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, nothing so much,&quot; her father said in weary tones. &quot;I suppose I
+shouldn't make such a fuss over it. But Mr. Pertell has finally decided
+to film the great marine drama, and that means we shall have to go out
+on the water, more or less. And with my sore throat that isn't just the
+best thing in the world for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A marine drama!&quot; cried Alice. &quot;Oh, I shall just love <i>that</i>!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A look of worry still clouded Mr. DeVere's face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father, there is something else,&quot; insisted<a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a> Ruth. &quot;You haven't told us
+all about this sea film.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I&mdash;I haven't,&quot; he said. &quot;And, to tell the truth, I'd rather we
+weren't going to be in that marine drama.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3>JACK JEPSON</h3>
+
+
+<p>Hosmer DeVere's words and manner alike were alarming to his daughters.
+Seldom had they seen him so moved, especially over such a seemingly
+simple matter as the announcement of a new moving picture drama. He and
+the girls, in common with the other members of the Comet Film Company,
+had to portray many different scenes in the course of a season's work,
+and though some of it was distasteful, it was seldom objected to by
+anyone, unless perhaps by Pepper Sneed, the &quot;grouch,&quot; or perhaps by Mr.
+Wellington Bunn, an actor of the old school, who could not reconcile
+himself to the silent drama.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, Daddy, what is the matter?&quot; asked Alice. &quot;I think it will be
+perfectly fine to have a little trip out to sea, especially now that
+Summer is coming on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But not if the damp salty air is going to irritate his throat,&quot;
+declared Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, it isn't so much that,&quot; Mr. DeVere said,<a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a> &quot;but you girls evidently
+don't know that the big scene in this drama is a shipwreck, and what
+follows. I am to be 'cast' in that, and so are you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, what of it?&quot; asked Alice. &quot;It won't be a <i>real</i> shipwreck; will
+it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Real? Of course not!&quot; exclaimed Ruth. &quot;The idea!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I certainly hope it won't be real,&quot; Mr. DeVere said, &quot;But&mdash;Oh, well, I
+suppose I may as well admit the truth. You'll probably call me fussy and
+all that, and laugh at the superstition of an old actor. But you know we
+have our traditions, though I am free to confess that I have lost many
+of them since entering on this moving picture work. But I had a dream
+about this same shipwreck, and that was before I knew we were to be in
+it, for I might mention that Mr. Pertell has included you girls in the
+drama, and has prominent parts selected for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I'm glad!&quot; cried Alice enthusiastically.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm not,&quot; her father said, and he did not smile. &quot;As I said I had a
+dream about this drama before I knew we were to have parts in it. And in
+that dream I saw&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Daddy! Now don't tell a depressing dream before tea!&quot; begged Alice,
+slipping her arms about his neck, and imprinting a kiss on a <a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a>spot,
+which, if it were not already bald, was fast becoming so. &quot;Wait until
+after supper&mdash;the rarebit will spoil if we don't eat it at once. Wait,
+Daddy dear!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right, I will,&quot; he assented with a sigh. &quot;Perhaps I may have a less
+gloomy view of it after a cup of tea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And while the little family party is gathered about the table, I shall
+take just a moment to tell my new readers something about the previous
+books of this series.</p>
+
+<p>Ruth and Alice DeVere were moving picture girls, which you have probably
+guessed already. That is, they were actresses for the silent film dramas
+that make so much for enjoyment nowadays. Mr. DeVere was also an actor
+in the same company. He had been a semi-tragedian of the &quot;old school,&quot;
+but his voice had failed, because of a throat ailment, and he could no
+longer declaim his lines over the footlights. He was in distress until
+it was suggested to him that he take up moving picture work.</p>
+
+<p>This suggestion came from young Russ Dalwood, who, with his widowed
+mother and little brother, lived across the hall from the DeVere family,
+in the Fenmore Apartment on one of the West Sixty streets of New York.
+Russ had invented a new attachment for a moving picture <a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a>camera, and he
+himself was a camera operator of ability.</p>
+
+<p>At first Mr. DeVere had refused to consider moving picture work, but he
+finally consented, and even allowed his daughters to take their parts in
+the silent drama. In the initial book of the series, &quot;The Moving Picture
+Girls,&quot; I related their first experiences.</p>
+
+<p>All was not smooth sailing. Though Mr. Frank Pertell, manager of the
+Comet Film Company, was a most agreeable man, the other members of the
+theatrical company were like those of any other organization&mdash;some were
+liked, and some were not. Among the former, at least from the standpoint
+of Ruth and Alice, was Russ; Paul Ardite, who played juvenile leads; Pop
+Snooks, the property man and one who did all the odd tasks; and Carl
+Switzer, a round-faced German, who was funny without knowing it.</p>
+
+<p>But neither Ruth nor Alice cared much for Laura Dixon and Pearl
+Pennington, two former vaudeville actresses who thought they were
+conferring a favor on the cameras to pose for moving pictures. Mr. Bunn,
+an actor of the kind styled &quot;Hams&quot;, was in like case.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bunn was always bemoaning the fact that he had left the &quot;legitimate&quot;
+drama with a chance of playing &quot;Hamlet&quot;, to take up moving picture
+<a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a>work. But he might have been glad&mdash;especially on paydays&mdash;for he had
+made more out of camera work than he could have done on the regular
+stage.</p>
+
+<p>Pepper Sneed was never satisfied. He was of a gloomy nature, and always
+looking for trouble. Sometimes he found it, and for a time he was happy
+in saying &quot;I told you so.&quot; But more often he proved a dismal failure as
+a predicter of calamities.</p>
+
+<p>This was the company, with others whom you will meet from time to time,
+in whose fortunes Ruth and Alice DeVere had cast their lots.</p>
+
+<p>After the girls' first introduction to the camera they went to Oak Farm
+where a series of pictures were taken, and, incidentally, a mystery was
+cleared up. Getting snowbound was another experience for our friends,
+but they forgot the cruelties of Winter in the happy days under the
+palms. And they had only recently come back from Rocky Ranch, where a
+number of Western dramas had been filmed, when the little scene of our
+opening chapter took place.</p>
+
+<p>Those of you who have read the previous books of this series do not need
+to be told much about moving pictures. And even those who select this
+volume as their first venture in becoming acquainted with our heroines
+must well know how <a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a>the film pictures look from the front of the screen.</p>
+
+<p>To the uninitiated I might say that in making picture plays a company,
+somewhat like a regular theatrical organization, is gotten together. The
+play is decided upon, but instead of the acts taking place before an
+audience they are enacted before a camera and a man who acts as
+director, or manager.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the action takes place out of doors, amid the surroundings of
+nature, but most interior scenes are &quot;filmed,&quot; or taken, in the studio,
+under the brilliant glare of electric lights. The pictures are taken in
+succession on a narrow strip of celluloid film, of the same nature as
+those in any camera. The strips are of a standard length of one thousand
+feet, though some plays may &quot;split,&quot; and take only half a &quot;reel&quot; while
+others will fill several.</p>
+
+<p>When the film has been exposed, it is developed in a dark tank, and from
+that one &quot;master&quot; film, any number of &quot;positives&quot; can be made for use in
+the projecting machines. Doubtless you know that the same machine which
+takes the pictures does not show them on the screen.</p>
+
+<p>But enough of this detail.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Was the rarebit good?&quot; asked Alice, smiling up into her father's face,
+as the supper progressed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a>You may give me some more, which is the best answer in the world, my
+dear,&quot; he replied, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be careful!&quot; Ruth warned him. &quot;You may have dreams, Daddy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A shadow seemed to pass over the face of the old actor. He had been
+jokingly gay during the meal, but now there seemed to be a sense of
+depression.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Might as well tell us, and have it over with,&quot; suggested Ruth. &quot;We
+don't believe in dreams, anyhow. Do we Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a bit, and I've named the corners of my bed ever so many times,&quot;
+and she laughed at that old sweethearts' superstition.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, my dream was very vivid,&quot; Mr. DeVere said. &quot;I don't usually
+believe in omens, but this one impressed me. I dreamed we were all at
+sea, on a vessel in a storm, and, somehow, we became separated. I saw
+you girls going down with the ship, while I was taken up on a life
+raft.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, what of it, Daddy?&quot; asked Alice. &quot;I've often had unpleasant
+dreams myself. Probably you ate something you ought not to have taken.
+I'm rather sorry, now, I made this rarebit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, not at all! It was excellent!&quot; he ex<a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a>claimed. &quot;I would perhaps,
+have thought nothing of my dream had not Mr. Pertell, a short time ago,
+told me something of his plans for the future. He spoke of a great
+marine drama he had in prospect, and we are to have prominent parts in
+it. But I was startled when he told me that one scene&mdash;the great one, in
+fact&mdash;was to be a shipwreck. He has engaged an old vessel for this
+purpose, and he is going to sink it with all on board.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All on board!&quot; cried Ruth. &quot;You don't mean&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, that's how it will appear in the camera, anyhow. You girls are to
+be well in front, and your swimming abilities will be very necessary,
+for you will have to go into the water.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope it is warm,&quot; murmured Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, it will be Summer before we get to the shipwreck part,&quot; went on Mr.
+DeVere. &quot;But what worries me is my dream in connection with the drama. I
+almost told Mr. Pertell we would have nothing to do with it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Father! You can't do that!&quot; exclaimed Ruth. She, as housekeeper,
+knew how much money was required in these days of the high cost of
+living. Though Mr. DeVere and his daughters received fair salaries,
+there were many expenses to be met, and if they refused present
+engage<a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>ments they might not find it so easy to get others.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, of course I didn't actually turn it down,&quot; said the old actor, &quot;but
+it gave me quite a turn, I must say. I haven't gotten over it yet,
+seeing you girls disappear under the waves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't think of it, Daddy!&quot; urged Alice. &quot;Have some of this apple slump.
+Mrs. Dalwood sent it in.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your idea is that a man's mind is in his stomach, isn't it, daughter,&quot;
+laughed her father. &quot;Well, I will have some of the dessert. Oh, but I
+almost forgot, you will have to go down an hour earlier in the morning
+to the studio.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why?&quot; Ruth wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A heavy day's work on, and Mr. Pertell wants to sketch out the
+preliminary scenes of the marine drama. We are actually going to sea, I
+believe, and he has engaged some old sailors, or at least one so far, to
+give it a proper nautical flavor. It's only for tomorrow that we have to
+go earlier than usual.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. DeVere seemed more like himself after he had told his daughters of
+his vision. It did not so depress him now, and the rest of the meal
+passed off in a much more jolly manner.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening Russ Dalwood came in from <a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a>across the hall, and they
+played bridge whist, of which Mr. DeVere was fond.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fancy daddy, Russ,&quot; laughed Alice, &quot;wanting us to give up a chance to
+go to sea just because he dreamed of a shipwreck!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I didn't actually want you to give it up,&quot; her father remonstrated.
+&quot;Perhaps I was foolish even to mention it. But I can't forget it&mdash;I
+can't!&quot; and he seemed to look through the walls of the room on some
+distant and fateful scene.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I must be getting back,&quot; Russ said. &quot;You've won the rubber, as
+usual, Mr. DeVere. Lots to do tomorrow, and I have a new assistant to
+break in, so I'll say good-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There were busy times for all next day, in the studio of the moving
+picture concern. In the big room brilliant with electric lights as well
+as from the illumination that came through a sky-glass, there were
+several scenes from different dramas being filmed at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>When Ruth and Alice DeVere entered with their father, Mr. Pertell, the
+manager of the Comet company, was engaged off to one side, evidently
+instructing a man in what he must do before the camera. The man was a
+sailor, and it needed but a glance to show that he was a real one, and
+not &quot;made up&quot; for the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You see,&quot; said Mr. Pertell, &quot;you come into <a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a>the shipping office, and
+pretend to hand over the papers. But you slip the clerk the wrong ones,
+and while he is examining them you reach over behind him and take the
+documents you want.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Avast there! Belay!&quot; came the hoarse voice of the sailor. &quot;I do that
+there, do I?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Steal the papers?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, it isn't <i>stealing</i>, exactly. It's only&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stealin' is what I call it, and it can't be called by another name to
+my way of thinkin'. It won't do, sir, it won't do! Jack Jepson got into
+trouble once, but he isn't goin' to do it again. No sir! That stealin'
+won't do for Jack Jepson. You've got to get someone else to sign them
+articles for you. No stealin' for Jack Jepson!&quot; and the figure of the
+old sailor turned and, with a rolling gait, he started across the big
+studio room.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3>SOMETHING OF A MYSTERY</h3>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Look out there!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where you going?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold him back, somebody! Look out, you'll spoil that scene! Don't cross
+in front of the camera!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Half a dozen frantic voices were calling to the sailor who, with dogged
+persistence, kept on, shaking his grizzled and gray head, and muttering
+over and over again:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It won't do for Jack Jepson! No sir! It won't do. I had one experience
+with trouble and I don't want any more. No sir!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Evidently utterly unused to a moving picture studio, the old man kept on
+his way. He was headed directly toward a camera that was &quot;filming&quot; an
+elaborate ball room scene.</p>
+
+<p>If any figure came between the scene and the camera with the pictures it
+was imprinting on the sensitive celluloid film (at the rate of sixteen
+per second) part of the elaborate work would have <a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a>to be done over
+again. And as one of the characters in the little play was a celebrated
+dancer, whose time was paid for at an almost unbelieveable sum per hour,
+it would mean a heavy expense.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop him!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell. &quot;Come back here!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Halt! Vamoose! Turn about!&quot; Paul Ardite called to the worked-up
+traveler of the deep blue sea.</p>
+
+<p>This had no effect.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Avast there! Belay!&quot; cried Russ Dalwood, who was not at that moment
+engaged at the crank of some camera. He used the same sea terms the old
+man himself had uttered, but this salt-water &quot;lingo,&quot; or translation of
+the command to halt, had no effect either.</p>
+
+<p>Then came an interruption at a most opportune time. Just ahead of the
+sailor a scene from a Wild West drama was being enacted. A group of
+cowboys were engaged in a quarrel in the bunk house, which had been set
+up in the studio. The outdoor scenes of the little play were to be made
+later, for it is the custom in this business to make all the scenes,
+taking place in one locality, at the same time, regardless of their
+sequence in the finished play. Later the film is cut up into strips,
+pasted together with the <a name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a>proper headings, or captions, and the finished
+play results.</p>
+
+<p>And just as the old sailor, who called himself Jack Jepson, was about to
+step in front of the ball room scene camera, to the frantic horror of
+the operator, one of the cowboys, following out his lines, drew his
+revolver, and fired a blank cartridge at the &quot;villain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In the studio the noise was like that of a small cannon.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mutiny!&quot; yelled Jack Jepson, jumping in the air a foot or more.
+&quot;Mutiny!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But he stopped, and just in time. Two steps more would have brought him
+in front of the clicking camera.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mutiny!&quot; he fairly roared. &quot;What is this! Who's firin' a shot across my
+bows? All hands on deck t' repel boarders! Avast there!&quot; and he stood
+looking around in bewilderment, while the smoke from the revolver
+floated upward.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come here!&quot; called Mr. Pertell running forward, and grasping the arm of
+the sailor before he could get away to step in front of any of the other
+moving picture machines. &quot;You don't understand, Mr. Jepson. I merely
+want you to&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I reckon I heard you say what you wanted me to do. Now look here!
+I don't know <a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a>much about you, but you come over t' our Sailors' Snug
+Harbor, an' you took some pictures. That was all right, I'm not captain
+there an' I haven't anything t' say. You said you wanted an old
+able-bodied man for certain work, an' I volunteered. I didn't know where
+the voyage was, but I signed on, an' come here; didn't I?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You did,&quot; said Mr. Pertell. &quot;But let me explain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, you listen to me, first!&quot; exclaimed the old salt, shaking a
+thickened and roughened finger at the manager. &quot;I come here, willin' to
+do anything from slushin' th' mast, or holystonin' th' decks t' furlin'
+sail in a blow. But what do I get; eh? I ask you what do I get? Why an
+order to steal shippin' papers, that's what I get! An' that's a serious
+crime. I'm not goin' t' be mixed up with it. No sir! Not for Jack
+Jepson!&quot; and he tried to break away.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wait a minute!&quot; Mr. Pertell begged. &quot;You don't understand. It's only
+the business of stealing the papers, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, it's mighty poor business for any man t' be in; that's my
+opinion. I was raised honest, an', man and boy, I've lived honest for
+fifty years, with one exception, an' that wasn't my fault, and now&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Again he made an effort to leave, which effort, <a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a>if not blocked, would
+have once more taken him in front of some clicking camera.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, can't you understand!&quot; cried the manager with a hopeless gesture.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps I could explain to him,&quot; suggested Ruth in a low voice. &quot;I have
+plenty of time, Mr. Pertell, and though I don't know this gentleman&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I forgot. He's going to act with you and your sister, Miss DeVere,&quot;
+said the manager. &quot;Come over and be introduced. You too, Mr. DeVere.
+He's to have a part in our great sea drama, that is, if I can ever get
+it started. I began explaining to Jepson, here, about taking the papers
+which have to do with the case, but he can't&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You can't make me believe stealin's right, no matter how you go at it!&quot;
+interrupted the old salt, doggedly shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps <i>I</i> can,&quot; put in Ruth with a smile, as the manager mentioned
+their names to the newest and, seemingly, the most refractory member of
+the company.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Miss,&quot; said the sailor, &quot;you look honest. I would believe what
+you'd tell me, for I know you couldn't do no wrong. Perhaps I was a bit
+hasty, but you see this is all new to me&mdash;this play-actin', an' shootin'
+at folks unexpected like.<a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a> I wouldn't have tried it, only the captain at
+the Sailors' Snug Harbor, over on Staten Island, where I'm berthed,
+asked me as a favor to come here. But I don't like it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I didn't at first,&quot; said Alice, joining with her sister, in an attempt
+to placate the old salt. &quot;But I became used to it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! You're pretty young to be in this business,&quot; said Jack Jepson, who
+evidently said what he thought.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I'm older than I look,&quot; replied Alice with a smile. &quot;I just love
+the sea. I wish you would tell me about some of your voyages, for I'm
+sure you must have been on many.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I have, Miss, but this is th' queerest cruise I ever started on,&quot;
+and he looked around at the many scenes being enacted.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Ruth had slipped to Mr. Pertell's side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give me a brief outline of the play,&quot; she suggested. &quot;I think I can
+make it plain to him. He is all fussed up because it's something new.
+You haven't time to go into details.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's right&mdash;I haven't,&quot; agreed the harassed manager. &quot;Well, this is
+enough for you to know just now. There's a plot to sink a ship, and it
+is necessary that certain papers appear to be stolen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I picked Jepson up, as he says, at a sailors'<a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a> home, over on Staten
+Island. He's a typical salt, but he balks at even a semblance of
+wrong-doing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think I can make him understand,&quot; Ruth said as she took the
+typewritten pages of the scenario, or plot, of the drama from the
+manager.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish you would,&quot; Mr. Pertell said. &quot;I've a thousand and one things to
+do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Ruth started toward the old sailor. To her surprise her sister Alice was
+now in earnest conversation with him. Jack Jepson seemed to have warmed
+to Alice at once. And Ruth heard him saying, as she approached:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Miss, you see it was this way. There was a mutiny, an' I was
+accused, but I wasn't guilty. There was a mystery about it when the
+captain disappeared, an' that mystery hasn't been solved yet, though I'd
+give a good bit if it were. It's hangin' over me like a nightmare, Miss.
+Now I'll tell you all about it, if I don't tire you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should love to listen!&quot; exclaimed Alice, with dancing eyes and
+flushed cheeks.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SAILOR'S STORY</h3>
+
+
+<p>Ruth, on her way to explain to sailor Jack Jepson what was wanted of him
+in the matter of acting for moving pictures, paused as she saw Alice and
+the aged salt in earnest conversation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think I had better defer my explanations a while,&quot; Ruth told herself.
+&quot;Perhaps he will be in a bettor frame of mind to listen, after he has
+talked with Alice. What a wonderful way she has of making friends!&quot; the
+older girl mused as she looked at the interested and flushed face of her
+pretty sister. At that moment Alice glanced up and caught Ruth's gaze on
+her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do come and listen,&quot; she called. &quot;I'm going to hear a wonderful story,
+Ruth dear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The old sailor looked up quickly, stopping in his progress toward a
+bench, whither Alice was leading him. It was in a quiet corner of the
+studio, some distance away from the various little groups that, in
+three-sided rooms (before the open part of which cameras were placed,
+and over which big <a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a>lights hissed) were going through their parts in the
+silent dramas.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is my sister,&quot; Alice said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes, I remember now,&quot; Jack Jepson said. &quot;There's so much goin' on
+that I get a bit confused. But I can see you two look alike. Are you
+goin' to put me reefin' sails or scrubbin' decks?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Neither one,&quot; Ruth said with a smile. &quot;I told Mr. Pertell, our manager,
+that I'd explain what was wanted of you. It is very simple, and&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't call it simple t' rob an' cheat!&quot; cried Jack with energy, &quot;an'
+that's what he wanted <i>me</i> to do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll explain, and I think you'll find it all right,&quot; Ruth went on. &quot;My
+sister and I are in this business,&quot; she added, &quot;and I don't believe you
+think <i>we</i> would do anything wrong.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Far be it&mdash;far be it,&quot; said the old salt, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, but before you came, Ruth dear,&quot; suggested Alice, &quot;Mr. Jepson was
+going to tell me&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Avast there! Belay! Hold on!&quot; exclaimed the sailor, his voice ringing
+out through the studio, above the tones of those actors who, to give
+greater verisimilitude to their work were talking <a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>their parts, as well
+as going through them. They smiled at the old salt's energy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wait a minute, Miss,&quot; he went on in lower tones. &quot;I didn't mean t' be
+so quick, but that Mr. Jepson business won't do. Not at all!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, isn't that your name?&quot; asked Ruth. &quot;I understood Mr. Pertell to
+say&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, that's my name&mdash;at least the Jepson part of it is. But I don't like
+the mister. I'm not used to it. The only time of late years when I was
+called Mister was when I was up before the lawyers, and I didn't like it
+then. Jest please call me Jack Jepson, an' 'twill sound more natural. I
+ask it as a favor, Miss,&quot; and he looked from Ruth to Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why of course we'll call you Jack,&quot; assented the latter. &quot;It will sound
+nicer anyhow, I think,&quot; she added. &quot;Now go on with your story. You said
+there was a mystery in it. Has it anything to do with&mdash;buried treasure?&quot;
+and Alice leaned forward eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Buried treasure? No, Miss. What made you ask that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The idea!&quot; exclaimed Ruth with a laugh. &quot;I'm afraid you'll think my
+sister very romantic, Mr.&mdash;er&mdash;Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's better!&quot; he laughed. &quot;Well, I don't know much about romance. My
+life's been mostly hard work.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a>I just mentioned treasure,&quot; Alice said with a little laugh, and a
+glance toward where Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, having a rest from
+their moving picture work, were curiously eyeing the old sailor and the
+two girls.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, my mystery hasn't anything t' do with buried treasure,&quot; resumed
+Jack Jepson. &quot;It's about a mutiny that took place off th' Hole in th'
+Wall, about five years ago, an'&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hole in the Wall!&quot; interrupted Ruth. &quot;I thought mutinies always took
+place on the high seas.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, this <i>was</i> the high seas,&quot; Jack answered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But the Hole&mdash;?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the name of a passage between Great Abaco Island and Eleuthera,
+in the West Indies,&quot; the sailor replied. &quot;I don't know why it's called
+that, but it is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A queer name,&quot; murmured Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go on, please,&quot; urged Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I was second mate aboard a five masted schooner engaged in the
+lumber business,&quot; went on Jack Jepson. &quot;We were going down to South
+America, in ballast t' bring back a cargo of hard woods, an' off the
+Hole in the Wall th' trouble started.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Some of the crew kicked on account of the <a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a>grub&mdash;that's the stuff we
+eat on a ship,&quot; he explained.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, we know <i>something</i> of such talk,&quot; said Alice with a laugh. &quot;We
+haven't been out West among the cowboys for nothing!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, some of th' hands laid it to the grub, an' others t' th' hard
+work of sailing th' craft,&quot; went on Jack. &quot;She was a mighty poor
+schooner in ballast, an' owing t' storms an' rough weather we had t' be
+takin' in or lettin' out reefs all th' while. It wasn't so bad up t' th'
+time we got off th' Hole in th' Wall, but from then on it was fierce!</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'd heard rumors that th' crew was goin' t' mutiny an' demand that we
+put in at some port, an' get better grub, an' more hands, for we was
+short of sailors. But I didn't pay much attention to th' underhand talk
+until it was too late. Then, all at once, when we had got away down
+about off Anegada, th' mutiny broke in full force. The men riz up, an'
+overpowered th' officers&mdash;th' captain was made a prisoner in his cabin,
+an' I was given my choice of joinin' th' mutineers or walkin' th'
+plank.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that?&quot; asked Ruth, a bit startled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's when they blindfold a man, and make him walk a plank that is put
+out over the bulwarks, or side of the ship,&quot; said Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a>Why, if he were blindfolded I should think he'd fall off, not knowing
+when he came to the end,&quot; Ruth remarked, with a little shudder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He doesn't know,&quot; Alice said. &quot;That's an easy way of sending a man to
+his doom.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's it, Miss!&quot; chimed in Jack. &quot;You got th' idea!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But Alice, how did <i>you</i> know that dreadful thing?&quot; her sister
+wonderingly demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Read it in a book. Go on please, Mr.&mdash;er&mdash;Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course I didn't want t' walk no plank,&quot; resumed the sailor, &quot;so I
+temporized. I thought maybe I could beat th' mutineers after all. So I
+pretended t' join 'em. Things got pretty bad. Many of 'em was for
+puttin' th' captain away&mdash;tossin' him overboard, an' there was a fight
+about it. Matters got t' such a pass that pistols were fired, an' th'
+captain would have been shot, an' killed, only a fellow named Mike
+Tullane, a rough character, an' one of the leaders of th' mutiny,
+stepped up sudden like an' saved th' captain's life by knockin' aside
+th' ruffian's gun.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, of course there was a fight then, but Mike seemed t' come out all
+right, bein' a leader, an' havin' th' men pretty well with him. Anyhow,
+th' mutineers were in charge of th' ship, an' off Anegada, one of th'
+little British Islands of the<a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a> West Indies, we were put about t' run for
+port. Jest what was t' be done no one seemed to know. After the men got
+th' ship they didn't know what to do with her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then came th' mystery. One night th' captain an' Mike Tullane
+disappeared. They was seen in th' cabin, talkin' together, an' some of
+th' hot-headed ones thought Mike was goin' back on his pals. They was
+for makin' him walk th' plank.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But cooler heads made 'em wait. They said they wanted t' give Mike a
+chance to explain. But he never got it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you mean they&mdash;&quot; began Alice, somewhat horrified.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I mean that night he an' th' captain disappeared,&quot; Jack said. &quot;They
+couldn't be found anywhere. No boat was taken, so they couldn't have
+gotten off in one of them craft, an' we wasn't near enough land t' make
+swimmin' safe. But they totally disappeared, an' that was th' mystery.
+Whether they had a fight, an' jumped overboard together in th' darkness,
+no one ever knowed, for them mutineers didn't keep extra good watch.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But anyhow they was gone&mdash;mysteriously missin' as they say in the
+paper. That sort of took the heart out of some of th' mutineers and they
+got careless. First we knew a British vessel <a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>overhauled us, and, not
+likin' th' looks of things, began to ask questions. Of course there
+wasn't any captain, such as there should be on a ship, an' that made it
+look suspicious. Th' worst of it was that nobody could say where the
+captain was. None of us knew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then th' story of th' mutiny came out, of course, an' it was all up.
+The Britisher took charge of us. I was arrested as the ringleader of the
+mutiny, an' put in chains! An' I had no more to do with it than a baby,
+Miss. No more than a baby!&quot; and Jack Jepson looked from Ruth to Alice,
+his blue eyes expressing the indignation he had felt at the time.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An' that's th' story of th' mystery, as I said I'd tell your sister,&quot;
+he added turning to Ruth.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MARY ELLEN</h3>
+
+
+<p>During the silence that followed the rather sudden ending of the old
+salt's story, Ruth and Alice looked at each other with wonder in their
+eyes. On all sides of them could be heard the clicking of the moving
+picture cameras, the loud directions issued by the men who were managing
+the different little dramas, and occasionally the sound of shots from
+the cowboy play that was going on in front of where our friends were
+seated on the bench, though at some distance away, for the studio was
+large.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But that can't be all of it,&quot; said Alice, at length.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All of what, Miss?&quot; Jack Jepson asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The mystery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's all there is to any mystery, Miss,&quot; he said. &quot;A mystery is a
+mystery, an' if it isn't solved, it's a mystery still, an' nobody can
+make any more of it. Th' captain and Mike Tullane completely
+disappeared, an' were never heard of afterward. That's th' mystery, an'
+all there is to it, jest as I told you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a>But about yourself?&quot; asked Ruth. &quot;You said you were put in chains,
+under arrest, as the ringleader of the mutiny.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I was.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what became of you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I escaped, Miss. It may not be a very nice thing to confess, but
+I escaped. Th' British ship took us to a jail on some island&mdash;I forget
+th' name of it. Anyhow I was locked up, an' so were a lot of th' others.
+We were tried, an' I was accused of startin' th' mutiny. Some of th'
+worst men on th' ship put th' blame on me, an' I wasn't a bit guilty.
+But it was no use in denyin' it. They was all banded together t' accuse
+me t' save themselves. I was found guilty, though I wasn't at all, an' I
+was sentenced to a long imprisonment. I just escaped hanging by a hair,
+for mutiny on th' high seas is a serious crime.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I was innocent, an' I knew it, an' when I found th' trial goin'
+against me, I took a chance that offered, an' planned t' escape. I found
+a French vessel puttin' t' sea an' as they was short handed I signed on.
+Since then I've been in many vessels, but I always keep away from
+English ones, and from English ports, for I would be arrested the minute
+I set my foot on shore in one. A big reward is out for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How long ago was all this?&quot; asked Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, some years.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>But isn't the unjust charge outlawed now?&quot; Alice wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm afraid not, Miss. Such things are never outlawed. I daren't go t'
+an English port, an' that's hampered me. I have to take what berths I
+can get.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't you disprove the mutiny charge?&quot; asked Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not unless some of them involved was to confess, Miss. An' land knows
+where those fellers are now. They've disappeared with th' captain an'
+Mike Tullane. Of course if I could find either one of them, I could
+prove my innocence, an' then I'd be free t' go where I pleased. But I've
+about given <i>that</i> up, Miss.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I sort of come t' anchor in th' Sailors' Snug Harbor, an' when I
+heard about this movin' picture business, and th' chance it gave t' make
+a little money, I took it. But when it comes t' doin' some crime for it,
+I draws th' line. As I said, I've always lived honest, man and boy, for
+many years, an' that one charge is th' only one against me. I'm not
+goin' t' take them papers, and substitute false ones.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you don't exactly understand,&quot; Ruth said with a smile. &quot;I am going
+to explain it to you. Mr. Pertell said I might. Now here is the story we
+are supposed to act out; and, mind you, it is <a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a>only <i>supposing</i>&mdash;make
+believe, as we children used to say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, it's make believe; is it?&quot; asked Jack Jepson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, just make-believe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I had a little gal once&mdash;long years ago,&quot; he said softly, &quot;an' she used
+to be great on make-believe games. Is this takin' of them papers a make
+believe game?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Exactly!&quot; chimed in Alice. &quot;My sister and I have to pretend every day.
+It's fun!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, of course I didn't know <i>that</i>,&quot; said Jack. &quot;Maybe I made a
+mistake in bein' so quick. There was nothin' wrong in it?&quot; he
+questioned.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not the least in the world,&quot; said Ruth. &quot;It is just a game, played for
+the amusement of the public. I'll explain,&quot; and from the typewritten
+scenario she held she went over the outlines of the big marine drama, as
+one of the authors of the Comet company had written it. As she gave the
+details, the simple, kindly face of the sailor cleared. His doubts
+vanished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Say, wasn't I th' old landlubber though!&quot; he cried. &quot;T' think I thought
+I was really committin' a crime. Ha! Ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, your past experience had made you careful,&quot; Alice said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's what it had, Miss. It's no fun t' be <a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a>barred from the ports of
+the country that has more of 'em than any nation of the world. It
+hampers a man. But I daren't go on British soil.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Could they come here and take you?&quot; asked Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>The old man looked around before replying.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They maybe wouldn't know me,&quot; he hoarsely whispered. &quot;I've grown a
+beard since those days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, then, how would the British authorities know you?&quot; asked Alice
+with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm not takin' any chances, Miss,&quot; was the answer. And though it might
+seem to an outsider that it would be safe, under those circumstances,
+for Jepson to visit British ports, if he kept away from the island where
+he had been imprisoned, he could not see it that way.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No sir!&quot; he exclaimed. &quot;No British ports for mine!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>By this time Mr. DeVere, who had been engaged in finishing a few scenes
+in a play that had started the day before, came up to join his
+daughters.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, how is the great marine drama coming on?&quot; he asked, his voice
+being more hoarse than usual. He had done some talking, as he found it
+helped to give a better idea of the characters he portrayed, but it was
+not necessary, in these pic<a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a>ture plays, to get his voice &quot;over the
+footlights.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There has been a halt,&quot; explained Ruth with a smile. &quot;This is Jack
+Jepson, Father. He is to have one of the principal parts, but he balked
+at some underhand work, and&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pleased t' know you,&quot; Jack broke in with a jerky bow. &quot;Your daughter's
+a smart gal,&quot; he said. &quot;She made everything as clear as daylight t' me.
+I'm goin' on with th' play now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is when Mr. Pertell is ready,&quot; put in Alice. &quot;He seems to have
+found some difficulty in that cowboy drama.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This was evident, for the Western play had been stopped, and the camera
+operator, with a weary look on his face, was leaning against a post, as
+if in despair of ever completing that day's run of film.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, Mr. Bunn, you must not do it that way,&quot; the manager was saying.
+&quot;When Ardite, in the character of the young outlaw, shoots at you, stand
+up without flinching. That's your part&mdash;to be indifferent to gunfire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, that's my part, is it? Just to be shot at!&quot; cried the old &quot;Ham&quot;
+actor. &quot;Well, it's a mighty poor part, that's all I've got to say! It
+will be the last time I ever take a part like that. Oh, why did I ever
+leave the legitimate stage?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a>Ha! Maybe it was because the stage would have left you, had you not
+left it,&quot; said Mr. Switzer, who was dressed up as a German comedian, and
+taking part in another play.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! What is that?&quot; asked Mr. Bunn pompously. But Mr. Switzer did not
+repeat his remark. He was called to resume his part.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now Mr. Bunn, stand up and be shot at!&quot; commanded Mr. Pertell. &quot;Come,
+come! We can't lose all day on this little play. I've got to get busy on
+the marine drama, and I want some of you in that. Ready with that gun
+now, Paul!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, shoot him!&quot; murmured Mr. Pepper Sneed, the human grouch. &quot;Aim it
+right at him. Of course they are only blank cartridges,&quot; he added
+cheerfully, &quot;but if the wadding hits you Bunn, lockjaw is almost sure to
+follow. Go on and shoot. I know something will happen,&quot; and he looked as
+though he would be disappointed if his prophesy were not borne out. &quot;Go
+on, shoot!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No! No! I protest! I withdraw from this play!&quot; cried Mr. Bunn, looking
+around for his tall hat, without which he seldom was seen. It was his
+one remnant of departed glory.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, you'll not withdraw!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell. &quot;We've got half the film
+run off with you on, and you've got to stick it out. Go on, Paul.<a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a> And,
+Mr. Sneed, you needn't trouble to stand here and look on, as you're not
+in this cast. You have a&mdash;depressing effect.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sneed certainly did. However, he moved away, and the play went on.
+It was successfully filmed, and then Mr. Pertell was free to take up,
+where he had left off, the discussion of the preliminaries of the marine
+drama. &quot;Out on The Deep&quot; it was to be called.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, how about it?&quot; asked the manager, as he approached the moving
+picture girls, their father and sailor Jack. &quot;Have you succeeded in
+convincing him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's what they have, Mr. Pertell,&quot; the old salt said. &quot;I'm sorry I
+made such a fuss about those false papers. I didn't know it was only
+make-believe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, if that difficulty is over with, we'll go on, though we can do
+only a few of the simple scenes today,&quot; the manager said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you understand the play?&quot; he asked of Mr. DeVere.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not altogether. I will look over the scenario.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can save you the trouble,&quot; the manager went on. &quot;I'll outline it
+briefly for you. 'Out on the Deep,' is, as you can tell by the name, a
+marine story. Part of it will take place in a sailors' home. That will
+be the Snug Harbor, <a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a>where I found Jack Jepson. We will go over to
+Staten Island some day and film those scenes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Another part of the drama will take place in a shipping office. Of
+course that will be a studio scene, taken right here. I was starting in
+on that when Jack balked.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I won't again,&quot; the sailor promised.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Glad to hear it,&quot; came from the manager. &quot;But the big part of the play
+will actually take place on deep water,&quot; Mr. Pertell resumed. &quot;We are
+going out in a big schooner, and&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A real schooner?&quot; asked Jack, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, a real schooner. It isn't a very good one, but it will answer our
+purpose, especially as we have to wreck her, and she will be a total
+loss. I had to pay pretty high for her, too. But I think it will be
+worth it. The shipwreck scenes, in the storm, ought to be great. And
+now, as I have decided to postpone the rehearsal of the play for a
+while, I think it would be a good plan for some of us to go and look at
+the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, and get familiar with her layout.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The <i>Mary Ellen</i>!&quot; cried Sailor Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, that is the name of the schooner I have purchased to use as a
+shipwreck,&quot; said the manager.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why&mdash;th' <i>Mary Ellen</i>!&quot; cried Jack. &quot;That was th' name of th' vessel
+where th' mutiny was!&quot; and he started to his feet in great excitement.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3>CAPTAIN BRISCO</h3>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Mutiny! What do you mean?&quot; demanded Mr. Pertell, a little startled by
+the action of the old sailor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's just what I mean, sir! Oh, I forgot you don't know. But I told
+these young ladies about me being in a mutiny, an' I'm under suspicion
+in connection with it still. I can't go in an English port, and that's a
+nice blight to put on a man!&quot; he said indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Pertell looked bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps I can explain,&quot; said Ruth, &quot;and if I go wrong, Jack, please
+correct me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I will, Miss!&quot; he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon Ruth told the whole story, much more connectedly, and more
+briefly, than would have been possible for the old salt. But Ruth had
+the knack of condensing a long scenario into a few words.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Was that it?&quot; she asked Jack, when she had finished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a>That's it, Miss, an' you did me more credit in the story than I
+deserved.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no I didn't,&quot; Ruth said, smiling. &quot;I'd like to help you solve that
+mystery, too&mdash;the mystery of the disappearance of the captain and Mike
+Tullane.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's it!&quot; cried Jack. &quot;If I could only find one of them, or if some
+of th' real mutineers would confess, it would clear me an' I could be
+free t' roam wherever I wanted t' in th' world. But it's too much t'
+hope for that. But you said th' name of th' vessel we was t' make
+believe be shipwrecked on was th' <i>Mary Ellen</i>, sir,&quot; and he turned to
+the manager. &quot;The <i>Mary Ellen</i> was the name of the craft where the
+mutiny occurred. Could it be&mdash;&quot; he paused, hope showing on his eager
+face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, there's hardly a chance that this is the same one,&quot; said Mr.
+Pertell. &quot;<i>Mary Ellen</i> is a common name for vessels,&quot; he went on, &quot;and
+there must be scores with it painted on their bows. I don't know
+anything about the vessel I have bought, but I doubt if she was ever in
+a mutiny. She is a very old craft, and isn't really fit for service now.
+But her owners say she will do for what I want. We are going to take her
+to Southern waters, and the main scenes of the drama will be
+photographed aboard her, and around her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a>Where is the craft now, if I may ask?&quot; inquired Mr. DeVere.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Over in Erie Basin,&quot; answered the manager. &quot;I am having her fitted up,
+and a crew is being engaged. Of course it will be some time before we
+sail, but I want to get everything in readiness. So suppose we take a
+run over there now, and look at her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That suits me!&quot; exclaimed Jack, to whom matters nautical were as the
+breath of life. &quot;And I hope you'll sign me on, sir; when it comes to
+makin' up your crew, sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I intend to ship you,&quot; was the answer. &quot;Captain Brisco said he would
+need some good officers. You have a mate's certificate, have you not,
+Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir, and mighty glad and proud I'll be to fill that berth, sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, won't it be jolly to go sailing!&quot; exclaimed Alice. &quot;I shall just
+<i>love</i> it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. DeVere sighed resignedly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm afraid it won't be very good for your throat, Daddy,&quot; said Ruth in
+a low tone. &quot;The damp air will be sure to make you cough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, well&mdash;&quot; he began.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Pertell overheard what was said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't like to ask you, Mr. DeVere,&quot; he said, &quot;to do anything that
+will be bad for your <a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a>health. But I certainly need your services, and
+those of your daughters, in this sea drama. Otherwise I would not ask
+you to run any risks with your throat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I will say this. We shall not be afloat until Summer, and, as we
+shall be in a warm climate, perhaps the bad effects will not be so
+pronounced.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I think so myself,&quot; the old actor admitted. &quot;It may even do me
+good. I will doctor up in the meanwhile. And I realize that if I do not
+go, my daughters cannot. I would not like to have them miss this fine
+opportunity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Daddy! We wouldn't go if it harmed you!&quot; Alice cried.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I dare say I can manage,&quot; her father replied. &quot;The new treatment I
+am taking seems to agree with me. Who knows? Perhaps, when it comes time
+to sail, my throat may not trouble me at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let us hope so,&quot; Alice broke in. &quot;I do so love the water, and the
+Southern sea will be a dream!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps if Alice could have looked ahead, and seen what lay before her,
+she would not have been so enthusiastic in anticipating the future.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Pertell saw that the other plays under way in the studio were
+running smoothly, and then <a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>prepared to take Mr. DeVere, his daughters,
+and the old sailor over to Erie Basin, to inspect the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, as
+she lay in her slip, being refitted for another voyage&mdash;her last&mdash;for
+she was to rest beneath the waves when she had played her part in the
+moving picture play.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish I were going with you,&quot; said Russ Dalwood, as Ruth passed him
+where he was having a moment's respite from grinding away at the crank
+of a camera.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish so, too,&quot; she answered, in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I've got to stay here, and grind away at this film,&quot; he said
+hopelessly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll see you to-night,&quot; she called to him, as she went out.</p>
+
+<p>Paul Ardite waved to Alice as she &quot;twinkled&quot; her fingers at him. Paul
+was in a cowboy costume, playing a scene in the cowboy story, which
+seemed to be giving more and more trouble as it proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is the fifth time we've done that act,&quot; Paul called to Alice in an
+aside as she passed. &quot;And all because Mr. Bunn is so fussy. They'll take
+him out, if he isn't careful. Where are you going, Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Over to see <i>Mary Ellen</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who's she? A new actress?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, she's a 'she' I suppose, and she's going <a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a>to have a big part in a
+drama. I'll tell you about it later.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Mary Ellen</i> certainly did not present a very trim appearance as the
+little party went aboard her at the dock in Erie Basin. The decks were
+cluttered up with an assortment of ropes, planks, casks, boxes and other
+things, so that it was impossible to move about without great care. On
+coming in sight of the craft Jack Jepson's face wore a look of
+expectancy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She might be the same <i>Mary Ellen</i> that I was on,&quot; he said.</p>
+
+<p>But when he saw that the craft had three masts, whereas the ship where
+the mutiny had occurred boasted of five, Jack shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She isn't th' same ship,&quot; he murmured.</p>
+
+<p>Yet as he stepped on deck he gave a start, and an exclamation escaped
+his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter?&quot; asked Alice, who was near him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Miss, you may think it strange,&quot; he said, &quot;but if I had my eyes
+shut, I'd say I was on my old ship&mdash;th' <i>Mary Ellen</i> I was tellin' you
+about.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But she had five masts, and this one&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I know, Miss Alice. But, masts or no masts there's somethin' about
+this craft that's strangely familiar. I'm sure I've been on her be<a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a>fore,
+and yet&mdash;no, it can't be&mdash;three masts can't make five, no matter how you
+count.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, this is the ship,&quot; said Mr. Pertell to his guests. &quot;This will be
+our home when we get her fitted up in ship-shape. I don't know much
+about such things myself, so I've given Captain Brisco full charge. He
+is to get her in readiness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, if you were to ask me I should say it would take the greater part
+of a year to get this in ship-shape,&quot; said Ruth. &quot;I never saw such
+confusion&mdash;never!&quot; and she gazed about the deck.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, Miss, this isn't anythin'&mdash;nothin' at all!&quot; cried Jack Jepson.
+&quot;With a few of my old shipmates I could get this craft ready for a
+voyage in half a day&mdash;that is, if she's all right below th' water line,&quot;
+he added as an afterthought.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm trusting all that to Captain Brisco,&quot; said Mr. Pertell. &quot;He was
+recommended to me by the ones from whom I purchased this boat. I think
+he will have everything in ship-shape for us in time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As they stood looking about the deck a man came up from below. From his
+appearance he was unmistakably a sailor, and one in authority. He issued
+several orders, on hearing which a number of men bestirred themselves,
+and then, <a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a>catching sight of the little party, he called out in rough
+tones.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come now! What's this? No visitors are allowed on board here. Get
+ashore at once!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hello, Captain Brisco!&quot; called Mr. Pertell. &quot;That is, if that's the
+proper nautical greeting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Mr. Pertell. I didn't recognize you,&quot; said the commander of the
+<i>Mary Ellen</i>. &quot;I beg your pardon! Won't you walk this way?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We are on a little tour of inspection,&quot; the manager went on. &quot;These are
+some of my principle moving picture actors, and I want them to get
+familiar with the ship. And, Captain Brisco, this is an old salt who
+will be with us. He is to be second mate, I believe. Jack Jepson, let me
+present you to Captain Brisco.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A strange look came over the old salt's face. He stepped forward and
+burst out with:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I guess I've met Captain Brisco before, but that wasn't his
+name&mdash;then!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brisco started back as though a shot had been fired near him.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3>JEPSON IS WORRIED</h3>
+
+
+<p>For an instant only did the commander of the <i>Mary Ellen</i> show signs of
+perturbation. He recovered himself with an effort, hardly obvious to the
+moving picture girls who were watching. It was as though a cloud had
+passed over the sun so quickly as to give an observer no time to glance
+up and see it, before the shadow was gone. Then Captain Brisco smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think you've made a mistake, my man,&quot; he said, with the air of one
+used to commanding. &quot;I'm sure I don't know you, whether or not you think
+you have had the pleasure of my acquaintance. How about it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He turned a sharp look on Jack Jepson, and the latter faltered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well&mdash;well, maybe I am mistaken,&quot; he said slowly. &quot;But I sure did take
+you for an old shipmate of mine. I sure did&mdash;an old shipmate,&quot; and he
+spoke the words slowly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For instance&mdash;who?&quot; asked Captain Brisco, <a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a>and the words seemed to come
+out like the closing of the jaws of a steel trap.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh&mdash;er&mdash;you wouldn't know if I told you,&quot; said Jack. &quot;I guess I was
+mistaken,&quot; he added.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I'm sure of it,&quot; Captain Brisco said, coolly. &quot;I don't know many in
+these parts, for I've been away for some time. And&mdash;er&mdash;who might you
+be?&quot; he asked, with more of that commanding air.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is the sailor who will be one of your mates on our little trip,&quot;
+explained Mr. Pertell. &quot;You said you would need officers, even for a
+short voyage such as we intend making, so I picked up Jack Jepson. Do
+you think he'll do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Depends on how much he knows of navigation,&quot; was the sharp answer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I have my certificate,&quot; Jack answered. &quot;If you want t' see it I
+have it&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never mind now,&quot; interposed Captain Brisco. &quot;There are a thousand and
+one things to do, and nothing seems to be going right. Lay aloft there,
+some of you!&quot; he cried to a group of men. &quot;Get those halyards reeved and
+straightened out. Think we're going to lie here all Summer? Lively now!
+I think I could use you, if you've any knack of handling men,&quot; he added
+in lower tones, turning to Jack. &quot;It's slow work, getting fitted out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>I could come any time,&quot; Jepson answered, and Alice noted that the old
+sailor gazed furtively now and then at the captain. It was as though he
+wanted to impress his memory with the face of the commander. &quot;I'm over
+in Sailors' Snug Harbor,&quot; Jepson went on, &quot;I came over to do some
+actin'&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, this play acting business is new to me, too,&quot; said Captain Brisco.
+&quot;But I suppose I can get used to it. Seems rather queer to go to all
+this work and expense,&quot; he went on to Mr. Pertell, &quot;just to fit a
+schooner out, and then sink her. It's a waste of good money, I should
+say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll get our money back, never fear, if the film turns out all right,&quot;
+said Mr. Pertell. &quot;Now how are you coming on? That's what I came to see.
+I want some of my principal actors to get familiar with the ship, so I
+brought them down. I started with Jepson, up in the studio,&quot; he added in
+a lower voice, for the benefit of Captain Brisco, &quot;but he balked, I'll
+tell you about it later. He can stay and help you if you like.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I probably can use him,&quot; the commander said, as he looked at
+Jepson, who was wandering about the deck with a curiously abstracted
+air.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sort of funny thinking he knew you, wasn't it?&quot; commented Mr. Pertell,
+while Alice, Ruth <a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>and Mr. DeVere looked on with interest at the various
+activities connected with getting the <i>Mary Ellen</i> ready for sea.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, not at all queer,&quot; answered Captain Brisco, quickly. &quot;I have
+commanded so many men and ships in my day that I must be familiar by
+name, at least, to hundreds of sailors. But I never saw this Jepson
+before. However, he seems to be a good, honest soul.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too honest, by far!&quot; laughed Mr. Pertell. &quot;He wouldn't even pretend to
+take some false papers to carry out a film idea. Said he'd been in
+enough trouble over being falsely accused in a mutiny!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A mutiny!&quot; exclaimed Captain Brisco. &quot;A mutiny!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes. Why, is that remarkable?&quot; asked the manager, for Captain Brisco
+seemed startled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, oh, no! I don't know as it is. I was only thinking if he was given
+to starting mutinies, he wouldn't be a safe man to have on board here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, you needn't fear for Jepson,&quot; the manager said. &quot;He was innocent in
+that mutiny affair, I believe. But now as to details. I want to consult
+with you in regard to certain matters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And while the captain and manager sought a quiet corner, where they
+might converse, and go over the plot of the great marine drama, Alice
+<a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a>and Ruth wandered about the ship. The sailors who were fitting her out
+looked curiously at the girls as they went to and fro. Mr. DeVere found
+a sheltered spot where he said he would wait until Mr. Pertell was
+finished with the captain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Does your throat pain you much?&quot; asked Alice solicitously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, not as much as I expected, coming so near the water. I think it
+will be all right. Don't worry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Isn't it perfectly wonderful, to think we're going to be on board this
+schooner!&quot; exclaimed Alice to her sister. &quot;And are we going to sleep
+here and eat here, Jack?&quot; she asked, as the old sailor came toward them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Miss, if you goes on a voyage you can't walk off th' ship
+whenever you want to, you know, to get a berth, and some grub. I mean
+something to eat and a place to sleep,&quot; he quickly translated. &quot;You has
+to stay right on board until the voyage ends.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, and could we see where we sleep?&quot; asked Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The staterooms? Yes, of course,&quot; said Captain Brisco, who with Mr.
+Pertell came forward just then. &quot;Jepson, take the ladies below. If
+you're a sailor you don't need to be told the way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, sir,&quot; was the respectful answer. Jack <a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a>seemed to have acquired new
+dignity since coming aboard; and it was noticeable, a little later, that
+he took more pains with his talk, being more grammatical, and
+pronouncing his words better, as befitted a mate.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I want to see where they do the cooking,&quot; remarked Ruth. &quot;What is
+it they call it&mdash;the alley?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The galley,&quot; corrected Alice. &quot;Don't you remember?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes, so it is. What a funny name for a kitchen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This way,&quot; directed Jack, as he started for the companionway. Meanwhile
+Mr. Pertell and Captain Brisco having settled on certain details, called
+Mr. DeVere into consultation, since that actor was to have a prominent
+part in the scenes that would take place aboard the ship.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Jepson led his two pretty charges below, where some men were also
+at work. They inspected the sleeping quarters, the galley and other
+parts of the ship. Then, at the suggestion of Alice they penetrated to
+the men's quarters&mdash;the forecastle, or &quot;fo'cas'l,&quot; as Jack pronounced
+it, sailor-fashion.</p>
+
+<p>As they passed two carpenters doing some &quot;patch-work,&quot; Jack paused and
+looked closely at <a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a>what they were doing. Suddenly he turned to Alice and
+asked:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is this craft to make a voyage all by herself?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A short one&mdash;yes,&quot; Alice answered, for she had looked over the
+scenario. &quot;Why do you ask?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, nothin'&mdash;nothin'&mdash;,&quot; answered Jack Jepson. &quot;Only, oh, well, I
+s'pose it's all right,&quot; he went on. But as he led the way forward Ruth
+noticed a look of worriment on the face of the old sailor. It was so
+evident that it startled her&mdash;the more so as she heard him murmur:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Going all by herself; eh? Well, she certainly needs a consort.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>HARD WORK</h3>
+
+
+<p>Ruth took advantage of the first opportunity to question Sailor Jack
+Jepson. The memory of that look on his face haunted her. But it was not
+until they had come from the <i>Mary Ellen</i> that Ruth found her chance.</p>
+
+<p>While on board, arrangements had been made for taking some of the
+preliminary scenes of the marine drama, and Mr. Pertell urged Captain
+Brisco to hasten, as much as he could, the preparations for the voyage.</p>
+
+<p>But finally, when Alice and her father had gone on ahead, walking with
+Mr. Pertell, and were deep in a discussion about a certain scene, Ruth
+found a chance to ask:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Didn't you like what you saw downstairs in the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, Jack?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Downstairs, Miss?&quot; the sailor questioned, a puzzled look on his face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Or whatever the right sea-term is for under the deck?&quot; she went on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, you mean below.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a>Yes, didn't you like what you saw below?&quot; asked Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you mean, Miss?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you didn't seem altogether pleased. I don't want them to hear,&quot;
+she went on, motioning to her father and sister, &quot;but you looked
+worried. Was anything&mdash;wrong?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wrong? No, Miss, not exactly wrong. But some of them fellers didn't
+seem to know their business in repairin' a ship, that was all. But we
+aren't goin' on much of a voyage, so I don't s'pose it matters&mdash;much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But we are going on a pretty long trip, and for a time we'll all be
+alone on board the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, some distance from land,&quot; Ruth said. &quot;I
+know, for I've read the outlines.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is that so, Miss? Why&mdash;I&mdash;I didn't exactly know that. I wonder if I'd
+better&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Before Jack Jepson could continue Mr. Pertell turned back and called:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I believe I forgot to tell you people, but we are also to have a
+motorboat in connection with the <i>Mary Ellen</i>. A big, powerful gasoline
+craft, she is, called the <i>Ajax</i>. She'll follow us, part of the time,
+for some of the pictures have to be taken from a distance, as she trails
+along at the stern. We'll have plenty of time for rehearsal, though.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>Ah, a motorboat to follow us. Then there isn't so much danger,&quot; said
+Jack Jepson, and he seemed talking to himself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Danger!&quot; exclaimed Ruth. &quot;What do you mean by that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Danger? Did I say danger, Miss?&quot; he asked, and again Ruth was surprised
+at the strange look on his face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You certainly did say it,&quot; she replied.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I didn't mean it,&quot; he said, though he spoke with an obvious
+effort. &quot;I meant it would be much more company&mdash;company for you folks as
+aren't used to sailin' the seas. That's all, Miss. Oh, no, there's no
+real danger&mdash;that is there won't be to <i>you</i>, as long as old Jack Jepson
+can ward it off,&quot; he murmured under his breath.</p>
+
+<p>The little party went back to the studio, and, after lunch, some of the
+easiest and less important scenes in the marine drama were rehearsed.
+Sailor Jack soon understood what was wanted of him, and did very well.
+Ruth and Alice took pleasure in coaching the honest, simple old salt.
+His too-conscientious scruples about doing a seemingly wrongful act were
+overcome when it was explained to him, and he went through the scene in
+the studio shipping office very well.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that will be all you'll have to do for a few days,&quot; Manager Pertell
+told him. &quot;You <a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>will not be needed to take part in any scenes until we
+get ready for the second act. Meanwhile you had better arrange to stay
+aboard the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, while she is in the Erie Basin, and help
+Captain Brisco.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I will! Aye, aye, sir!&quot; exclaimed Jack. &quot;And it'll be a relief to
+be where I can feel the heave of a deck, even if the craft is anchored,
+and to smell the real salt water again. I'll go aboard as soon as I can
+get back to the Snug Harbor, and stow my dunnage in a bag.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He really seemed delighted to make the change, and the worried look left
+his face, though Ruth could not forget the shadow it had cast. What did
+it mean? She asked herself this over and over again.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile there was hard work for the moving picture girls and Mr.
+DeVere. A company engaged in the making of films does not content itself
+with merely producing one big play. There are any number of small reels
+that are needed, as &quot;fillers.&quot; Some of them are called &quot;split reels,&quot;
+meaning that there are two plays, or sketches, on each one. And in the
+intervals of going through scenes in &quot;Out on The Deep,&quot; or rehearsing
+for them, Ruth and Alice took part, with others of the Comet
+organization, in the making of many pictures.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>Several weeks went by in this way. Spring was gradually turning into
+Summer, to the delight of the girls, who loved the outdoors. Of course
+they loved Winter, too, for they had many outdoor scenes to take part in
+then, since snow effects are always easy to photograph.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But Summer is the best!&quot; cried Alice, gaily dancing about the studio,
+after she had finished in a little comedy scene, one day.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think so, too,&quot; agreed Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And when we get out on the deep blue sea,&quot; the younger girl added, &quot;it
+will be ideal. Oh, I can hardly wait for the <i>Mary Ellen</i> to start on
+her last voyage. Isn't it too bad she has to be sunk?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, it is rather tragic,&quot; agreed Ruth. &quot;I hope we get far enough away
+when she takes her last plunge beneath the waves,&quot; she added with an
+involuntary shudder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, trust Captain Brisco for that,&quot; Alice said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I had rather trust&mdash;Sailor Jack Jepson,&quot; murmured Ruth in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile work on refitting the schooner had gone on apace. The moving
+picture girls, and their friends, had paid several visits to her, and
+found Captain Brisco, Jack Jepson and the others hard at work making the
+vessel a semblance of her former self.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a>She's an old tub,&quot; said Jack to the girls, &quot;but she's in better shape
+than she was when you were here afore, Missies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And indeed the <i>Mary Ellen</i> did seem so. A new coat of paint added as
+much to her appearance, as a new dress and hat does to a young lady,
+though <i>Mary Ellen</i> could no longer be classed as young.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a day when many members of the theatrical company, including
+Jack Jepson, who now enjoyed that distinction, were taken down to the
+seacoast, some distance from New York. They went in a tug specially
+hired for the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Some of the scenes of the marine drama take place on the seacoast,&quot;
+explained Mr. Pertell. &quot;I want to get them now, when we have the chance.
+I need a rocky shore, and this is the nearest one we can reach. Get
+ready now. We have rehearsed these scenes, you remember.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were not easy scenes, and, even though they had been gone over in
+the studio, when it came to actually going through them on the beach,
+one difficulty after another arose.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place it was a raw, windy day, and there was a pretty high
+sea, dashing up among the rocks of the shore, and sending a spray over
+toward the cameras.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a>I can't do anything from this point!&quot; finally complained Russ Dalwood,
+who was at the machine. &quot;I've spoiled about a hundred feet of film now.
+We'll have to get around that point.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right,&quot; agreed Mr. Pertell, &quot;but the scenery isn't so good there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But when one difficulty was disposed of another one was found. Mr. Bunn
+made trouble when he was asked to do a certain &quot;fall&quot; in the water. He
+complained that he did not want to spoil his tall hat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, you and your tall hat!&quot; impatiently exclaimed the manager. &quot;Go on
+with that scene, I tell you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I&mdash;er&mdash;I&mdash;&quot; expostulated the old actor.</p>
+
+<p>Before he could make further objection a mist of heavy spray dashed over
+him, thoroughly wetting his beloved hat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell. &quot;Your tile is spoiled anyhow, now go on and
+fall in. It can't get any wetter!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, what a life! What a life!&quot; groaned the &quot;Ham&quot; actor, but he went
+through the &quot;business.&quot; Perhaps he realized that other engagements were
+not any too plentiful for men of his talent.</p>
+
+<p>Nor did Ruth and Alice have an easy time. They had to scramble over
+rocks, they had to es<a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a>cape from smugglers, they had to hide in caves,
+and once Alice had to fall down on the rocks, and pretend to be hurt. It
+was a very real fall, too, and she did not have to make much of a
+pretense at limping.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I'm so sorry!&quot; exclaimed Paul Ardite, hastening to her side. &quot;Shall
+I carry you?&quot; he asked eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No indeed. I'm all right. I just&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Keep back there, Paul! Keep back!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell. &quot;Don't get in
+range and spoil the picture. That's fine, Miss DeVere. It's very
+natural&mdash;that limp!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It ought to be!&quot; murmured Alice, biting her lips to keep back an
+exclamation of pain. &quot;It's real enough, especially the pain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Moving picture acting is not all as easy as it seems.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE RISING TIDE</h3>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Well, that's very good, so far,&quot; said Mr. Pertell, when there came a
+lull in the taking of the preliminary scenes of the marine film. &quot;A
+little more life wouldn't have hurt any, but the conditions aren't just
+the best. It was fairly well done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Huh! Fairly well done!&quot; exclaimed Pepper Sneed. &quot;I wonder what he
+wants, anyhow? I nearly broke my neck scrambling over those rocks, and
+the skin is all gone from the palms of my hands, and all he says is that
+it was 'fairly well done!' I wonder what he wants, anyhow?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! He vants dot you shouldt altogedder preak your neck, ain't it?&quot; put
+in Mr. Switzer. &quot;Dot vould be a real funny picture, alretty yet!&quot; he
+went on in his favorite character of a Dutch comedian. &quot;Preak your neck,
+Mr. Sneed, und let Russ make der picture.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! I think I see myself!&quot; exclaimed the &quot;grouch,&quot; as he looked for a
+seaweed-cushioned <a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>rock whereon to sit. &quot;There's been a lot of trouble
+today, but, mark my words, there'll be more before we have finished.
+That's all I've got to say,&quot; and by the sour look on his face anyone
+would have thought that he rejoiced in his prediction of trouble to
+come.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is the matter now?&quot; asked Ruth, coming up in time to hear part of
+the discussion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Pepper is sure the world is going to come to an end before the
+public has a chance to see him in his great rescue act of 'Out on The
+Deep,' I guess,&quot; replied Paul Ardite. &quot;Cheer up!&quot; he added. &quot;The worst
+is yet to come.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're right there,&quot; agreed Mr. Sneed, darkly. &quot;There'll be an accident
+before this day is over, mark my words!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Alice, are you hurt?&quot; asked Ruth quickly, as she saw her sister
+limping toward her, for the little scene in which Alice had slipped and
+hurt her ankle, had taken place when Ruth was busy in another part of
+the play, farther down the shore line.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It isn't anything,&quot; the younger girl answered, bravely keeping back an
+exclamation of pain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will you be able to go on?&quot; Mr. Pertell asked. He had followed Alice,
+when the scene closed, and when he had stopped Paul in time to prevent
+the photographs from being spoiled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>Oh, yes, I can go on, of course,&quot; Alice said, with an effort.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because you have some important parts yet to do,&quot; the manager
+continued. He was not as heartless as this sounds. Really he was most
+kind and considerate. Yet he knew the pictures must be made and the
+present was the best time. If there were a delay, there was no telling
+what might intervene.</p>
+
+<p>He knew that Alice herself realized this. She would not give up unless
+positively unable to go on. The general public little realizes how often
+those who entertain them do so under positive pain and suffering. Of
+course moving picture scenes can be postponed more easily than can those
+in a real theatre. But the general rule holds good for the movies, as
+for the legitimate. &quot;The show must go on!&quot; That is the watchword of
+manager and player alike. &quot;The show must go on!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have a bottle of arnica with me,&quot; said Mrs. Maguire, the &quot;old lady&quot;
+of the company. &quot;I heard we were to do some rock-scrambling today and I
+brought it along. I'll rub some of it on your ankle,&quot; she said to Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, doctor her up a bit,&quot; advised Mr. Pertell. &quot;She's too important to
+be left out of the film, <a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a>for a while at least. I don't want to force
+you, Miss DeVere,&quot; he went on, &quot;but really&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I'll be able to go on,&quot; Alice bravely said. &quot;It is only a little
+wrench, I think.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Behind a screen of rocks Mrs. Maguire removed Alice's shoe and stocking,
+and the motherly old lady and Ruth bathed the injured foot. It was not
+as bad as Alice had feared, and when it was bound up again she found she
+could use it by &quot;favoring&quot; it slightly. She would not have to take part
+in a scene for nearly an hour, and she took advantage of the rest
+afforded by the wait.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Mr. DeVere and some other members of the company were going
+through their parts. An old fisherman's hut had been found, a little way
+down the beach, and for a small sum of money the grizzled old salt had
+agreed to vacate for the morning, and allow the moving picture actors to
+use his home as the background for several scenes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It isn't just what the scenario calls for,&quot; said Mr. Pertell, &quot;but we
+can switch things around at the studio later, to make it fit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This is a secret of more than one film. The producer takes advantage of
+things as he finds them. Often, after a film has all been planned, and
+the pictures are being taken, a chance accident, or incident, will
+suggest an advantageous change, <a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a>and it is made on the spot. Later the
+film is &quot;cut&quot; or added to, so that the change fits in.</p>
+
+<p>Again, on going to the outdoor scene called for in the scenario, the
+manager may see a background that suits him better than one he intended
+using. On the spot he will stop and have the act take place there,
+altering, or adapting, the plot of the story to fit. And many an
+accident has been turned to good account in making a film. But these are
+secrets known only to the initiated, and the public that sees the
+finished picture in some theatre little realizes how much chance had to
+do with its making.</p>
+
+<p>Scene after scene was &quot;filmed,&quot; Russ and his camera associates grinding
+away at the machines. It was not easy work, for the wind and spray often
+interfered with the clearness of the picture. But of course that only
+added to the reality of it when the finished picture was shown.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now for that scene on the far rocks,&quot; called Mr. Pertell when he had
+brought to a satisfactory conclusion a difficult part of the drama. &quot;Are
+you able to go out there, Miss DeVere?&quot; and he looked anxiously at
+Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes, I'm much better,&quot; she answered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All ready then!&quot; called the manager. &quot;Russ, I want one or two
+'close-up' views in this, so prepare yourself accordingly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a>All right,&quot; answered the operator, who was talking to Ruth. He put in a
+fresh reel of film, and adjusted the camera.</p>
+
+<p>A &quot;close-up&quot; view, I might explain, is one taken with the person, or
+subject, very close to the camera, so that it appears very large&mdash;larger
+than usual. For instance, it might be necessary, in some play, to show a
+certain ring. The hand of the person, with the ring on the finger would
+be held close to the camera, so that the resultant picture on the screen
+would show every detail of the ring clearly. You have often seen such
+views in moving pictures, though you may not have known what they were
+technically called.</p>
+
+<p>The &quot;rock scene&quot; that was to be filmed now was to take place out on a
+little rocky group some distance from shore. It was reached by a long,
+narrow rocky ledge that curved out into the bay. Alice, Ruth and Paul
+were to be in this picture, and Russ would plant his camera on the rocky
+ledge, between the actors and the shore.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can you walk out there, Alice?&quot; asked Paul, as he stepped along beside
+her, Russ walking with Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes,&quot; was the answer. &quot;My ankle is much better now. It was silly of
+me to slip that way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You couldn't very well help it,&quot; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a>That seaweed is very treacherous. I hope there is none on the rocks out
+there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why?&quot; she asked. &quot;Is the water deep?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rather, so that fisherman said.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I'm not going to slip,&quot; declared Alice.</p>
+
+<p>It was not easy work getting out to the group of rocks on the narrow
+path of black stone, made slippery by the spray. But they managed it,
+and finally Ruth, Alice and Paul took their places.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All ready,&quot; called Mr. Pertell, who, with a copy of the scenario in his
+hand stood back of Russ to direct matters. &quot;You are all supposed to be
+talking together, and then Paul discovers a sail out on the bay. You
+register surprise, Paul.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very good,&quot; answered the young actor.</p>
+
+<p>I might explain that the word &quot;register&quot; is used to indicate that an
+actor or actress is to depict, or go through, the &quot;business&quot; of showing
+certain emotions, either by facial expression, or gestures.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And after Paul sights the vessel, you register hope, Miss Ruth,&quot; went
+on the manager. &quot;All ready now&mdash;begin.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So the filming of that scene went on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very good,&quot; complimented the manager. &quot;Just a little more force there,
+Paul. Wait a minute, Russ. Do that one bit over.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The scene was started over again, but it had <a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a>proceeded only a minute or
+so before Russ gave an exclamation of annoyance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter?&quot; asked Mr. Pertell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Spring broke,&quot; reported the operator. &quot;I'll have to go get the other
+camera, and it will take me half an hour to get it in shape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, we'll have time enough,&quot; Mr. Pertell said, with a look at the
+sun, which is a sort of god to photographers. Without its beams little
+can be done. &quot;I'll go back and help you,&quot; said the manager who used to
+be an expert operator himself before he rose in the ranks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll have to wait a bit,&quot; Russ called to Ruth, Alice and Paul. &quot;Got
+to fix another camera.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right. We'll stay here,&quot; announced Alice. &quot;I don't want to make
+that trip again with my lame ankle,&quot; and she sat down in a niche of the
+rocks. The others followed her example. The minutes passed quickly in
+pleasant talk, but presently Paul jumped to his feet. There was alarm in
+his action.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter?&quot; asked Ruth, startled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look!&quot; he said. He pointed toward the shore. The path of rocks was
+broken midway by a stretch of water. The tide had risen, cutting off the
+retreat to the beach.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h3>TOO MUCH REALISM</h3>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Oh dear!&quot; exclaimed Ruth. It seemed a silly, futile thing to say, but,
+perhaps, very natural under the circumstances. Ruth arose, and put her
+arms about her sister, who tottered a little as she stood upright.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The tide has risen?&quot; asked Alice, and her tone was questioning.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's what has happened,&quot; went on Paul. &quot;Pshaw! I ought to have kept
+watch of it. Russ was gone longer than I thought. But here we are now,
+fairly caught.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't we&mdash;can't we wade back to shore?&quot; faltered Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wouldn't like to have you try it,&quot; answered Paul, and he moved over
+closer to the girl.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why not?&quot; she asked. &quot;I'm not at all afraid of getting wet, and it
+can't be so very deep over those rocks&mdash;not yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It isn't that you would get wet,&quot; Paul answered. &quot;But the rocks were
+slippery enough <a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a>as they were. Covered with water, as they now are
+between us and the shore, I'm afraid you'd slip off, especially as your
+ankle will give you a twinge if you twist it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It certainly will,&quot; agreed Alice. &quot;It hurts worse now. But oh! We must
+get back to shore!&quot; she exclaimed. &quot;We must!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We&mdash;I&mdash;I think I could lift her over the place where the water is,&quot;
+said Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you might both slip in,&quot; objected Paul. &quot;And the water is quite
+deep on either side of this ledge of rocks. You see the ocean washes in
+against them, and scoops out the sand. So that there is a deep channel,
+ten feet or more, right alongside of the ledge of rocks. If you fell in
+there&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, don't speak of it!&quot; begged Alice. &quot;I wouldn't mind swimming if I
+were prepared for it but it isn't exactly Summer yet, and with a
+disabled foot&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It isn't to be thought of,&quot; finished Ruth. &quot;But we <i>must</i> get ashore
+somehow, Paul. The water is getting higher every minute.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, the tide has just begun to come in,&quot; said the young actor. &quot;I
+should have noticed it before, but I didn't. Now I wonder&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He did not finish, but gazed back toward the beach, nearly a quarter of
+a mile away. To his <a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>surprise, and also alarm, not one of the members of
+the moving picture company was in sight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's strange,&quot; thought Paul, but he did not speak his thought aloud.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh!&quot; screamed Alice, so suddenly as to startle them all.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is the matter?&quot; demanded Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A wave splashed right up behind me! Look!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The rising wind was sending little waves over the outer edge of the
+small island of rocks on which the three were marooned. It was another
+evidence that the tide was getting higher and higher.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What <i>shall</i> we do?&quot; asked Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We must get help&mdash;<i>somehow</i>!&quot; Alice said. Then she looked shoreward, in
+the direction Paul was gazing, and she uttered the single expression:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But it was fraught with meaning.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why&mdash;they've gone!&quot; gasped Ruth. &quot;What&mdash;what&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They'll be back!&quot; Paul interrupted. &quot;Probably Mr. Pertell just thought
+of some scene he could get, and he took them off down the beach to put
+them all in it. They'll be back in a little while, and then we can
+signal to them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a>If&mdash;if it isn't too&mdash;too late!&quot; faltered Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too late? What do you mean?&quot; demanded her sister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I mean these rocks will soon be covered, and covered deep, too,&quot; Alice
+said. &quot;The high water mark is away above them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is it, Paul?&quot; demanded the older girl. She wanted the statement of
+Alice disproved.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm afraid it is,&quot; the young actor made answer. &quot;And the tide, I am
+sorry to say, is likely to be unusually high today. The moon has
+something to do with it. But we will be taken off before then.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Suppose we aren't?&quot; asked Alice. &quot;The wind and the sea are rising, and
+if we are swept off the rocks&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't be so tragic about it!&quot; broke in Ruth. &quot;If we are to go to sea,
+and be in a shipwreck, even if it is only pictured, we must learn to
+face perils. And here we are only a little way from shore.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's right!&quot; cried Paul. &quot;That's the way to look at it, Alice.
+There's no danger!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's easy enough for you to say&mdash;you two who haven't a lame ankle,&quot;
+the younger girl said, seriously enough. &quot;But I don't believe I can even
+swim!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There will be no need of that,&quot; Paul said.<a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a> &quot;They are sure to come back
+and see our plight soon. I can't see what's keeping Russ. He promised to
+come back as soon as he fixed up another camera. It's very strange.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Later they learned that when Russ and Mr. Pertell got back to the beach,
+leaving, as they supposed Ruth, her sister and Paul safe on the rocks,
+Pop Snooks, the veteran property man, discovered a certain nook that
+would answer for an important scene in the play. Wishing to take
+advantage of it at once, while the light was good, Mr. Pertell ordered
+the entire company over there to go through the prescribed &quot;business.&quot;
+He took Russ and the two other camera operators with him, to make sure
+of getting at least one film.</p>
+
+<p>That is why the beach opposite the rocks where the three were marooned
+by the rising tide, was deserted just then. For the time both Mr.
+Pertell and Russ forgot their three friends, or, if they thought of them
+at all, it was to think that they were perfectly safe, and would come to
+no harm by waiting a bit.</p>
+
+<p>The tide rose higher and higher. In a few minutes it would lap the feet
+of the three marooned ones. A desperate resolve came into Paul's mind.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll swim, or wade, to shore,&quot; he said, &quot;and get a boat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And leave us here?&quot; demanded Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a>Yes. There is nothing else to be done,&quot; he answered, desperately.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, please don't go!&quot; begged Alice, putting a detaining hand on his
+arm. &quot;I can't bear to be left here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But it will be only for a few minutes,&quot; Paul said, &quot;and the tide isn't
+rising so fast that it will sweep you away in that time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know&mdash;but&mdash;don't go!&quot; begged Alice, her voice trembling.</p>
+
+<p>Paul looked at Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps you <i>had</i> better stay,&quot; suggested the older girl. &quot;They are
+sure to come back soon, and&mdash;well, we don't want to be left here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right,&quot; agreed Paul. &quot;But I think I could get back with a boat in
+time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>However, there was no need for him to go. A moment later the moving
+picture company, headed by Russ and the two other camera men, came
+around the turn of some sand dunes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There they are!&quot; cried Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, come and get us!&quot; fairly screamed Alice.</p>
+
+<p>Paul put his fingers to his mouth and sent out a shrill whistle.</p>
+
+<p>It needed only a glance on the part of Mr. Pertell and the others to
+show the plight of the three marooned ones.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I forgot all about them!&quot; the manager ex<a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a>claimed. &quot;Russ&mdash;Mr.
+Bunn&mdash;Switzer&mdash;a boat&mdash;where's that fisherman&mdash;where's the life-saving
+station? This is&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Avast there! Belay!&quot; came the deep tones of Jack Jepson, who had come
+out to do certain parts in the shore scenes. &quot;I'll take that boat out
+and get 'em. Don't worry!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, but my daughters!&quot; exclaimed Mr. DeVere, hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And Alice with a sprained ankle!&quot; gasped Mrs. Maguire.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't worry! I'll get 'em!&quot; declared the old salt. &quot;Come on,&quot; he called
+to Mr. Bunn. &quot;You look like you could handle an oar,&quot; and he started
+toward a dory that was drawn up on the beach.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I&mdash;I can't row!&quot; exclaimed the old actor. &quot;Besides, I might&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, he might spoil his dignity,&quot; said Russ fiercely in an undertone.
+&quot;I'll go with you,&quot; he said to the sailor. &quot;I can manage a boat!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good! That's the way to talk. Come on!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later Russ and Jack had shoved out the fisherman's craft,
+and were quickly rowing toward the rocks. The tide was now so high that
+Paul and the two girls stood ankle-deep in the water that completely
+covered the rocks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ahoy there! Ahoy!&quot; sang out Jack, as he and Russ sent the boat over the
+waves to the res<a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>cue. &quot;Ahoy! We'll have you safe in a minute!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quick! Get that picture! Film it!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell to one of the
+other camera men. &quot;I can work that scene in&mdash;somehow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was very little that was not &quot;grist&quot; which came to the &quot;mill&quot; of
+Mr. Pertell's cameras. The film began to unreel and before they knew it
+Paul, Ruth and Alice were being depicted in the rescue scene, which,
+when it was projected on the screen, made a series of effective
+pictures.</p>
+
+<p>There was little real harm done save for wet feet and startled nerves.
+Sufficient harm, one might think, but Ruth and Alice were beginning to
+forget they had nerves, so many were the strange acts they were called
+upon to perform in their moving picture work.</p>
+
+<p>Jack and Russ helped the three into the boat, and rowed to shore with
+them, where mutual explanations were made, and Mr. Pertell was
+sorrowfully apologetic for his forgetful share in it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And the next time I forget about the tide, when I'm at the shore, I'll
+fine myself a box of candy to be forfeit to you girls,&quot; Paul said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be sure you don't forget to pay the fine,&quot; Alice warned him.</p>
+
+<p>As the company had brought along several changes of costume, there were
+dry shoes for the <a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>three marooned ones, and then, as it was too late to
+finish the scene on the rocks, they went back to New York. Some other
+day would have to be devoted, at least in part, to completing that film.</p>
+
+<p>In the days that followed, work on the <i>Mary Ellen</i> went on apace. She
+was almost ready for her voyage to sea. The big motorboat, <i>Ajax</i>, was
+also being put in readiness. While Jack Jepson and the others were busy
+at the schooner there were also busy scenes at the studio, where Mr.
+DeVere and his daughters took part in many film plays. Nearly all the
+studio scenes for &quot;Out on The Deep,&quot; had been completed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But we must get that river attack before we start on the voyage,&quot; said
+Mr. Pertell one day. This &quot;river attack&quot; showed one phase of the big
+marine drama. Ruth and Alice, in company with Mr. Bunn, as an old
+'longshoreman, were supposed to be rowed across a river to escape harbor
+thieves. To get good local color the location of the scene was fixed on
+the Jersey side of the Hudson river, above the Palisades. Thither those
+of the company required in the scene journeyed one day.</p>
+
+<p>All went well until the time when Mr. Bunn, rather against his will, was
+rowing Ruth and Alice toward shore. They were being pursued by some
+rough men in a second boat. It is needless <a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a>to say that the &quot;rough men,&quot;
+were also moving picture actors.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go on there, Mr. Bunn! Row! Row!&quot; called Mr. Pertell, while Russ, who
+was with him in a third boat, was making the reel hum in the camera.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I&mdash;I can't row any faster,&quot; said the old &quot;Ham&quot; actor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you <i>must</i>!&quot; the manager cried. &quot;That's better,&quot; he added as Mr.
+Bunn showed a burst of speed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh dear! If ever I get through this series of pictures I'll quit the
+game!&quot; groaned the former legitimate actor.</p>
+
+<p>Ruth and Alice &quot;registered&quot; the proper business as the men in the
+pursuing boat came nearer and nearer. The flight was to continue along
+the Jersey shore.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jump out! Jump out!&quot; commanded Mr. Pertell, giving directions from
+behind a screen of bushes, where he and Russ, having landed, were now
+hidden to take the land scenes.</p>
+
+<p>The girls and Mr. Bunn leaped ashore. The &quot;villains&quot; followed, firing
+blank cartridges.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fine! That's fine!&quot; cried the enthusiastic manager, when suddenly, from
+a road that ran along the shore, there sprang a number of country
+<a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>officers. They had their clubs in one hand and had drawn their
+revolvers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Surrender! Surrender!&quot; cried the leading officer to the &quot;villains,&quot; who
+were pursuing Mr. Bunn and the girls. &quot;Surrender! We've got you covered!
+We seen you chasin' these parties! Surrender!&quot; and the police rushed
+toward the actors.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Keep back! Keep back!&quot; implored Mr. Pertell, leaping out of concealment
+and waving his hands. But he was too late.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h3>A REVISED FILM</h3>
+
+
+<p>Just what idea the local police had in mind when they rushed forward
+would be hard to say. Evidently, however, they believed they were intent
+on rescuing the girls from some imminent peril, for the leader of the
+officers, showing not a little fear, even in the heroic role he was
+playing, fired a shot into the air, and cried:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No you don't! No you don't! Nothin' like that there can be done while
+Captain Wealson is around. Up an' at 'em, men!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He and his men rushed toward the pursuing &quot;villains,&quot; got right in the
+way of the camera, and proceeded to attack those whom they thought were
+guilty of some crime.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There it goes!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell. &quot;The picture is spoiled! It will
+have to be all done over again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In obedience to a gesture of despair from the manager, Russ ceased
+grinding at the crank of the camera.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a>That's enough! Stop!&quot; called Mr. Pertell, and Ruth, Alice and the
+others who were making strenuous efforts (seemingly) to escape, came to
+a halt. Many times before they had heard that command which meant that
+something was going wrong, and that they might as well stop at once
+without wasting effort.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, I wonder what's wrong,&quot; said Alice, who had not quite grasped the
+interruption. &quot;Everything seemed to be going beautifully.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps the film broke,&quot; suggested Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's the police,&quot; Paul said, waving his hand at the officers, each of
+whom had clutched a &quot;prisoner,&quot; and was holding him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The police?&quot; echoed Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, they came in when they weren't wanted,&quot; Paul went on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I thought they were part of the picture!&quot; exclaimed Ruth. And so
+she had. Often, to make a moving picture seem more realistic, a manager
+will not tell the actors all he has prepared. Thus he gets the element
+of surprise. Both Ruth and Alice, in this case, thought the local police
+had been brought into the scene at the last moment to add a touch of
+reality to the play. But, as it turned out, it was almost too much
+reality.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Say, what do you fellows mean, anyhow?&quot;<a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a> demanded the manager, of the
+police leader. &quot;What do you mean, I say,&quot; and Mr. Pertell strode up with
+an angry look on his face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do we mean? Ha! That's a good one! Listen to him, boys! What do we
+mean? Why we mean to arrest these scoundrels, and we've done it, too!&quot;
+he added proudly, with a wave of his hand toward the persons his men had
+made prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you've made a big mistake,&quot; Mr. Pertell went on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mistake! Ha! I guess not!&quot; cried the officer. &quot;We don't make mistakes
+up here! One of my men seen something queer goin' on out in the river,
+and come and told me. Then I seen your boats puttin' off, and I knew
+something was wrong. So I got my forces together, and we waited for
+these fellows. We've got 'em, too! Every one of 'em!&quot; he added proudly.
+&quot;Lock 'em up, men!&quot; he ordered. &quot;We'll show these fellows what Jersey
+justice is like. Take 'em away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold on!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell, and this time he allowed a smile to show
+on his hitherto glum face. &quot;You don't seem to understand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I think I do,&quot; said the police officer calmly. &quot;I understand a
+great deal more than you think I do. Come on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a>Wait! I'll explain!&quot; cried the manager. &quot;It's for the moving pictures!&quot;
+he added. &quot;This is only a pretended attack and pursuit. Ask the young
+ladies themselves,&quot; he said, motioning to Ruth and Alice who were now
+smiling. Certainly they did not seem to be in any great alarm or
+distress over their recent adventure. Their appearance must have caused
+the officer to doubt the wisdom of his course.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Weren't these fellers chasing you?&quot; he demanded, motioning to the
+prisoners. &quot;Now don't say they wasn't, for I saw 'em.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes, they were pursuing us,&quot; admitted Ruth, &quot;but it was all in the
+picture.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The picture?&quot; questioned the officer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes. We are moving picture actresses and actors,&quot; she went on, and her
+father, coming up then, though he had had no active part in the chase,
+confirmed what she said.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment the police captain maintained a silence, and then, as he
+could no longer doubt what was said, since Mr. Pertell exhibited certain
+credentials, the representative of Jersey justice said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, this certainly is one on me! We'd better go back, boys,&quot; he added
+to his men, &quot;and we'd better keep quiet about this thing. But I sure
+thought this was a kidnapping case.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a>And you spoiled my picture,&quot; groaned Mr. Pertell. &quot;Now we've got to go
+back to the middle of the river, and do it over from there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold on a minute!&quot; exclaimed Pop Snooks, who, as property man, was also
+a sort of assistant manager. &quot;Maybe this will turn out all right after
+all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How do you mean?&quot; asked Mr. Pertell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, the police. We could have them try to stop the pursuers but get
+worsted in the encounter, and the roughs could keep right on after the
+girls. In that way we won't have to waste much film. Just go on with the
+picture from the point where these policemen came in.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Pertell thought for a minute.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the idea!&quot; he suddenly cried. &quot;It will make a better picture
+that way. Say!&quot; he went on to the police officers: &quot;You're in on this!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In on what?&quot; asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On this scene. I can use you and your men. You won't mind a little
+rough and tumble work, will you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon the manager explained that he would turn the police to good
+advantage, and have them interfere in the attack, only to be outdone by
+the &quot;villains.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>It's only fair for you to do this, as you came in where you weren't
+needed and nearly spoiled the picture,&quot; the manager said.</p>
+
+<p>Whether it was this appeal to justice and fair play, or because he and
+his men were anxious to get into a moving picture, was not made clear;
+but the captain and the policemen consented to do their parts.</p>
+
+<p>There was a little coaching, something of a rehearsal and then that
+scene went on again, with Ruth and Alice &quot;fleeing&quot; from the pursuers,
+and the police charging downhill after the men.</p>
+
+<p>Then followed the improvised scene, of an attack by the police, and a
+repulse by the &quot;villains.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good! That's great!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell. &quot;It will be better than I
+thought it would. This is fine!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! Yes, maybe for you, but look at my eye!&quot; cried Mr. Pepper Sneed.
+&quot;Look at it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, what's the matter with it?&quot; asked Mr. Pertell. &quot;It's a little
+red, that's all I can see.&quot; The taking of pictures had stopped for the
+time being.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A little red! A little!&quot; fairly howled the grouch. &quot;Say it will be
+black and blue tomorrow. One of those policeman hit me in the eye with
+his elbow. It was an awful blow. I <a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a>shouldn't wonder but that I went
+blind. Never again will I take part in anything as tough as this. I know
+I'll be laid up for a week,&quot; and with this gloomy thought he limped off,
+for he had been rather roughly handled in the m&ecirc;l&eacute;e.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wonder if that's all for us today?&quot; asked Alice, as she saw Russ
+taking the legs off his camera.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, are you tired?&quot; asked Ruth, solicitously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A little, yes. I shall be glad when we get out to sea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps we may have even harder work than this,&quot; suggested Ruth, for
+the race along shore had not been easy. &quot;A shipwreck isn't going to be
+any society drama, Alice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know,&quot; agreed the younger girl. &quot;But I think we shall like it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Neither of them realized what was in store for them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h3>OVERHEARD</h3>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I think this will do,&quot; Mr. Pertell announced, as the members of
+his company gathered on the shore of the Hudson, ready to go back to the
+larger boat, whence they had come in the two small ones, to depict the
+pursuit. &quot;It came out better than I expected when I saw that crowd of
+policemen charging down on us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought sure we were in for a spell in the lock-up,&quot; remarked one of
+the extra men engaged as a member of the &quot;pursuing villains.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You had a little extra work, doing part of the scene over again, so
+we'll give you all a little bonus,&quot; said the manager. &quot;We'll get back to
+the studio now. There are a few scenes I want to make before we start
+off on our trip to sea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How soon do we go?&quot; asked Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As soon as we can get stocked up. Captain Brisco has a few little
+repairs to make to the schooner, I believe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you think the <i>Mary Ellen</i> will prove to <a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>be a safe boat in which to
+go to sea?&quot; asked Mr. DeVere, when he, with his daughters, and the
+others, were on their way back to New York.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why not?&quot; asked the manager.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I heard Jack Jepson say the schooner was a pretty old one,&quot;
+replied the veteran actor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So she is,&quot; said Mr. Pertell, &quot;if she hadn't been, our company never
+could have afforded to buy her just to make a shipwreck of her. But she
+is perfectly safe for what traveling we shall do. Brisco has assured me
+of that, and has seen to it. What sort of a yarn was Jepson giving you?&quot;
+and Mr. Pertell seemed a bit annoyed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, he merely said that the schooner was a pretty old one,&quot; went on
+Mr. DeVere, &quot;and that she had seen her best days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He didn't say that she was unsafe, did he?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, oh, no! Nothing like that!&quot; exclaimed the actor quickly. &quot;I was
+just wondering about her. I shouldn't like to take any chances you
+know,&quot; and he glanced over toward his daughters who had no part in this
+conversation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, the <i>Mary Ellen</i> will be as safe as is necessary,&quot; the manager
+continued. &quot;Besides we will be in Southern waters after we leave here,
+and there will be little danger from storms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am glad of that,&quot; Mr. DeVere said. &quot;A warm Southern clime will be
+beneficial to my <a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a>throat. It does not take kindly to our Northern
+weather, even at the best.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In the days that followed there was plenty of work for the moving
+picture girls in the film studio. They had to take part in several
+little dramas that had to be completed before the sea scenes in the
+ocean play were undertaken.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Anything much to do this afternoon?&quot; asked Russ of Ruth as he passed
+her near her dressing room one day about a week after the episode of the
+mistaken policemen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I am free,&quot; she announced. &quot;They have postponed that 'In the Slums'
+and I'm glad of it. I don't care for such characters as I have to assume
+in a play like that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor I. I'm off for the afternoon, too. What do you say we take Alice,
+and go for a little trip to the Erie Basin?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To see the <i>Mary Ellen</i> again? There can't be much change since we saw
+her last.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, not exactly to see her, though we could pay a visit if we liked.
+But you know we are to have a big motorboat follow us in the ocean
+scenes&mdash;I'm to take pictures from it, in fact&mdash;and that motorboat&mdash;the
+<i>Ajax</i>&mdash;is over in the Basin, near the old schooner. I thought maybe
+you'd like to take a look at her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I would!&quot; exclaimed Ruth with enthusiasm.<a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a> &quot;I'll tell Alice. She is
+disengaged, I know, for I heard Mr. Pertell tell her so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sorry we can't go for a trip in her,&quot; went on Russ, &quot;but she isn't
+in shape yet. I have to go over to give some directions about building a
+platform for setting the camera on, and I thought we might combine
+business and pleasure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It will be a pleasure to go,&quot; said Ruth, as she went off to find her
+sister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tell Paul, too, if you see him,&quot; Russ called after her. &quot;We'll make a
+party of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right,&quot; Ruth answered.</p>
+
+<p>She found Paul and Alice together&mdash;just as she half expected&mdash;and
+mentioned Russ's plan.</p>
+
+<p>Paul was cast for a role in a little play that afternoon, but he spoke
+to Mr. Pertell about it, and the manager kindly postponed it, as it was
+not very important.</p>
+
+<p>So, after lunch the four young people started for the place where the
+<i>Ajax</i> was being overhauled, not far from the dock of the <i>Mary Ellen</i>.
+On the way they talked of their plans when they should be at sea. It had
+been given out at the studio that they would all go aboard the <i>Mary
+Ellen</i>, which would be headed for the Florida coast. Somewhere off that
+peninsula, just where had not been decided, the moving pictures would be
+made, and the shipwreck <a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a>would take place. The details had not yet been
+perfected.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you going to travel alone in the motorboat?&quot; asked Alice of Russ.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No indeed. She is to be carried in a cradle on the deck of the <i>Mary
+Ellen</i>, and&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A cradle!&quot; interrupted Alice. &quot;Whoever heard of a boat being put in a
+cradle, as if it were a baby!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, the <i>Ajax</i> is going to be rocked in the cradle of the deep, isn't
+she?&quot; asked Paul.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, what a heartless joke!&quot; mocked Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just for that you'll be fined four ice cream sodas!&quot; laughed Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, but speaking seriously,&quot; went on Russ, &quot;the <i>Ajax</i> will be cradled
+on the deck of the schooner; that is, the motorboat will be set in two V
+shaped affairs, called cradles. That's to prevent her rolling off into
+the high seas.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you think it will be rough?&quot; asked Ruth, with an apprehensive look
+over her shoulder, as though she already saw a &quot;hurricane in the
+offing,&quot; as her sister laughingly put it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you know we have to wait for a storm, to get some of the scenes,&quot;
+Russ said. &quot;Of course the weather often gets pretty bad in these
+Southern waters, in spite of their peaceful name,&quot; he continued, &quot;but I
+don't suppose Mr. Pertell <a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a>will venture out far from the harbor in a bad
+blow. Even a little wind will kick up enough sea to make it look pretty
+rough in a picture.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I don't mind a storm!&quot; exclaimed Alice. &quot;I just love it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh&mdash;Alice!&quot; cried her sister. &quot;You know you'll be as frightened as I'll
+be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll see,&quot; challenged the younger girl with sparkling eyes and a flush
+on her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>They found the <i>Ajax</i>, after some little difficulty, among a score of
+other boats, in process of repair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, what a big one!&quot; exclaimed Alice as she caught sight of the craft.
+&quot;I do hope you'll give us a ride in her, Russ.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course I shall, between times of taking pictures,&quot; he promised.
+&quot;What do you think of her, Paul?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pretty fine,&quot; agreed the young actor. &quot;Has she any speed?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not much, I guess. It's an old sort of tub, but pretty steady in the
+water, Mr. Pertell said. That's what I want for taking pictures. It
+won't do to have her rolling and pitching. Well, let's go aboard, and
+see how they're coming on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Russ had a permit to view the craft, and as he was expected to give some
+instructions regarding the building of the platform, the man in <a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a>charge
+of the overhauling work welcomed the four young people.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Ajax</i> was, as Russ had said, rather a tub, but it was a large,
+comfortable boat, and was capable of going on quite a cruise. There was
+a partially enclosed cabin, and many comforts and conveniences. But just
+for the present purpose, everything was being subordinated to the taking
+of moving pictures.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm readjusting the motor,&quot; the head of the repair gang told Russ, &quot;so
+she'll start and stop, as well as reverse easily and quickly. That's
+what you want, isn't it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's it, yes. You see I can't tell when I'll have to shift, to make
+allowances for what the actors and actresses will do. There's no telling
+about these moving picture people,&quot; and Russ gave Ruth and Alice, as
+well as Paul, a laughing look as though to indicate that they were very
+temperamental, and hard to get along with.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are these some of the actor folks?&quot; asked the mechanic who was laboring
+over the motor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's what they are, and good ones, too!&quot; cried Russ.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gee! They don't look it!&quot; was the frank remark, and the two girls broke
+into peals of laughter.</p>
+
+<p>Paul and Russ showed Ruth and Alice over the <a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>big motorboat, and then
+leaving the three to their own devices for a while, the young camera
+operator went into details of the work with the head mechanic. Russ was
+told that the <i>Ajax</i> would be ready in plenty of time for him. He
+expressed himself as satisfied with the progress made, though he made
+one or two slight changes in the platform, built on the forward deck of
+the craft, where he was to stand when he took the pictures of the
+shipwreck.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, how about those sodas now?&quot; asked Russ of his companions when he
+had finished. &quot;There's a nice place a few blocks up, and it's about warm
+enough for ice cream.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Couldn't we take just a look at the <i>Mary Ellen</i> while we are here?&quot;
+asked Alice. &quot;Isn't that she, over there?&quot; and she pointed across the
+basin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You speak of that ship as if she were a person,&quot; objected Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so she is!&quot; Alice exclaimed. &quot;A ship is always a lady, isn't she,
+Paul?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She ought to try to be, at least,&quot; he laughed. &quot;How about it, Russ?
+Shall we take the girls over to the schooner?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Might as well, I guess. It won't take long, and it isn't far.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A short time later the four of them stood at <a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a>the gangplank of the <i>Mary
+Ellen</i>. They saw no signs of any men on deck, but they were doubtless
+below, making the repairs, which must be nearly finished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come on,&quot; said Russ, leading the way. &quot;We'll go aboard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As they stood on deck, looking about them, they saw no one, but the
+companionway was in plain sight, and they started toward it, intending
+to go down into the main cabin.</p>
+
+<p>The place was rather dimly lighted, but when their eyes had become used
+to the gloom, they caught sight of a solitary figure in the forward end
+of the main compartment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's Jack Jepson,&quot; whispered Alice to her companions. &quot;We'll give him a
+surprise. Keep quiet now. His back is toward me and I'll tiptoe up
+behind him and put my hands over his eyes. I'll make him guess who it
+is. He'll think some British suffragette has taken him on that silly
+charge of mutiny,&quot; she went on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be careful,&quot; admonished Ruth. &quot;No pranks, Alice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This isn't a prank. Keep quiet now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The old sailor was evidently not aware that visitors were in the cabin,
+for they had made little noise in descending the companion stairs, and
+<a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a>what little they had caused was drowned by the distant noise of
+carpenters' hammers.</p>
+
+<p>As Alice advanced, the others remaining back in the semi-darkness, they
+all heard Jack Jepson break into a sort of monologue. He was talking to
+himself, in fashion something like this.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It ought to be hereabouts, if it's anywhere, and I'm sure it is. I
+can't be mistaken. They have cut her down, and made a lot of changes,
+but they can't fool me. I was suspicious when I first came aboard, and
+I'm more so every minute. I'm going to find out for sure, while I have
+the chance. Let me think now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He leaned up against a bulkhead, while Alice glanced back at her friends
+in some surprise. What meant the words they had overheard? The old
+sailor seemed strangely excited, and he was passing his hand over the
+paneling of the cabin as though in search of something long forgotten,
+or dimly remembered.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later another step was heard in the apartment, and Captain
+Brisco entered. He started at the sight of Jepson, though the commander
+had not yet seen the four young people.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What are you doing here?&quot; he asked in a hoarse voice. The old salt
+started back as though caught in some guilty act.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h3>&quot;ALL ABOARD!&quot;</h3>
+
+
+<p>Ruth, Alice, Paul and Russ remained silent and unseen witnesses of the
+little scene being enacted before them. It was like some section taken
+from a moving picture drama, though they could not guess what the plot
+was, nor what the outcome would be.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What are you doing here, Mr. Jepson?&quot; asked Captain Brisco, and there
+was sarcasm in the title he bestowed on his mate, for since he was third
+in command, having been given the post of second mate, the old salt was
+entitled to be called Mister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was jest&mdash;jest lookin'&mdash;lookin'&mdash;&quot; Jepson faltered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you'd better look forward then,&quot; came, the harsh command.
+&quot;There's plenty to do there, if we're ever to start on this voyage, and
+of all the&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Alice sneezed. She could not help it, and in trying to
+hold it back, she made <a name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a>more of a commotion than if she had let the
+sneeze come naturally.</p>
+
+<p>At the sound Captain Brisco and Jack Jepson turned and stared toward the
+dimness that marked the companionway.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who's there?&quot; called Captain Brisco, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We just came aboard to see how matters were coming on,&quot; said Russ
+stepping forward and under a skylight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But we didn't expect to be welcomed with snuff,&quot; said Alice, as she
+sneezed again. This time Ruth joined her. There was an irritating odor
+noticeable in the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I beg your pardon,&quot; Captain Brisco said, as the others stepped closer
+to Russ, so they could be discerned. &quot;I didn't know who it was. I am
+glad to see you. That's a paint-remover you smell. It is irritating. I
+am very glad to see you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But he did not say it at all as though he meant it. Alice said afterward
+she thought her sneeze had broken in on the captain's denunciation of
+the proposed sea voyage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was just as though he were going to say it was the most foolish and
+nonsensical thing of which he had ever heard,&quot; Alice explained. &quot;Oh, why
+<i>did</i> I have to go and sneeze just then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did you want to hear what he would have said?&quot; asked her sister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a>Yes, I did. I don't like Captain Brisco.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You mustn't say such things,&quot; Ruth cautioned her. But this was some
+time later.</p>
+
+<p>Just at present the commander of the <i>Mary Ellen</i> was trying to make his
+unexpected guests feel a welcome he rather grudgingly extended.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We have been over looking at the <i>Ajax</i>,&quot; explained Russ, &quot;and we
+thought we'd stop in and pay you a call.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes, I'm to carry the <i>Ajax</i> on deck, I believe,&quot; the commander
+said. &quot;Well, you'll find us all pretty busy here,&quot; he went on. &quot;Mr.
+Jepson, will you kindly go forward and see how the men are coming on
+with that caulking?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was a very different voice from the one he had used when Ruth, Alice
+and the others had been unseen listeners.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What about the mainmast?&quot; asked Sailor Jack. &quot;It's sprung, as I told
+you it was, and unless those stays&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll look after that!&quot; interrupted the captain. &quot;You do as I tell you,
+and leave that mast to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you said that it didn't need&mdash;&quot; persisted the second mate.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never you mind what I said!&quot; and the commander's voice was harsh. &quot;I'll
+look after that. Now you go forward!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was more in the nature of a command than is <a name="Page_107" id="Page_107"></a>usual between captain
+and mate. The girls felt this, as well as did the boys. But they said
+nothing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come along and see how we are progressing,&quot; continued Captain Brisco in
+more genial tones, as Jack Jepson left the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then you are going to be ready in time?&quot; asked Paul.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ahead of time,&quot; said the commander, boastfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's good!&quot; exclaimed Russ. &quot;Mr. Pertell is anxious not to be
+delayed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He won't be on <i>my</i> account,&quot; Captain Brisco assured the young
+operator. &quot;A few more details, and we'll be ready for sea. About time,
+too, for this good weather won't hold any too long down among those West
+Indian islands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, are we going there?&quot; asked Alice. &quot;That will be delightful!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought we were to go only to Florida,&quot; Ruth remarked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There has been a slight change in the plans,&quot; the captain said. &quot;Mr.
+Pertell and I decided on it. I believe it is not generally known yet,
+but there is no secret about it. I told him he could get better results
+by going a little farther south than merely along the Florida coast,
+down toward some of the West Indies, and he agreed with me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_108" id="Page_108"></a>The West Indies,&quot; mused Alice as she followed the others about the
+refinished schooner. &quot;I wonder if we will get near the 'Hole in the
+Wall' that Jack told about? I'd like to see it, but I suppose a hole in
+the water is a pretty hard thing to find.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Alice wondered whether she would see the old sailor before they went
+ashore again. She had taken quite a fancy to him, as had Ruth, and the
+old salt, on his part, seemed to like the moving picture girls more than
+any other members of the Comet Film Company.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wonder what he was doing all alone there in the cabin?&quot; mused Alice
+as she hung back a little while the others were examining some changes
+that had been made in the dining-cabin. &quot;It seemed as though he were
+trying to discover some secret panel, a passage or hiding place, or
+something like that. And Captain Brisco certainly was rather brusque
+about it. I do hope there won't be any quarreling or mutiny aboard the
+<i>Mary Ellen</i> when we put out to sea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>For a time Alice was a little alarmed, but she soon recovered her
+composure, and was able to take her part in the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Mary Ellen</i> was indeed assuming a &quot;ship-shape&quot; appearance. The
+litter that had obstructed her decks on the first visit had given <a name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a>place
+to a semblance of neatness. The craft had been newly painted and she
+glistened in the sun, her brass work having been highly polished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A few more days and we'll pull out of here,&quot; announced Captain Brisco,
+as they went up on deck. &quot;Then I suppose you folks will begin to cut up
+all sorts of capers,&quot; and he smiled indulgently. He seemed to have
+recovered his good nature, or, rather, perhaps, to have summoned some of
+it to be used on this occasion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, we'll leave the 'cutting-up' to Mr. Switzer,&quot; said Paul with a
+laugh. &quot;He's the comedian of the company.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>One of the workmen approached and asked the captain some question. It
+seemed to be about pumps, though the girls did not understand it very
+clearly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You needn't bother to mend those valves,&quot; the commander said. &quot;We
+shan't need the pumps anyhow, and there's no use putting too much time
+and work on the old hulk. Pertell told me to get her ready for sea so
+she'd last a reasonable length of time. They're going to wreck her
+anyhow, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I know. But those pumps&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let 'em go!&quot; the commander ordered. &quot;Now about those stays,&quot; and he and
+the sailor plunged into a mass of technical details in which <a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a>the moving
+picture girls were not interested, nor, I am sure, would you be, my
+readers.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of all the work that had been done on the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, she was
+still far from being a fine ship. Many things were left undone, as they
+would not show in a picture. As the captain had said, Mr. Pertell was
+not desirous of putting too much time or expense on her, just to send
+her to the bottom after a few days' use. Still the craft had to be
+rendered seaworthy, as some views were to be taken showing her progress
+down the coast to the Florida Straits.</p>
+
+<p>A little later Captain Brisco was called below, and he took leave of his
+visitors, saying he would be busy for some hours.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, it's time for us to go,&quot; Ruth said. &quot;We promised to meet daddy at
+dinner,&quot; she added to her sister.</p>
+
+<p>Alice assented and looked around, as though in search of someone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it?&quot; Ruth asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was looking for Jack, to say good-bye. There he is over there,&quot; and
+she pointed to the old man polishing the brass work of the binnacle in
+front of the steering wheel. &quot;I'm going over and speak to him,&quot; she
+added.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Jepson had his back toward Alice, and was not aware of her
+approach. She heard him <a name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a>murmuring to himself, and the words sounded
+strange to her&mdash;as strange as the first ones she had overheard from him
+that day.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It'll never do! It'll never do!&quot; Jack Jepson was saying. &quot;It's criminal
+wrong, that's what it is. But I'll jest keep a sharp watch, an' at the
+first sign of danger, I'll&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then he heard the footfall of Alice on the deck, and turned quickly. He
+smiled at her, and the smile was in strange contrast to his rather
+ominous words. As Alice knew very little about the sea or boats, she
+paid no attention.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I came to bid you good-bye,&quot; she said. &quot;We are going back to New York
+now, but we'll soon be aboard here for a long stay, I hope. My, how nice
+everything looks!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, but it&mdash;it's too nice!&quot; exclaimed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too nice? What do you mean?&quot; she asked wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, well, nothing, Miss Alice. You wouldn't understand. I'm glad to see
+you. This isn't a mate's work, properly speakin',&quot; he said, as he
+indicated the box of polish, &quot;but then we haven't started discipline
+yet. We'll do that at sea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I'll hope we'll soon be out on the deep,&quot; voiced Alice.</p>
+
+<p>A week later the entire moving picture company that was to take part in
+the marine drama <a name="Page_112" id="Page_112"></a>assembled at the dock where the <i>Mary Ellen</i> had been
+refitted for her last voyage. Stores and provisions had been put aboard,
+the <i>Ajax</i> lay stowed in the cradle on deck, and the members of the
+company, the moving picture operators and the manager and his
+assistants, had sent their baggage aboard. There was plenty of extra
+film.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All aboard!&quot; called Captain Brisco, and the gangplank was about to be
+hauled in. &quot;All aboard! We won't wait for him!&quot; he went on, speaking to
+the first mate and to Mr. Pertell who stood near him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Won't wait for whom?&quot; Alice heard Mr. Pertell ask.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A new hand I hired at the last minute. He's a good navigator, better
+than Jepson, and that's why I took him on. But he isn't here, and so
+we'll go without him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not short-handed, are you?&quot; asked the manager, rather anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, not for this voyage. I think&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But the captain was interrupted by a shout up the wharf. A man,
+seemingly a sailor, came running toward the schooner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There he is now!&quot; the captain exclaimed. &quot;All aboard. Hurry up, my man,
+or you'll be left.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The man flung himself on the gangplank which <a name="Page_113" id="Page_113"></a>was separated from the
+dock by some little distance. He scrambled aboard, and just then, Alice,
+standing near Jack Jepson, heard the old sailor utter an exclamation of
+surprise, and murmur:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can that be him? Can that be him&mdash;after these years? No, it can't be!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All aboard!&quot; cried Captain Brisco. And the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, in charge of a
+fussy little tug, began moving away from the dock.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h3>OVERBOARD</h3>
+
+
+<p>Alice was so impressed with what she had heard sailor Jack say, that, in
+spite of the desire to give all her attention to the start of the
+voyage, destined to be so momentous, she looked first at Jepson and then
+at the new arrival. The latter appeared to be an ordinary sailor, but
+there was a commanding air about him, as though he were used to having
+his own way. But he was sufficiently subservient to Captain Brisco,
+saluting the commander in formal fashion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're late!&quot; growled Captain Brisco.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes&mdash;couldn't help it,&quot; was the almost cheerful answer. &quot;You knew I
+wouldn't be left though, didn't you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I wasn't sure of it,&quot; Alice heard the captain answer. &quot;Get below,
+and then we'll talk later.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Alice turned to see how Jack Jepson was taking this. The old salt seemed
+to be listening intently, but he had his back turned.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_115" id="Page_115"></a>He knows that man who just came aboard,&quot; decided Alice, &quot;and there is
+something queer about it all. In fact there is something queer about
+this vessel and Captain Brisco. I feel as though I were in the midst of
+a mystery. I'm going to see if I can't solve it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>That was Alice's way. She always did like to solve puzzles, from the
+time when she was a small child, and she went at this one in much the
+same way as had been her habit in the case of the simple ones in the
+juvenile papers she took when a little girl.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's something between Captain Brisco, Jack Jepson and this new
+man,&quot; Alice decided. &quot;Jack is afraid of being recognized, and yet he
+wants to make sure who this new man is. Can it have anything to do with
+the mutiny, I wonder?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was a question she could not answer just then. She resolved to be on
+the watch, to look and listen, without saying much, until she had in her
+mental grasp some of the loose ends of the puzzle.</p>
+
+<p>Ruth was some distance off, talking to her father. Mr. DeVere, in spite
+of the warmth of the day, had a light silk scarf about his throat, which
+had pained him during the night. The other members of the company were
+scattered <a name="Page_116" id="Page_116"></a>about the schooner which was being towed out to sea. Miss
+Pennington and Miss Dixon were waving to some young men who had come to
+see them off. Mr. Wellington Bunn's face wore a glum look. Perhaps he
+saw no chance of doing anything with his favorite role of Hamlet in this
+marine story that was soon to be enacted.</p>
+
+<p>Alice heard Jack muttering to himself. She could not catch all the
+words, but she heard him say:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, it must be the same one! He hasn't changed much&mdash;not as much as I
+have. He won't know me. But what am I to do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The old salt's musings, however, were cut short, for Captain Brisco
+called to him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I say there, Mr. Jepson,&quot; ordered the commander, &quot;will you go forward,
+and see how the bitts are standing up under the strain of that hawser? I
+don't want them to pull out, and they're none too strong. Lively now!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aye, aye, sir!&quot; dutifully answered the second mate, and he shuffled off
+along the deck, while Captain Brisco and the new arrival went below,
+being, apparently, on very friendly terms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that is another queer part of it,&quot; mused Alice. &quot;That new man is
+supposed to be a common sailor&mdash;he must be, as all the offices, from
+captain down, are filled. And yet Captain<a name="Page_117" id="Page_117"></a> Brisco treats him as an
+equal. I can't understand it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>None of the others of the moving picture company appeared to find
+anything odd in the reception of the man who had almost been left. In
+fact, save for Alice and Jack Jepson, no one paid any attention to him.
+As the captain and the new man whom he had addressed as &quot;Hen Lacomb&quot;
+went below, the attention of Alice was taken by Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't you think, dear,&quot; her sister said, &quot;that we had better get our
+possessions in order. I understand that some pictures are to be taken
+aboard the schooner here, and we will want to get our costumes out where
+we can easily reach them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I suppose so,&quot; murmured Alice. &quot;But I wonder who he is?&quot; she added,
+half unconsciously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What in the world are you talking about?&quot; asked Ruth in some surprise.
+&quot;Do you mean that young man who was waving to Miss Dixon?&quot; for a certain
+youth seemed very loath to bid farewell to the former variety actress.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes. Who is he?&quot; asked Alice, accepting this chance to get out of
+answering, though what she had meant was the identity of the mysterious
+Hen Lacomb, and not the youth on the dock.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've seen him before,&quot; Ruth said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></a>Who?&quot; asked Alice quickly, her mind still intent on the mystery.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, Alice, how odd you are! That young man of whom we are speaking, to
+be sure. I mean I've seen him around the studio. He seems to be quite
+impressed by Miss Dixon.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Alice, vaguely. &quot;Well, let's go below,&quot; she suggested. &quot;You
+notice how nautical I'm getting,&quot; she went on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Forgetful you mean,&quot; supplemented Ruth. &quot;Well, anyhow, we have fine
+weather for the start.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The schooner was well out from the dock now, and the pilot was in
+charge, so there was nothing for Captain Brisco to do for the present.
+He had gone to his cabin, and the stranger, or, rather, Hen Lacomb, to
+give him the name bestowed on him, was with the commander.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish I knew what they were talking about,&quot; said Alice, and, without
+intending to do so, she spoke aloud.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who?&quot; asked Ruth. &quot;Really, you are saying the strangest things this
+morning, Sister mine!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I was thinking&mdash;thinking&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Alice was rather at a loss for words to explain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must have some of your new roles on the brain,&quot; went on Ruth. &quot;I
+know I've been <a name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></a>doing a lot of thinking over mine. They are nearly all
+nice ones, I'm glad to say, but I don't like the parts we have to take
+in the shipwreck. Fancy having actually to jump into the water.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>That was one of the things required, according to the scenario.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's no danger,&quot; Alice said, as she and her sister reached the
+stateroom they were to share.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, but think of <i>sharks</i> in those Southern waters!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm not going to think of them,&quot; declared Alice. &quot;Besides, we shall be
+in the water only a short time, and the motorboat will pick us up. It
+will be nice and warm.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The plan of the shipwreck included the jumping overboard of some of the
+company, and their rescue in small boats, or by the motorboat <i>Ajax</i>,
+that would follow, with Russ in it taking the moving pictures of the
+&quot;thrilling scenes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, that doesn't come until toward the end,&quot; Ruth remarked, &quot;so I'm
+not going to think about it until then. Now let's unpack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Ruth and Alice had comfortable, if rather restricted, quarters in a
+small cabin containing two bunks. Their father was near them, and the
+other members of the company had rooms scattered about. The ship's crew,
+of course, berthed <a name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></a>forward, and the two mates, of whom Jack Jepson was
+one, were quartered with the captain. Alice wondered what would be the
+standing of Hen Lacomb.</p>
+
+<p>She learned a little later when she saw him taking his bag &quot;aft.&quot; That
+meant he was to be treated as an officer. There is all the difference in
+the world on a sailing ship, whether a man bunks &quot;forward&quot; or &quot;aft.&quot; In
+the latter case he is either an officer or a passenger, and in the
+former case he is classed as a member of the crew, a &quot;foremast hand,&quot;
+and, as such, has no authority.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hen Lacomb is evidently someone in power,&quot; decided Alice, though she
+said nothing to her sister or father, or even Jack. She managed to
+learn, by judicious questions, that Hen, as she began to think of him,
+was a friend of Captain Brisco, and a sort of passenger-helper on the
+<i>Mary Ellen</i>.</p>
+
+<p>And now that the voyage was really started, those who were to take part
+in the play began to consider their roles.</p>
+
+<p>In brief the plan was this. The schooner, under her own sail, would
+proceed to the warm West Indian waters and clime, and there, when
+suitable surroundings were found, the taking of the main scenes in the
+big drama would begin.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></a>I shall not weary you with an account of the trip down. In spite of her
+age, the schooner proved a good sailor, for she had been well refitted,
+even if she was to be wrecked. Day after day passed and the sun shone
+warmer as they came farther and farther south.</p>
+
+<p>Some few scenes were filmed aboard the craft, but there was not much
+work for anyone, and the time was most enjoyable. Even Mr. Sneed, the
+&quot;human grouch,&quot; consented to smile, now and then.</p>
+
+<p>They passed Key West, but did not dock, and kept on. Alice wondered if
+they would come near the &quot;Hole in the Wall,&quot; but she did not like to
+ask, for fear of making trouble for Jack. She did not know how much of
+his story he wanted known to those aboard the ship.</p>
+
+<p>It was a warm, sunny day, and Mr. Pertell had announced that he would
+begin some of the more important scenes of the drama in a short time.
+The <i>Mary Ellen</i> was plowing through the blue waters, bending over under
+a good wind. Nearly all the members of the company were out on deck,
+under awnings. Alice saw Jack Jepson at some work on the port rail, and
+noticed Hen Lacomb and the captain stroll toward him. The two latter
+seemed to converse for a few minutes,<a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"></a> when suddenly there was a heavy
+lurch and roll to the craft.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mind your helm there!&quot; sang out Captain Brisco angrily to the
+steersman. At the same time there rang out a cry from Hen Lacomb.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Man overboard! Man overboard!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Alice, startled, leaped to her feet. Jack Jepson had disappeared!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h3>&quot;SAIL HO!&quot;</h3>
+
+
+<p>Alice DeVere was not an ordinary sort of girl. She may have been, once,
+but that was before her advent in moving pictures. There had been times
+when a sudden emergency would cause her to feel faint, if not actually
+to succumb to that interesting ailment, which is so useful, especially
+in stories and books.</p>
+
+<p>But Alice, who was the nearest to the scene of what had just happened,
+neither fainted, nor became unduly excited. She had seen too many
+emergencies in the work of taking moving pictures to become &quot;rattled,&quot;
+which is not used in a slangy sense at all, but merely to indicate that
+one's nerves vibrate too rapidly. Consequently, after her first scream,
+Alice was almost as calm and collected as could be expected of a veteran
+sailor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Man overboard!&quot; Alice cried, echoing the shout of Hen Lacomb, who, she
+noticed, after his first hesitation, began lowering a boat, or trying
+to, for it needed two at that task.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a>I'll help!&quot; cried Alice rushing to the aid of the strange man who
+seemed so friendly with Captain Brisco.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh&mdash;you&mdash;&mdash;!&quot; he exclaimed, with a swift look at her. Then he resumed
+the work of loosing the ropes so they would run freely in the pulley
+blocks of the davits.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Captain Brisco had bawled out an order to the helmsman to
+bring the ship up in the wind. A sailor had tossed overboard a
+life-ring, and then came to help Lacomb lower the boat, for Alice found
+it beyond her strength, eager as she was.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There he is!&quot; cried Russ, as he rushed to the rail beside Alice. He
+pointed to the water. Fortunately the sea was smooth, and rising and
+falling on the waves could be seen the head of the old sailor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! Oh!&quot; gasped Ruth, who glided over to the side of Alice. &quot;If&mdash;if a
+shark should come now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There aren't any around here!&quot; declared Russ. He did not know whether
+there were or not, but he said that to make the girls feel more
+comfortable. After all, if there were sharks, whatever he said would be
+of no effect, and it was better to take the best view of it, he thought.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lower away!&quot; cried Hen Lacomb, and the <a name="Page_125" id="Page_125"></a>boat went down to the water.
+Two sailors, beside himself, slid down the ropes into it, and took the
+oars. They cast off the davit blocks, and began rowing toward the
+bobbing head. Old Jack could swim well, it seemed, in spite of his age.
+The water was warm, and it was broad daylight, so he was in
+comparatively little danger&mdash;except from sharks and from the fact that
+he had on his clothes, which would soon become soaked and hamper him.</p>
+
+<p>But no sharks appeared; that menacing triangular fin which marks them
+was not seen cutting the water, and no big twelve-foot man-eater was
+observed to turn on his back in order to bring his curious, under-shot
+mouth with its rows of keen teeth to bear on poor Jack Jepson.</p>
+
+<p>If a shark had appeared, it would probably have put an end to the plans
+of Mr. Pertell to have his company give an idea of shipwreck by leaping
+into the water. No one would have jumped into those waters had they been
+shark-infested. But, as I have said, none of the tigers of the deep
+showed, and, a little later, Jack was being lifted into the small boat.
+They had reached him just when his strength was about exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, have they saved him?&quot; asked Miss Pennington, coming on deck very
+pale. Alice said <a name="Page_126" id="Page_126"></a>afterward she had not had time to put on her &quot;war
+paint.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I&mdash;I can't bear to look!&quot; faltered Miss Dixon, following her friend.
+&quot;Tell me dear&mdash;is he&mdash;is he dead?&quot; she asked of Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dead! No, of course not!&quot; said Alice, none too politely. &quot;Don't be
+silly! He just fell overboard, and they got him back again; that's all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Miss Dixon looked angry and flounced back to her cabin with her chum.
+Jack and his rescuers were hoisted up in the boat, the other sailors
+hauling on the ropes, the blocks of which were hooked fast to rings in
+the bow and stern posts of the rowing craft.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you tried to leave us rather suddenly,&quot; said Mr. Pertell. &quot;Don't
+go trying that again, Jack&mdash;at least until we finish making the
+pictures,&quot; he went on with a whimsical smile. &quot;You're in too many
+important scenes to be lost that way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I haven't any fancy that way myself,&quot; said Jack, who seemed little the
+worse for his unexpected bath.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How did it happen?&quot; asked Captain Brisco of his mate, though it seemed
+as though he had been near enough to have seen for himself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, I was standing near the rail,&quot; Jack explained, &quot;talkin' to Mr.
+Lacomb, here,&quot; and he <a name="Page_127" id="Page_127"></a>indicated the strange man, &quot;when, all at once the
+ship gives a lurch, and&mdash;well, I went over, that's all I guess,&quot; and he
+looked at Lacomb, as though to get him to confirm the account.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes that's right,&quot; said the other. &quot;I&mdash;I tried to grab him, but I was
+too late. I nearly went over myself,&quot; he added, grimly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; assented the old salt, &quot;you did,&quot; and he shot a look at the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>Did Alice fancy it, or did Lacomb wince, and shrink back? And did a look
+pass between him and Captain Brisco&mdash;a look full of meaning?</p>
+
+<p>Alice was puzzling over these questions in her own mind, when the
+helmsman spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It wasn't <i>my</i> fault,&quot; he said. &quot;I was steering all right, but Captain
+Brisco came and spoke to me and handed me a paper. I took one hand off
+the wheel, and the&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No one has said it was your fault,&quot; broke in the commander quickly. &quot;I
+was giving you a copy of the sailing orders for the day. I wouldn't have
+bothered you if I had known a puff of wind and a big wave were coming
+along together, to snatch the wheel out of your grip. But it wasn't your
+fault. However, no harm is done. You had better get below, Mr. Jepson,
+and put on some dry clothes. Mr. Lacomb will stand watch until you feel
+all right again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a>Oh, I'll be all right in a little while,&quot; Jack said. &quot;I don't need no
+one to stand my trick on deck. I'll be back shortly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He went below, the water dripping from him. The ship was put back on her
+course. The excitement had not lasted long.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too bad you didn't have a camera ready, Russ,&quot; said Paul to the
+operator, when matters were normal aboard the <i>Mary Ellen</i> once more.
+&quot;You might have filmed a good rescue scene.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was too much excited to think about that,&quot; Russ admitted. &quot;Besides,
+we are going to have plenty of rescue stuff in a few days, and this
+wasn't a particularly thrilling one. Poor old Jack! I wonder how it
+feels to fall overboard?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not very pleasant,&quot; Paul said. He had done it more than once in the
+interests of the pictures.</p>
+
+<p>Alice, going below for something a little later, met the old salt on his
+way to the deck again, he having changed to dry garments.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, are you all right?&quot; she asked anxiously, for she and her sister, as
+well as Mr. DeVere, had taken a liking to Jepson. &quot;Are you all right?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right, Miss Alice,&quot; he replied. &quot;No harm done at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought sailors never fell overboard,&quot; she said, half jokingly. &quot;I
+supposed they were so sure-footed that accidents like that never
+happened to them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a>They don't&mdash;not usual like, Miss,&quot; said Jack with that earnest, honest
+air that characterized him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then how did you come to do it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I&mdash;I didn't do it, Miss,&quot; Jack answered. &quot;I didn't <i>fall</i> overboard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You didn't?&quot; cried Alice, not noticing the accent Jepson put on one
+word.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Miss. Not exactly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He looked around as though to make sure no one was listening, and then,
+in a hoarse whisper, he said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I didn't <i>fall</i> overboard. I was <i>tossed</i>!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then, before she could ask him what he meant, he gave her a warning
+glance, and passed on. Just as he did so, Captain Brisco came along the
+passage way.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was just coming down to see how you were,&quot; he said, with a quick look
+at Alice. &quot;I didn't know you were here, Miss DeVere,&quot; he continued,
+rather awkwardly. &quot;Hope the accident didn't upset you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh no,&quot; she said, glad that it was rather dark, and that the commander
+could not notice how pale she had become at hearing the ominous words of
+the old sailor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Accidents will happen, but they don't always end so luckily,&quot; the
+captain went on. Jack Jepson <a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a>had passed up on deck, and Alice, not
+feeling in the mood for talking, passed to her cabin. Captain Brisco,
+after a moment of hesitation, went up on deck again, and, had anyone
+observed him, they would have seen him in close conversation with Hen
+Lacomb. The two men spoke in low tones.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Jepson was soon himself again, and on duty as though nothing had
+happened. But he had created a very queer state of mind in Alice DeVere.
+Her suspicious were increased, and she asked herself a multitude of
+questions she could not answer. Nor dared she repeat them, even to her
+sister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If he were tossed overboard, who did it?&quot; she asked herself. &quot;And why?
+The only one near him was Lacomb, and what object could he have in
+wanting to drown Jack? Oh, I can't understand it! I <i>must</i> ask Jack what
+he meant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This was not so easy to do as Alice had expected. She wanted to speak to
+the old sailor privately, but there was no chance.</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon there began the taking of some of the more important
+scenes of the marine drama. These scenes were those that had to be
+filmed on the ship itself, and they kept everyone busy. Besides, Alice
+did not want to make too obvious an effort to talk to the old salt, as
+she <a name="Page_131" id="Page_131"></a>feared Captain Brisco would become suspicious. There was a nameless
+mystery in the air that had its effect on Alice. Ruth noticed a
+difference in her sister, and questioned her about it, but Alice was
+able to say it was due to the difficult and exacting work of the new
+drama, and, in part, it was.</p>
+
+<p>Several days passed, and she had had no chance to speak to Jack. Each
+day was filled with work, or rehearsals, and some of the films had to be
+taken several times, due to the uncertain footing on the deck of the
+ship, which produced awkward motions on the part of the actors.</p>
+
+<p>It was on a warm afternoon, with a hint of a storm in the atmosphere,
+when Mr. Pertell said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I guess that will do for a while. This will pretty nearly bring
+us up to the shipwreck scene. We shall have to make a landing on one of
+the islands here, to get the proper background.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were then well down among the West Indies.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where do we land?&quot; asked Alice, who was on deck with her sister,
+standing near Jack Jepson, who was acting as lookout, with a telescope
+in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I'm not particular,&quot; Mr. Pertell said. &quot;Perhaps Jack can suggest
+a good place.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a>Well, I know something about the locality here,&quot; the old sailor
+answered, and he looked at Alice with a friendly wink. &quot;I shouldn't want
+to go ashore at the place where I escaped from after that mutiny,&quot; he
+went on. &quot;They might not want to let me go again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, that's so,&quot; agreed Mr. Pertell. &quot;It might not be just the thing,
+though you could prove your innocence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I can't! That's the trouble!&quot; cried Jack, who had told his story to
+the manager. &quot;I don't want to be caught, and put in jail. I'm going to
+keep away from that island where I was locked up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Which one was it?&quot; asked Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know the name,&quot; Jack said, &quot;but I can tell it the minute I set
+eyes on it. I don't want to go there. I had enough&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack paused suddenly. The glass went to his eye, and he called out:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sail ho!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where away?&quot; demanded the helmsman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Two points off on the lee bow. She's a small steamer, and she&mdash;she's
+flying the British flag!&quot; added the old man.</p>
+
+<p>A strange look of fear came over his face.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ACCUSATION</h3>
+
+
+<p>&quot;What's this?&quot; demanded Captain Brisco, coming on deck just then.
+&quot;What's up?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sail ho!&quot; repeated Jack Jepson. &quot;Over there, Captain!&quot; and he pointed,
+and extended the telescope. Alice noticed that the hand of the old salt
+trembled, though usually he was as steady as the proverbial surgeon.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hum! Yes. One of the English revenue ships,&quot; remarked Captain Brisco.
+&quot;It's the first one we've met down here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is a British vessel, isn't it?&quot; asked Jack Jepson, and there was a
+queer strain in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; replied his superior. &quot;What of it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, nothin' sir! Nothin'.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But Alice thought it was something.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, we haven't any need to speak to her,&quot; went on Captain Brisco.
+&quot;We're going to anchor soon.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Anchor?&quot; asked Jepson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, they want to take some of their pic<a name="Page_134" id="Page_134"></a>tures!&quot; It was evident to
+Alice, from the tone of voice in which Captain Brisco spoke, that he had
+little sympathy with the work of the film actors. But he had been hired
+to do his part with the ship, and must carry out his agreement with Mr.
+Pertell.</p>
+
+<p>The captain handed back the glass, and went to consult with the manager
+about making a landing. They were near several small islands, any one of
+which would probably do as a background for some of the picture-play
+scenes.</p>
+
+<p>Left to himself Jack Jepson took another long look at the oncoming
+steamer.</p>
+
+<p>Alice watched him curiously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, she's a lime-juicer,&quot; he remarked, and something like a sigh
+escaped him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A&mdash;a lime-juicer?&quot; repeated Alice in some surprise. &quot;I thought you said
+she was a <i>steamer</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So she is. But we old sailors used to call all British ships
+'lime-juicers,' because they used to be the only ones that was compelled
+by law to carry lime juice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why lime juice?&quot; Alice wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To prevent scurvy, Miss. Lime juice, potatoes or anything like that
+will keep sailors from the scurvy disease, Miss. They found it out, the
+Britishers did, and made their ships carry such stuff. Lime juice is
+easier to stow away than <a name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a>potatoes, and every sailor had to have his
+share.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Scurvy is a bad disease, Miss. It's terrible, and though lots of fun
+was made of the lime juice British ships, they done their duty, Miss. It
+got so other nations had to fall into line. And, though lime juice isn't
+as needful as it was, 'cause they have other things that do as well,
+perhaps, I always think of a Britisher as a lime-juicer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I see,&quot; murmured Alice. &quot;Yes, I can see the English flag,&quot; she went on,
+as she looked through the glass Jack passed to her. &quot;She is headed right
+for us, too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's what I make out, Miss. And I wish it was my watch below; I sure
+do, Miss!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, you aren't thinking that they may be after you, are you, Jack?
+After you on that old mutiny charge?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They might be, Miss,&quot; he said in a whisper, looking cautiously around.
+&quot;You see that charge isn't dead, and then there's the one of escapin'
+from an English prison. They might overlook the mutiny, especially as
+they may not have all their witnesses now&mdash;some of 'em may be dead. But
+an English prison officer never forgets, nor forgives, an escape, and
+the law doesn't either. If they was to see me, I'd be taken back to
+stand the charges ag'in me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But how would they know you?&quot; asked<a name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a> Alice. &quot;Besides, it isn't at all
+likely that anyone on that vessel had anything to do with your being
+taken into custody on the mutiny charge. That was years ago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know Miss, but they might remember me, even if I have changed a lot.
+And this is mostly English waters around here. English islands, too. It
+was somewhere about here I was imprisoned. Before I set foot on land,
+I'm going to find out if it's English, and if it is, I'm goin' to stay
+on board. I'm not goin' to take any chances.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But can't they arrest you at sea, if there should be such a possibility
+that they recognized you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not if I'm three miles from land, I think. Still, I may be wrong about
+that. I wish I hadn't come on this voyage, that's a fact. I don't like
+the sight of that English flag.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't worry,&quot; advised Alice. &quot;There isn't one chance in a thousand that
+you would be recognized after these years. In the first place, you have
+changed a lot. And, in the second place, probably the English officers
+who arrested you, and the others, are in some other part of the world
+now. Why do you think they may be on that steamer?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, things don't change down here as much <a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a>as you might think,&quot;
+replied Jack, as he and Alice watched the steamer coming nearer. &quot;And an
+Englishman is less likely to change than anybody else, Miss. He'll often
+stay in the same berth until he dies. So it's likely some of the same
+officers who were around here when I was arrested are here yet. And they
+may be on that vessel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But how can they recognize you?&quot; Alice persisted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, if they didn't know me, they might know this ship.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This ship! Why, this is only a small vessel, and yours was a big
+five-master.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know, Miss, I know,&quot; said Jack, with a nervous look over his
+shoulder. &quot;But here's a secret I haven't told to anyone yet. This may be
+the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, but she used to be the <i>Halcyon</i>!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Alice started back in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The <i>Halcyon</i>!&quot; she gasped. &quot;How could it be?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This way, Miss. They built her over, cut down her length, and changed
+her so hardly anybody would recognize her. But I knew the <i>Mary Ellen</i>
+for the <i>Halcyon</i> almost as soon as I came aboard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And is that why you acted so&mdash;so queer?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a>Partly&mdash;yes. You see she was first the <i>Mary Ellen</i> and the mutineers
+named her the <i>Halcyon</i>. Then, when she was rebuilt she became <i>Mary
+Ellen</i> again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I never knew they could make vessels over,&quot; Alice protested.</p>
+
+<p>&mdash;&quot;Oh, yes, it's often done,&quot; the sailor assured her. &quot;This certainly
+was the old <i>Halcyon</i>, as she was called when the mutineers had her, and
+anyone who had sailed in her would know it. A sailor's eye can't be
+deceived. There's others on board as know it, too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Others here? Of the mutinous crew?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hush, Miss, if you please! Not so loud! Yes, others who were in the
+mutiny, but who got off scott free, while I was the one to suffer. But
+they're tryin' to keep under cover. There's a game afoot, but I'll spoil
+it if I can&mdash;that is, if this British steamer don't make trouble for
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Alice's head seemed to swim. She was getting into the depths of the
+mystery now with a vengeance. What did it all mean? To what did Jack
+have reference? Could it be that Captain Brisco, and the man with whom
+he was so friendly, were in a plot?</p>
+
+<p>Alice felt as if she must tell someone. It was too big a secret for her
+to keep to herself.</p>
+
+<p>One thing seemed necessary. She must rid<a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a> Jack of some of his fear of
+being arrested again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But if the ship is changed so, how could any of the British officers,
+provided any are on that steamer, recognize her?&quot; Alice asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know how, but I'm sure they could,&quot; said Jack, rather
+unreasonably. &quot;And you mark my words. They'll see us and in spite of our
+change of rig, they will want to speak us. A sailor never forgets a
+ship. Of course there may be no officers on that steamer who would know
+the old <i>Halcyon</i>, but ag'in, there may be. I'm afeered, Miss.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, but you needn't be. Mr. Pertell will make it all right even if&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He isn't bigger than Johnnie Bull,&quot; said Jack ominously, &quot;though Mr.
+Pertell is a good friend of mine. Ha! Didn't I tell you? There they come
+right for us, and they're signallin' us to lay to.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that something had taken place aboard the steamer. A
+signal flag broke out at her mast, and Captain Brisco, seeing it,
+exclaimed impatiently:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What can they want with us?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They want to talk, that's evident,&quot; said Hen Lacomb, who stood near the
+commander.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what about?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll soon know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140"></a>As the <i>Mary Ellen</i> lay almost motionless on the sea, for she had been
+brought up sharply, the steamer approached. It was so calm that she
+could come quite close without danger of a collision. A man, evidently
+an officer, hailed through a megaphone. Jack dared not desert his place
+as lookout.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What vessel is that?&quot; demanded the officer of the British steamer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The <i>Mary Ellen</i>, from New York,&quot; answered Captain Brisco. &quot;Out on a
+moving picture cruise. We're in a hurry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Better not be,&quot; was the exasperating comment. &quot;There's someone here who
+wants to ask you a few questions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Another figure joined the speaker, and at the sight of this second
+officer, old Jack Jepson groaned.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I knew it! I knew it,&quot; he whispered to Alice. &quot;That's the man in charge
+of the revenue cutter who arrested me years ago. See! He recognizes me!
+I thought this would happen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that something out of the ordinary was taking place.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>Mary Ellen</i> ahoy!&quot; called the second officer. &quot;If you didn't used to
+be the <i>Halcyon</i>, I miss my guess. And there's a man aboard you I want!
+There he stands!&quot; and he pointed an accusing finger at Jack Jepson.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STORM</h3>
+
+
+<p>The old sailor seemed to shrink down in his clothes and become smaller.
+He cast an appealing glance at Alice who stood near him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;See!&quot; he murmured. &quot;What did I tell you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It may be all right yet,&quot; she answered. &quot;Surely after these years they
+can do nothing to you, especially when you were not guilty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, but it's the escape from the prison that hangs over me,&quot; he said.
+&quot;They want me more for that than on the mutiny charge. Oh, what shall I
+do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stay here and 'face the music,' as Russ or Paul would say,&quot; suggested
+Alice. &quot;I'll speak to my father, and to Mr. Pertell. You are an American
+citizen, and&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But she had no time for further advice. Again came the hail from the
+steamer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stand by there, <i>Mary Ellen</i>, or <i>Halcyon</i>, as your name used to be,&quot;
+was the sharp order.<a name="Page_142" id="Page_142"></a> &quot;I'm going to send a boat aboard you. We want that
+man!&quot; and once more he pointed accusingly at Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know what you're talking about,&quot; blustered Captain Brisco.
+&quot;That man is my second mate, and you can't take him from me that way.
+This isn't war time,&quot; and he seemed disposed to protect Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't let them take me, Captain!&quot; the old sailor pleaded. &quot;You know
+what it means. Don't let them take me away!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I won't!&quot; declared Captain Brisco, and for the moment the heart of
+Alice warmed to him. She fancied she had misjudged him. But as she
+looked at him, she saw a look on his face that made her doubt. It was a
+look that made his words seem insincere. And when the moving picture
+girl saw the captain speaking in an aside to Hen Lacomb, her doubts were
+redoubled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stand by!&quot; someone on the steamer ordered. &quot;We're sending a boat to
+take the prisoner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is a pretty how-d'-do!&quot; blustered Captain Brisco. &quot;They're going
+to leave me short-handed, and just at a time when I'm likely to need
+every man I can get, too,&quot; and he cast an anxious look around the
+horizon. It had suddenly become quite dark. A bank of clouds, slate
+colored, and fringed with an ominous yellow, had <a name="Page_143" id="Page_143"></a>gathered in the west,
+and there was a moaning in the air as though a far-off wind were sending
+a message to those in peril to beware of its breath.</p>
+
+<p>The sea, too, had a glassy look. The big waves rose sullenly, and sank
+back into troughs, with an oily smooth motion as though they resented
+being thus confined. It was like the action of some raging beast in
+leash. There was a curious oppressiveness in the air, too, and more than
+one found difficulty in breathing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it? Oh, what is it?&quot; asked Ruth, as she came toward her sister.
+&quot;I feel as though something terrible were going to happen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Something <i>has</i> happened!&quot; Alice exclaimed. &quot;They've got poor old Jack!
+Isn't it a shame, when everything was going so nicely?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Got him!&quot; questioned Ruth. &quot;What do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's those Britishers! They recognized this ship as the one on which
+the mutiny occurred. She's been built over&mdash;the ship I mean&mdash;but the
+steamer knew her&mdash;I mean some officer did. And they're going to take
+Jack away. You know he told us how he broke out of jail, after he was
+locked up on an unjust charge. Well, they want him for that, but he
+doesn't want him to go&mdash;at least he pretends he doesn't.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Alice paused for breath&mdash;she needed it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_144" id="Page_144"></a>Well!&quot; exclaimed Ruth. &quot;You may understand what you mean, but I don't,
+my dear. Who wants whom, and who doesn't want whom&mdash;and what?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thereupon Alice explained how Captain Brisco had declared Jack should
+not be taken, and yet how Alice, herself, believed he would give him up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what does it all mean&mdash;that enmity you say Captain Brisco has
+against Jack?&quot; Ruth asked Alice, for Alice spoke about the time Jack had
+fallen overboard, and mentioned how the sailor had said he was tossed
+over the rail.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know what it means,&quot; the younger girl replied. &quot;It is all queer
+and mysterious, and it's getting worse. But I think there is some secret
+between Captain Brisco and that Hen Lacomb that Jack has found out, and
+they're afraid he'll tell. That's why I think they would be glad to see
+him taken away&mdash;no matter what happened to him. It's all very well for
+Captain Brisco to say he doesn't want Jack to go, but I believe he's
+glad this happened.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Alice! What a thing to say!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't care! I believe it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>All this while preparations had been under way aboard the steamer to
+lower a small boat, but there seemed to be some delay.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Jack Jepson remained as lookout on <a name="Page_145" id="Page_145"></a>the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, though
+there was no need of him there, for the schooner was now merely
+drifting, with sails aback, and the steamer, too, was at the call of the
+wind and currents.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come on, mate!&quot; hoarsely whispered a sailor to Jack. &quot;Slip below, mate,
+and we'll hide you. If they try to take you, we'll stand 'em off. I
+don't like the Britishers anyhow. I was shanghaied into one of their
+lime-juicers once, an' I never forgot it! Slip below!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I'll take my medicine!&quot; said Jack grimly. &quot;Might as well get it
+done with. This thing has been hangin' over my head a number of years
+now, and I'll be glad to hear the last of it. It's a terrible thing for
+an innocent man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps some way may be found for clearing you,&quot; suggested Alice. &quot;I'll
+speak to my father. He knows some prominent lawyers in New York, and
+they will induce the government to take up your case. Go quietly, Jack,
+and we'll do all we can for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I shan't raise a row, Miss, never fear. No good'd come of that, and
+it would only make trouble. I'll go quietly enough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! What is going on?&quot; asked Mr. DeVere, who had been down below. &quot;Has
+anything happened?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Alice and Ruth tried to tell him at once, the <a name="Page_146" id="Page_146"></a>former eager to enlist
+his sympathies in Jack's cause. Mr. DeVere promised readily enough.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Though I can't hold out any hope for you,&quot; he said. &quot;I know nothing of
+law, but international affairs are always slow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I ought to get justice in the end, ought I not?&quot; asked Jack,
+respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You ought, my man, and I'll do all I can for you,&quot; said Mr. DeVere.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, what a pretty sight!&quot; exclaimed the voice of Miss Dixon, as she
+emerged from a companionway with her chum, Miss Pennington. &quot;Isn't it
+romantic&mdash;stopping to speak to a steamer at sea?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Delightful,&quot; agreed Miss Pennington. &quot;I wonder if the captain of the
+steamer will ask us to tea? It's a British vessel, and Englishmen are so
+fond of tea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, and they are so romantic and good-looking,&quot; agreed Miss Dixon.
+&quot;But perhaps this is only for moving pictures.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, pshaw! Perhaps it is!&quot; sighed her companion, and the two of them,
+who had been taking surreptitious glances in mirrors, enclosed in the
+flaps of their bags, ceased &quot;primping,&quot; until they could be sure whether
+or not there was any object in it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's it all about?&quot; asked Miss Dixon again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a>Oh, they're going to take one of our men, I believe,&quot; said Pop Snooks,
+the property &quot;angel,&quot; as the ladies often called him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh dear! What are they? Pirates?&quot; gasped Miss Pennington.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, it's Jack Jepson they're after. Some old charge, I believe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! I knew something would happen on this voyage!&quot; exclaimed Mr. Pepper
+Sneed. &quot;I felt it in my bones all along.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good thing you're not disappointed,&quot; murmured Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh dear!&quot; sighed her sister. &quot;It's too bad. And I liked Jack so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So did I,&quot; returned Alice. &quot;But they're a long while sending that
+boat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It did seem so, for there were no signs yet, of one being lowered over
+the side, though Captain Brisco, after the command to lay to, had
+ordered his accommodation ladder lowered to receive the visitors.</p>
+
+<p>Then came another hail from the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>Mary Ellen</i> ahoy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aye, aye!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We won't send a boat right away. A hurricane is sweeping up fast, and
+this is a bad locality in which to be caught,&quot; called one of the
+steamer's officers through a megaphone. &quot;We'll have to <a name="Page_148" id="Page_148"></a>get out of here,
+and so had you better. There's no sea-room here. We'll pick you up
+later, and don't forget you are in English waters, and subject to our
+orders. We're going to have that man!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, if you put it that way, of course I'll have to give in,&quot; said
+Captain Brisco. &quot;I'll wait for you after the blow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, that's a respite, anyhow, but not a very pleasant one,&quot; said
+Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; agreed Jack Jepson, who breathed easier now. &quot;We're in for a bad
+storm, I reckon. We'll have to make everything snug.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Attention!&quot; once more came the hail from the steamer, and when Captain
+Brisco answered, he was ordered to follow a certain course by compass,
+as being safest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I can pick you up!&quot; the steamer captain cried as the propellers
+began to churn the water. The British vessel swept away, leaving Jack
+Jepson still on the schooner, but under threat of arrest.</p>
+
+<p>Then the forerunner of the storm came, filling the sails of the <i>Mary
+Ellen</i>, and heeling her over until the lee scuppers were awash.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Make everything snug!&quot; cried Captain Brisco. &quot;It's coming on to blow
+great guns!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+
+<h3>GRINDING AWAY</h3>
+
+
+<p>Events aboard the <i>Mary Ellen</i> did not transpire at all slowly. In a
+comparatively short space of time she had been converted from an old
+hulk into a good sailing vessel, she had put to sea with a party of
+moving picture workers, including a sailor accused of mutiny, who had
+broken jail. She had been stopped by the English ship, and now the old
+schooner was starting to scud before the blast of a hurricane. For the
+time being the accusation against Jack Jepson was forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lively now, everyone!&quot; cried Captain Brisco. &quot;When a storm breaks down
+here, it isn't any child's play. Double reefs in all sails, and two men
+at the wheel. Lash everything fast, pass life-lines, and passengers keep
+below.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, but I want to see the storm!&quot; exclaimed Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, how can you!&quot; remonstrated Ruth. &quot;It is going to be&mdash;awful!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a>And indeed, if the evidence of sky and sea, and the moaning of the wind,
+were any indication, a great storm was in prospect.</p>
+
+<p>The billows that had been rolling with oily smoothness now began to show
+little feathery crests of foam, and they were following one another with
+greater quickness, as if impatient to be at their shattering work.</p>
+
+<p>The wind seemed most ominous of all. It was as though it came from afar
+off, down behind the horizon line that showed black, with a fringe of
+angry yellow in the west. A low, mumbling, roaring, moaning wind it was,
+that whistled mournfully through the rigging of the schooner, and howled
+down the companionways.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh dear!&quot; sighed Ruth, as she slipped her arm into that of her sister,
+and started for their cabin. &quot;Come on, Alice. I'm afraid!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nonsense! What of? Nothing has happened&mdash;yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, but there is going to be a terrible storm!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I just love a blow. I've never seen one at sea, and, as this may be
+the only chance I'll get, I'm not going to miss it. Stay up with me,
+Ruth. Don't be like those sillies, and go below,&quot; and she motioned to
+Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon who were scurrying for cover, as the wind
+and the sea increased.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_151" id="Page_151"></a>Well, I'll stay up a little while,&quot; agreed Ruth. &quot;But I&mdash;I'm afraid all
+the same.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nonsense!&quot; cried Alice gaily. &quot;We have a good ship under us. It went
+through a mutiny, and I guess it can weather a storm.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's just the point&mdash;can it?&quot; asked Ruth in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you mean?&quot; Alice asked in a curiously strained voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I mean that this is an old vessel, 'made over,' as we would say of a
+dress, Alice, it can't be as good and strong as a new one would be, and
+in a storm&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, don't be nervous!&quot; broke in Alice. &quot;Here, I'll ask Mr. Blake,&quot; and
+she stopped the first mate who was hurrying to and fro directing the men
+at their work of making everything snug below and aloft.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Isn't she safe, Mr. Blake?&quot; Alice appealed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who?&quot; the first mate wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This ship.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I&mdash;I think so,&quot; he said. &quot;Yes, surely,&quot; he added quickly. &quot;We will ride
+out the storm, never fear. It hasn't gotten here yet, and we may only
+get the outer edge of it. But you must excuse me now,&quot; and he hastened
+along the deck.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There!&quot; cried Alice. &quot;What did I tell you?&quot; she asked triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_152" id="Page_152"></a>Well, I'll stay here with you a little while,&quot; Ruth agreed. &quot;Then I'm
+going below and&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bundle up all your possessions and sit on a life preserver,&quot; broke in
+Alice with a laugh. &quot;Oh, Ruth, you are&mdash;hopeless!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, but look at that!&quot; and the older sister pointed to the west. There
+had been a rapid change. There was more yellow in the clouds now and
+less blackness, though there was enough of that ominous color too.
+&quot;Doesn't it scare you, Alice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not so much, no. Of course I've never been in a bad storm down here,
+and I don't know what they do to one. But I think we'll weather it, as
+the sailors say. But I wonder what Mr. Pertell is doing?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She motioned to the manager who was seen amidships, talking to Russ, the
+chief camera operator. They were near the big motorboat <i>Ajax</i>, which
+still rested in the cradle on deck.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. DeVere was also in conversation with the manager and his chief
+helper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let's go over and see what it is,&quot; suggested Alice. &quot;Maybe they are
+frightened too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wouldn't blame them,&quot; murmured Ruth, with a nervous glance over her
+shoulder at the oncoming storm.</p>
+
+<p>The two girls joined their father and the <a name="Page_153" id="Page_153"></a>others. Pop Snooks, the
+property man, who could make almost anything from a brick wall to a
+king's palace, on short notice, was called into the consultation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sure they're going to do something!&quot; Alice exclaimed, as she
+noticed Mr. Pertell beckon Captain Brisco to him. And when the girls
+reached the group they learned what was afoot.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why yes, you'd have time for some pictures before the storm gets here,&quot;
+Captain Brisco was saying. &quot;It's evidently going to be slow in
+breaking.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And it wouldn't be too rough for the motorboat?&quot; asked Mr. Pertell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no. She's built dory fashion, and bigger waves than these wouldn't
+swamp her. It's a question though, if your man is game.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, don't worry about me!&quot; exclaimed Russ Dalwood. &quot;I'll make pictures
+as long as the light will hold good. How is the boat? Is she all ready
+to start?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All ready to put into the water,&quot; the captain assured him. &quot;She has
+been that way since we reached this locality. What do you say?&quot; he asked
+the manager. &quot;Shall we lower away?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think so,&quot; was the answer from Mr. Pertell. &quot;I want to get some views
+of the schooner sailing off before the storm. It will be a sort of
+<a name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a>introduction to the shipwreck that is to come later.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right!&quot; exclaimed Russ. &quot;That suits me. I'll get the camera and
+films ready. I'll need a helper.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, of course,&quot; agreed the manager. &quot;You can't manage the boat and the
+engine and work the camera too. Grinding away at the film will keep you
+busy, especially as the water's a bit rough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A <i>bit</i> rough!&quot; exclaimed Russ with a smile. &quot;I like the way you say
+it. But the rougher it is the better effect we'll get on the film. I'll
+be ready when you are, Captain Brisco.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right, I'll have the boat over at once,&quot; and the commander gave the
+necessary orders for lowering the <i>Ajax</i> over the side. This had been
+provided for when she was cradled, so there was little delay at this
+task.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are we to do any 'stunts,' while Russ is taking pictures?&quot; asked Alice
+of the manager.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, you are just to stand around on deck, and look a bit anxious. You
+are supposed to be an old-time passenger packet you know, on a long
+voyage, and you are running away from the storm. We don't want many feet
+of this film&mdash;just enough to indicate what is to come. The real
+shipwreck&mdash;that is the imitation of it&mdash;will <a name="Page_155" id="Page_155"></a>come later, when this
+storm blows over. Get on the side where the motorboat will be,&quot; the
+manager directed, &quot;and line up along the rail.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>While Russ was &quot;loading&quot; his camera, Ruth and Alice watched the sailors
+getting the <i>Ajax</i> ready. The engine had been tested, and seemed to work
+well. Jack Jepson came along with a small keg of water, and a bundle
+done up in a piece of sail cloth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that for?&quot; asked Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Provisions and water,&quot; answered the old sailor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But they're only going to be away a few minutes,&quot; the girl objected.
+&quot;They won't want anything to eat or drink.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a rule of th' sea,&quot; said old Jack, &quot;never to put a boat over the
+side without provisioning and watering her. You never can tell what will
+happen on th' ocean. I've seen boats put out just for a little row
+around, and a fog would come up, and they'd be away nearly a week. And
+when they didn't have any water or food aboard&mdash;well, Miss, them's not
+nice things to talk about to ladies,&quot; he said simply. And Alice
+understood.</p>
+
+<p>The storm seemed to be holding off, at least for a time. Far away the
+dark mass of the British <a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a>steamer could be seen. The <i>Ajax</i> was soon
+ready, and lowered to the heaving water.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Sneed, you get in and help Russ,&quot; ordered Mr. Pertell. &quot;You know
+something about motor-boats, don't you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A little, yes. But I&mdash;er&mdash;I don't like to get in one when a storm is
+coming up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nonsense!&quot; the manager ejaculated. &quot;There's no danger! You are going
+only a short distance away from the schooner, to get some views of her
+as she rides the waves. It will make a good film, the coming storm, and
+the waters rising and falling. Get aboard, Mr. Sneed, and do whatever
+Russ wants you to. He'll be busy with the camera so you will have to
+steer, and run the engine. The last won't bother you though, for it has
+a self-starter on and a gear clutch. You'll be in no danger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sneed did not seem anxious to go. However, orders were orders, and
+members of the company, even Mr. Wellington Bunn, thought twice before
+refusing Mr. Pertell. So, when Russ came up with his cameras, bringing
+two in case of emergency, Mr. Sneed was already in the boat, which was
+rising and falling at the foot of the accommodation ladder over the side
+of the schooner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All aboard!&quot; sang out Russ gaily, as he prepared to descend, his
+cameras having been lowered to Mr. Sneed by a rope. &quot;Look pleasant,
+girls, <a name="Page_157" id="Page_157"></a>you're going to have your pictures took,&quot; and he laughed.</p>
+
+<p>There was an ominous hush in the air now. The moaning of the wind seemed
+to have died down, at least for the time being, but the waves were
+higher, the swells were long, and did not break much.</p>
+
+<p>It was lighter, also, though the light was of a sickly yellowish cast.
+However, it would serve for a few pictures.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let her go, Pepper!&quot; called Russ to his actor-helper and the motor
+whirred, as the <i>Ajax</i> started away from the side of the schooner. Russ,
+setting his camera up on the platform made for it in the bow, began
+grinding at the crank, taking many views of the pitching, tossing
+schooner as it rose and fell on the bosom of the heaving ocean.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't like this!&quot; exclaimed Mr. Sneed, when a dash of spray wet him,
+as he sat at the wheel. &quot;I wish I hadn't come. I'm sure something will
+happen!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Something sure <i>will</i>, if you don't keep her headed up into the seas,&quot;
+declared Russ. &quot;We'll be swamped, that's what will happen. Steady now.
+I'm getting some good ones,&quot; and he worked away at the camera, while the
+schooner sailed farther and farther away. Russ wanted to give the idea
+of distance on the film.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+
+<h3>DISABLED</h3>
+
+
+<p>&quot;How much longer you going to be?&quot; asked Mr. Pepper Sneed, as he saw
+Russ change slightly the position of the camera.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, not much longer now,&quot; was the answer. &quot;I have about all they'll
+want, I guess. This is only a sort of 'cut-in' effect, anyhow&mdash;a
+preliminary to the grand performance that is to come later. Poor old
+<i>Mary Ellen</i>, we'll soon see the last of her, I expect.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Burr-r-r!&quot; exclaimed Mr. Sneed as he shifted his helm. &quot;Don't talk that
+way. It sounds rather prophetic, you know, seeing the last of the ship,
+and all that, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I meant that they're going to sink her. You knew that, didn't
+you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes, worse luck! I'm to be one of the last to jump over the side, I
+believe. I don't like it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, it won't be for long,&quot; Russ said. &quot;It will be all over in a few
+minutes&mdash;I mean the <a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a>shipwreck proper, though there'll be a lot of
+rescue scenes, and then the castaways on an island, and all that sort of
+thing. Put me over a little more to the left, Pepper. I can get a fine
+view that way, with the light shining on the passengers at the rail.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He clicked away at the camera crank, and then exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no! I said to the left. You're putting me to the right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, so I am. I was watching that storm. I don't like the looks of
+things, Russ. I believe we're going to be in for it sooner than they
+thought.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It does look as though it were going to burst,&quot; Russ agreed, as he
+looked up from the &quot;finder&quot; of his machine long enough to take a glimpse
+at the weather. &quot;Mr. Pertell said he'd signal us with a flag when he
+thought we had enough, but I don't see anything of a signal, do you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; answered the gloomy actor, who had not been needed in the present
+scenes. &quot;And I wish I <i>could</i> see it. It's getting too rough out here
+for me, even if we have a good boat,&quot; and he adjusted the gasoline feed
+to give a little more power to the engine.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, it's getting almost too dark to get any more pictures, anyhow,&quot;
+Russ declared. &quot;We <a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a>sure are in for a blow. It's coming up fast too.
+We'd better get back to the ship without waiting for a signal. They may
+have hoisted one, that we didn't see.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's it, I think!&quot; cried the other. &quot;Say, where is the schooner,
+anyhow?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Russ, who was taking the tripod from his camera looked up quickly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, can't you see her?&quot; asked the young operator.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, and I don't believe you can, either, nor can your camera find her.
+She's disappeared!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Disappeared? Nonsense!&quot; Russ cried. &quot;It's just that the sea mist has
+come up and hidden her. It will blow away in a moment. Say, but it is
+getting rough!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Well might he say that, for he could hardly keep his footing on the
+platform where he had stood to make the views. He came down into the
+half-covered cabin which formed the forward part of the <i>Ajax</i>.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, where is the schooner, if you can see her?&quot; growled Pepper Sneed.
+&quot;Steer for her if you can sight her&mdash;I can't!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He seemed morose and angry. Perhaps it was just fear. Russ did not stop
+to determine that point. The operator took the steering wheel, first
+standing up to get an idea of his course.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_161" id="Page_161"></a>Say, it <i>is</i> getting dark!&quot; he cried. &quot;Well, we'll have to go it blind.
+We'll pick up the schooner in a minute or two, I expect. She ought to be
+right over there,&quot; and he pointed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where?&quot; asked Mr. Sneed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There,&quot; said Russ again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Humph! You're away off!&quot; declared his companion. &quot;The last I saw her,
+and I was headed right for her, she was over there,&quot; and he indicated a
+direction differing from that Russ had shown by at least forty-five
+degrees.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish they'd show a light!&quot; Russ murmured as he tried to peer through
+the mist and the gathering darkness. &quot;Why don't they show a light? We
+could see that!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Maybe they don't know we're lost,&quot; suggested Pepper Sneed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lost!&quot; cried Russ. &quot;We're not lost! We'll be up to them in a minute or
+so, but I do wish they'd show a light.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The motorboat <i>Ajax</i> was chugging over the heaving water at good speed,
+but as far as the eyes of either of her occupants could see, she might
+have been driving straight into the utter desolation of a vast ocean,
+for not an object was in sight.</p>
+
+<p>The wind had again taken up that nerve-racking moaning and groaning
+sound, as of an un<a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a>seen giant in distress, and the spray from the crests
+of the waves blew in the faces of the two young men, as they crouched
+down behind the shelter of the half-cabin.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed as though the storm had begun, had halted in its purpose, or
+had gone off momentarily in some other direction, and was now headed
+back, to sweep destruction down on those aboard the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, and
+the two in the motorboat.</p>
+
+<p>But where was the <i>Mary Ellen</i>?</p>
+
+<p>That was a question Russ and Mr. Sneed asked of themselves over and over
+again as they drove into the very teeth of the storm. They had to head
+into it, as in the small boat no other course would have been safe.
+Fortunately the <i>Ajax</i> was built dory-fashion, with high bow and stern,
+after the pattern of the skiffs in which the fishermen of the New
+Foundland banks go out in heavy weather.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What are you going to do?&quot; asked Mr. Sneed, as Russ increased the speed
+of the engine, so that the small craft fairly tore up the inclined hills
+of green waters, which the waves represented, and slid down them with
+sickening speed on the other slope.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm going to keep on until I find her&mdash;find the schooner,&quot; Russ said,
+grimly. &quot;That's all <a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a>we can do. But I can't understand why they don't
+show a light.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Maybe they're having troubles of their own,&quot; suggested the actor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, they could shout, so as to let us know where to steer,&quot; Russ went
+on, rather provoked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We could do that ourselves,&quot; Pepper Sneed said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do what?&quot; asked Russ, hardly conscious of what he was saying, for just
+then a heavy wave threatened to swamp the dory, and it required skillful
+handling to keep her from being swamped.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We could yell,&quot; suggested Mr. Sneed. &quot;Come on, give 'em a call!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Russ agreed to this, and, standing up, so their voices would carry
+better, and bracing themselves against the tumbling, swaying motion of
+the craft, they sent out a cry for aid&mdash;and yet not so much a cry for
+aid, as they were not yet in distress, but a cry for direction.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I could only see where to steer,&quot; Russ exclaimed, when they had
+paused in their yelling, well-nigh exhausted, &quot;it wouldn't be so bad!
+But I can't see a thing. It's getting darker every minute. I never saw
+such a funny storm.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's coming up all right,&quot; declared the actor. &quot;Going to blow great
+guns soon.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's blowing them now,&quot; said Russ, grimly, <a name="Page_164" id="Page_164"></a>as he clung to the wheel.
+&quot;I can hardly keep her on the course.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the use of steering a course when you don't know whether it's
+right or not?&quot; asked the actor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I'm not going to give up,&quot; Russ said, grimly. &quot;I think I'm headed
+for the schooner, though I ought to have fetched her sooner than this,
+at the speed we're going.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps she's blowing away from us,&quot; suggested Mr. Sneed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's it!&quot; Russ cried. &quot;Why didn't I think of that before? She's
+running away from us. She can't help it, though, for she must scud
+before this storm. We've got to increase our speed to catch up to her.
+The wind and our engine ought to be more than a match for her sails
+alone. I'll put on more speed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The wind was now a howling gale.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, as they drove on, the motor seemed to increase its speed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that?&quot; asked Mr. Sneed. &quot;I thought you had her running at her
+limit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So did I,&quot; Russ answered, bending over the machinery. Then he cried:
+&quot;She's racing! We've lost our propeller! We're disabled in this storm!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+
+<h3>IN THE VORTEX</h3>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Haven't we looked distressed long enough?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm going below. I can't bear to watch that storm!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The speakers were Alice and Ruth DeVere respectively, and they were
+leaning over the rail of the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, peering off into the swirl of
+driving mists, and across the heaving waters toward where the motorboat
+had been last seen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I think Russ has enough pictures,&quot; Mr. Pertell said in answer to
+the remark of Alice. &quot;I think you all looked sufficiently distressful.
+If the scenes of the shipwreck itself go as well as the first part of
+the drama has gone, we'll have a fine film.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then may I go below?&quot; asked Ruth. &quot;I don't like the looks of the
+weather.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It does seem as though we'd get the storm after all,&quot; her father
+remarked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go below, by all means,&quot; assented the manager. &quot;We have done enough for
+today, and I'll signal Russ to come in, if he hasn't already <a name="Page_166" id="Page_166"></a>started to
+do so. My, but this wind is blowing a regular gale!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Others than Ruth found it uncomfortable on deck, and there was a general
+movement toward the cabins which had been fitted up with considerable
+comfort, even if the craft was an old one.</p>
+
+<p>But just then, when there was a partial calm before another burst of
+fury on the part of the storm, something occurred that threw the ship
+into a flurry of excitement for a time. The sailors were making some
+changes in the craft's canvas, when suddenly the throat and peak
+halyards of the mainsail either parted, or, coming loose from the
+cleats, came down on the run. The effect was to lower the sail so
+quickly, and in such a fashion, with the wind blowing hard against it,
+that there was a crash, a banging and booming of the canvas, and the
+boom and gaff. The first mate, who was standing near the mast, was
+knocked down, narrowly escaping going overboard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, what has happened?&quot; cried Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be still!&quot; commanded Alice, clutching her sister by the arm. &quot;Yelling
+isn't going to do any good. We're not hurt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were standing near a companionway, well out of reach of the falling
+sail.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_167" id="Page_167"></a>Oh, we're sinking! We're sinking!&quot; screamed Miss Dixon.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And the sharks! The terrible sharks in the water!&quot; hysterically added
+her friend.</p>
+
+<p>The other ladies of the party were very much frightened, naturally, not
+only by the accident to the sail, but by the screams of the two former
+vaudeville actresses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lively now, men!&quot; called Jack Jepson, who happened to be nearest the
+confusion of tangled ropes and sail. &quot;Get him below. He doesn't seem to
+be much hurt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He pointed to the motionless body of the first mate. A quick examination
+showed that the man was badly stunned, but that seemed to be the extent
+of his injuries, as far as could be told.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Up with her now! Up with her!&quot; the second mate cried, as he gave orders
+for hoisting the sail again, for the schooner was not under proper
+control with the main canvas down, and a storm coming up rapidly. The
+sail had been reefed, so the gaff had not fallen as far as otherwise
+would have been the case.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter?&quot; shouted Captain Brisco who came up from his cabin
+with Hen Lacomb. The two were seldom apart of late. A glance served to
+tell the commander what had happened. He saw that Jack Jepson had
+matters well in <a name="Page_168" id="Page_168"></a>hand, and though Alice guessed that Captain Brisco had
+no love for his second mate, the commander knew seamanship when he saw
+it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lively now!&quot; he cried. &quot;That's the idea! We'll run before the gale
+now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But the motorboat!&quot; cried Ruth, who had conquered her desire to flee to
+the cabin, and hide her eyes and ears from such nerve-racking sights and
+sounds. &quot;Where is the <i>Ajax</i>&mdash;and Mr. Sneed&mdash;and&mdash;Russ?&quot; she faltered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They'll probably be coming in now,&quot; the captain said, but he did not
+take the trouble to look around and see. &quot;We can't wait for them in this
+wind,&quot; he went on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But we <i>must</i> wait for him!&quot; Ruth cried, getting excited. &quot;We can't go
+off and leave them in that motorboat, on the ocean, in a storm! We must
+wait!&quot; She started toward Captain Brisco, with her hands held out
+appealingly.</p>
+
+<p>Alice was wildly looking around for a sight of the smaller craft. She
+had seen it just before the sail fell, but now there was nothing about
+the schooner but a bare waste of waters.</p>
+
+<p>She knew enough about the technical side of moving pictures to realize
+that for some time, it had been too dark to take any film. Russ must
+have known that, too, and would have started back for the schooner. But
+if he had, where was he now?</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169"></a>Alice asked herself that question as she looked around.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must wait for him!&quot; cried Ruth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who? What's this?&quot; demanded Mr. Pertell, for he had been hurrying to
+and fro, making sure none of the members of his company had been injured
+in the slight accident.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Russ hasn't come back,&quot; volunteered Alice, who almost always spoke
+ahead of her sister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's out there!&quot; Ruth found voice to say, &quot;and Captain Brisco isn't
+going to wait for him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You can't hold a ship still on the ocean, and a storm coming up!&quot; the
+commander cried, as though to justify himself. &quot;We've got to run for it.
+It would be madness now to lay to.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But we can't desert Russ and Mr. Sneed!&quot; cried the manager. &quot;I thought
+he was coming in. What shall we do? We must do something! I shouldn't
+have asked him to risk it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The schooner was rapidly forging ahead, even under reefed sails, so
+powerful was the wind.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We could work around,&quot; said Jack Jepson, who had come up on deck after
+seeing the first mate comfortably bestowed in his berth. &quot;We could work
+around and&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who's in charge of this ship; you or me?&quot; snapped Captain Brisco.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are, of course,&quot; was the quiet answer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a>Well then, have the goodness to keep still and let me manage matters.
+I'm giving orders&mdash;not you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Poor Jack slunk back, smarting under the undeserved rebuke.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't care who is in command!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell. &quot;This is my ship
+and you're under my orders, Captain Brisco. I order you to pick up that
+motorboat!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I tell you we can't do it! They've got to come to us, we can't go
+to them. They're not dependent on the wind as we are. They can travel
+any direction they like, and they'll have to head for us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But we must make some effort to find them!&quot; cried the manager. &quot;It
+would be wicked&mdash;criminal not to.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look here!&quot; cried Captain Brisco. &quot;You are the owner of this schooner,
+it is true, and as such you are my superior, but the law gives me
+supreme command of this craft at sea, unless I'm dead, or otherwise
+deposed. And I tell you I won't risk all these lives by trying to beat
+back in the teeth of this wind, to pick up a motorboat. It would be
+worse than criminal&mdash;worse than wicked to do it. It would endanger all
+on board!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was some logic in that. Even Mr. Pertell, exercised as he was by
+the threatened danger to Russ, could appreciate that.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_171" id="Page_171"></a>But we must do something,&quot; the manager repeated.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm doing all I can,&quot; Captain Brisco replied. &quot;I'll shorten sail down
+to the minimum; that will keep us before the wind, and out of the trough
+of the sea! More I can't do. We must depend on them to pick us up. They
+ought to be able to do it. You told me Dalwood could manage a boat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So he can&mdash;but&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was ominous meaning in the broken-off sentence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, we'll do the best we can,&quot; concluded Captain Brisco. &quot;They will
+have to take chances, as we're doing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He went forward to give some orders.</p>
+
+<p>Those aboard the schooner peered anxiously over the storm swept waters
+for a sight of the motor craft, but they saw nothing. They shouted and
+called, but only the wind howled back at them.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with a suddenness that was appalling, they seemed to be flung into
+the midst of a hurricane. The wind lashed the sea to fury, and the <i>Mary
+Ellen</i> spun around like some gigantic top.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We're in the vortex!&quot; cried Jack Jepson. &quot;We're in the vortex of a
+cyclone! All hands look to themselves!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+
+<h3>WRECKED</h3>
+
+
+<p>Confusion on board a ship in a storm may be real confusion and riot, or
+it may only seem so to those not used to the sea. Often what is a
+hopelessly tangled mass of sails, ropes, spars and gears to the
+landsman, is as clear to a sailor as a skein of yarn is to an
+experienced knitter, who can ply her needles in the dark.</p>
+
+<p>It was so on the <i>Mary Ellen</i> when the storm, that had been so long
+threatening, and half-performing, broke in all its fury.</p>
+
+<p>There was a tangle of ropes, a banging and slamming of canvas, which,
+stretched taut and to its utmost, was as stiff as a board. There was a
+rattling of blocks and the creaking of the boom-crotches against the
+masts. The squeak of the gaffs higher up added to the din.</p>
+
+<p>The shouting of Captain Brisco, and the answering calls of his men did
+not lessen the confusion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lower away! Lower away!&quot; the commander cried, ordering even the already
+doubly-<a name="Page_173" id="Page_173"></a>reefed sails gotten down, so the powerful wind would have less
+resistance. Even with the small area of canvas shown, the craft was
+being heeled over until the scuppers&mdash;or the holes by which water runs
+off the deck&mdash;dipped under the waves, and there was plenty of sea
+aboard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Set that storm jib!&quot; came the next order, when the main sails had been
+furled, and that was no easy task with the sharp pitching and tossing of
+the schooner. Not a very seamanlike job was made of it, but there was no
+time for the finer touches. The sails were just clewed up to prevent
+them from blowing away, until more time could be devoted to them.</p>
+
+<p>The storm jib, which is the sail furthest front on a vessel, unless it
+be a flying jib, was set to give her enough way so she would respond to
+the helm, for it was necessary to keep the craft before the wind, and
+head on to the seas&mdash;that is, the big waves must be cut and broken by
+the sharp prow, or bow, for had they come at the schooner sideways, she
+would have been swamped instantly.</p>
+
+<p>Even the small area of the storm jib was hardly necessary. The <i>Mary
+Ellen</i>, in that blow, would have scudded along fairly well &quot;under bare
+poles,&quot; that is with no sails set at all. Even Captain Brisco had his
+doubts about the storm jib re<a name="Page_174" id="Page_174"></a>sisting. It might pull away from the
+holding ropes at any moment. But its loss would do no harm, for it would
+only be blown out to sea, and there were enough spare sails.</p>
+
+<p>So, as I have said, order came out of confusion, but even the order was
+somewhat confused, at least to the members of the moving picture
+company. They had been ordered below, and had managed, somehow, to get
+there, though more than one received bumps and bruises on the pitching,
+tossing companionway.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, what an awful storm!&quot; complained Miss Dixon, when they were huddled
+in the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Isn't it awful&mdash;terrible!&quot; agreed her companion. &quot;I am frightened to
+death. We may sink at any minute.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, not so much danger of that in a wooden ship,&quot; said Paul
+consolingly. He wished the two former vaudeville actresses would try to
+have a little courage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am so frightened,&quot; murmured Miss Pennington. &quot;I wish Captain Brisco
+would come down here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What for?&quot; asked Alice, hardly able to keep the contempt out of her
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So he could tell us if we are in any danger, and what we ought to do,&quot;
+was the selfish answer. &quot;He <i>must</i> save us!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_175" id="Page_175"></a>He's trying to save the ship!&quot; said Alice, &quot;and you two ought to be
+ashamed of yourselves at a time like this. Think of poor Russ and Mr.
+Sneed out in that motorboat all alone!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, but they&mdash;they're men,&quot; faltered Miss Dixon.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then why don't you try to be women!&quot; snapped Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hush, my dear,&quot; said her sister gently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't!&quot; was the answer. &quot;When I think of poor Russ&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm going to put on a life preserver,&quot; exclaimed Miss Pennington,
+favoring Alice with a frosty stare.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps that would be a good plan for us, my dears,&quot; said Mr. DeVere to
+his daughters. &quot;It can do no harm, at all events.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; admitted Alice. &quot;But we appear to be all right&mdash;for the time
+being, at least.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It seemed quieter up on deck now, for the sailors had ceased rushing
+about adjusting the canvas, though there was still plenty of noise.
+There was the rattle and bang of blocks, the whipping about of ends of
+ropes, the slap, now and then, of the storm jib, as it was whipped back
+and forth. Now and then a heavy sea would fall on deck with a crash.</p>
+
+<p>At such times the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, stout as she was, <a name="Page_176" id="Page_176"></a>would tremble from
+stem to stern, and those in the cabin would shiver and look at one
+another apprehensively.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come on, Laura,&quot; called Miss Pennington to her companion. &quot;Let's take
+all the precautions we can. We'll put on life preservers. But oh, I
+daren't think of being in the water with all those sharks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't talk that way!&quot; said Paul in a sharp whisper, as he saw Ruth
+shrink back at the word &quot;shark.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Miss Pennington did not deign to answer, but she and her friend were
+soon struggling with the straps of a life preserver. At this moment
+Captain Brisco came down into the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What does this mean?&quot; he asked, and his voice was stern.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We&mdash;we are getting ready for an&mdash;an emergency,&quot; faltered Miss
+Pennington.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, there won't be any emergency&mdash;at least not for a while,&quot; the
+commander said grimly &quot;We are doing very well. If you want to be
+uncomfortable do so, and put on those cork jackets. But there is no need
+of it. I'll give you plenty of warning if the ship is likely to founder,
+and we'll lower the boats.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is there any real danger, Captain?&quot; asked Mr. DeVere.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_177" id="Page_177"></a>Well, of course there always is, in a storm at sea. But we are in no
+more danger than hundreds of others. This is a wooden ship, and it will
+be a long time sinking, even if it gets to that point, which is far off.
+We haven't leaked a drop yet, and we're running before the storm nicely.
+You need have no fears.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's what I thought!&quot; exclaimed Alice, with a look at the two former
+stage actresses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Humph!&quot; sniffed Miss Dixon. &quot;Any one would think you were a sailor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She's a good deal better 'n some,&quot; said Jack Jepson coming into the
+cabin then to report something to Captain Brisco.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then you would not advise us to put on life preservers?&quot; asked Mr.
+DeVere.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not now, at least,&quot; the captain replied. &quot;I have done everything
+possible, and the only thing now is to run before the storm. We are in
+good shape. The <i>Mary Ellen</i> is a better craft than I gave her credit
+for being. The only thing to do is to wait, and hope for the best.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have you plenty of lifeboats?&quot; the old actor wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, enough for all hands. They are provisioned and watered, and are
+staunch craft. My men have orders to stand by in case of any real
+danger, and put the small boats over. But we will <a name="Page_178" id="Page_178"></a>stick to the ship
+until the last, though that is not saying, mind you, that we will have
+to desert her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! I couldn't think of going in one of those small boats!&quot; cried Miss
+Dixon. &quot;They are so low in the water. I should faint every time I looked
+over the side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well if she looked once, and fainted and stayed so, it would be a good
+thing for all hands,&quot; murmured Paul Ardite.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, don't say that,&quot; Alice reproached him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's how I feel about her,&quot; he answered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What can be done about picking up the motorboat?&quot; asked Mr. DeVere.
+They all looked anxiously toward Captain Brisco.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have a man on the lookout,&quot; answered the commander. &quot;It may seem to
+some of you heartless to go away and leave her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was,&quot; murmured gentle Ruth. But she only whispered the words. There
+were tears in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I could do nothing else,&quot; resumed Captain Brisco. &quot;As I told you, a
+vessel can't remain stationary on the sea. We had to move on before the
+gale. And, as I also said, the motorboat has a better chance of going
+where she wants to than have we, who must depend on our sails. I have no
+doubt but that the two in the <i>Ajax</i> are safe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179"></a>But if Captain Brisco, or any of those then huddled in the cabin of the
+<i>Mary Ellen</i>, could have seen Russ and Mr. Sneed just then they would
+not have envied them.</p>
+
+<p>With the racing of the engine, indicating to Russ that the propeller had
+dropped off into the sea, he at once shut off the power. Without the
+resistance of the screw the machine would soon have racked itself to
+pieces.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, what's to be done?&quot; asked Mr. Sneed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the way to talk,&quot; was the response. &quot;We've got to do something,
+that's sure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The storm which at that moment was enveloping the <i>Mary Ellen</i> was, at
+the same time, buffeting about the smaller motorboat. When she lost
+headway by the stopping of her engine she no longer took the seas head,
+or bow, on. She fell into the trough, and was in imminent danger of
+being swamped.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We've got to bring her up, the first thing we do,&quot; Russ decided. &quot;What
+we need is a drag anchor. That will bring her head on to the waves, and
+we can ride them better until help comes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will help ever come?&quot; asked the actor, despondently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course it will. Or else we'll find the schooner, or they us!&quot;
+responded Russ.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180"></a>While he was talking, he was looking about for something to use as a
+drag anchor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That will do!&quot; Russ decided as he saw a heavy wooden box. &quot;I'll use
+that.&quot; Quickly he tied a rope to it, and tossed the box out.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is better!&quot; exclaimed Russ. &quot;Now let's take an account of stock,
+and see what else we can do. We may be here for some time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We can't live very long in this awful weather!&quot; groaned, rather than
+spoke, Mr. Sneed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, don't give up so easily,&quot; said Russ.</p>
+
+<p>But when the storm grew worse, and the tiny craft was buffeted about,
+shipping considerable water, even stout-hearted Russ was not as hopeful
+as he had been. He had stowed the camera in a safe place, and put the
+films in a water-tight box well forward. Then the only thing to do was
+to wait. In vain he scanned the sea through the storm for a sight of the
+schooner. He could catch no glimpse of her.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the lookout on the <i>Mary Ellen</i> was eagerly watching for any
+signs of the <i>Ajax</i>, but he had even less chance of seeing her than Russ
+and Mr. Sneed did of sighting the larger vessel.</p>
+
+<p>The storm was constantly growing worse. As old Jack had said, the
+schooner had actually been caught in the very vortex of it, but the
+whirling motion, imparted by the meeting of two different <a name="Page_181" id="Page_181"></a>wind
+currents, had been the saving of the craft. She had been shunted to the
+outer edge, as a cork, going around in a whirlpool, is sometimes tossed
+to safety by the very violence of the motion.</p>
+
+<p>Then she had scudded before the gale.</p>
+
+<p>All that night they scudded before the storm, not knowing where they
+were, and when morning came there was a wild and tumultuous waste of
+waters all about them. Alice ventured up on deck, against the advice of
+her father and sister.</p>
+
+<p>She saw Jack Jepson and some sailors amidships. They seemed to be in
+earnest consultation. Alice drew near them, intending to ask if there
+were any news.</p>
+
+<p>As she came near the mainmast, there was a sudden veer to the craft, a
+snapping, splintering sound, and the mast, with its gear of sail, boom
+and gaff crashed over the side, smashing the stout bulwarks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look out, gal!&quot; hoarsely cried Old Jack, and he snatched Alice back
+only just in time, for the mast splintered down right in front of her.</p>
+
+<p>With the crash and splintering of the wood, and the breaking of the side
+of the schooner, there arose the cry of:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We're wrecked! We're wrecked!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2>
+
+<h3>&quot;MUTINY!&quot;</h3>
+
+
+<p>Jack Jepson's first thought was to get Alice to a place of safety.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shouldn't have come up!&quot; he shouted in her ear, as he fairly
+carried her along the sloping deck. He had to shout to be heard above
+the roar of the wind, the pounding of the broken mast against the side
+of the schooner, and the swish of the salt water whipped into spray by
+the powerful gale.</p>
+
+<p>Jack set Alice down at the head of the companionway, and indicated by
+gestures, rather than words, that she was to go below. As she descended
+the sloping stairs, holding to the rope rail to prevent stumbling, she
+saw Captain Brisco spring forward. Whatever else he was, the commander
+did not shrink from any emergency.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cut away that mast!&quot; he cried. &quot;She'll have us stove in if we don't cut
+her loose!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aye, aye, sir!&quot; answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>He and several other sailors had seized axes as <a name="Page_183" id="Page_183"></a>soon as the result of
+the crash was seen, and now sprang to the broken bulwarks, over which
+the mainmast lay, the jagged end of it in the water, pounding against
+the side of the schooner at every roll, and threatening to punch a hole
+in her as a battering ram punctures a wall.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Strike hard, men!&quot; called Jack, and the sound of their axes followed.
+Ropes were severed with a blow, but the wire shrouds were tougher, and
+it was not until several minutes had passed that the mast, with its
+tangle of sails and ropes, was chopped free to float away on the crest
+of a billow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Get up the mizzen storm sail!&quot; ordered Captain Brisco. &quot;She's falling
+off!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The schooner was indeed in danger of wallowing in the trough of the big
+waves.</p>
+
+<p>Pausing only for a moment, the sailors who had labored so valiantly at
+cutting loose the broken mast, sprang to get more sail on the craft. She
+was deprived of the reefed, or shortened, one that had been on the stick
+which was now overboard, and the jib was not enough to hold her head to
+the waves.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it? Oh what is it?&quot; gasped Miss Pennington as Alice fell,
+rather than walked down the companionway into the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are we sinking?&quot; demanded Miss Dixon.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_184" id="Page_184"></a>Not at all!&quot; answered Alice, catching her breath, and, with a shake of
+her head freeing her face from the salty spray that had drenched her.
+&quot;It isn't anything at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She determined to make light of it, even though her own heart was
+beating like a hammer at the thought of her narrow escape from possible
+death.</p>
+
+<p>Alice really did not know whether there was any danger or not from the
+fall of the mast. She had often read of such things happening, and she
+remembered that the masts were always &quot;cut away.&quot; So she supposed, as
+long as this was being done, that the proper course was being followed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's no danger at all,&quot; she said, speaking more calmly now.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No danger!&quot; cried Miss Pennington. &quot;Listen to that!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was the noise of sailors on deck chopping away the mast-gear.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, one of those upright sticks, that they hang the sails on, fell
+over. Not enough glue on it, I guess,&quot; said Alice, calmly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not enough glue!&quot; gasped Paul. &quot;Well, I never&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't you take a joke?&quot; Alice whispered to him, as she saw that her
+minimizing of the accident was having its effect.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_185" id="Page_185"></a>Oh, yes, of course!&quot; Paul exclaimed. &quot;Not enough glue on it&mdash;Oh yes!&quot;
+and he had to turn away to keep from smiling at the idea of a
+mast,&mdash;that is the most firmly set of anything on a ship, (being indeed
+almost an integral part of it)&mdash;the idea of that being stayed with glue
+was enough to make almost anyone smile, even in the midst of danger.</p>
+
+<p>The sounds on the deck gradually became more quiet. The danger seemed to
+be over for the time being. The moving picture actors and actresses
+crowded around Alice to hear her story of the accident. She carefully
+avoided mentioning her own peril, but she resolved to properly thank old
+Jack later. Just now Alice did not want her father to worry. His throat
+was troubling him, because of the amount of salt spray in the air.</p>
+
+<p>On deck Captain Brisco and Jack Jepson took charge of matters until the
+wreckage had been cleared away. And a lot of wreckage there was. The
+<i>Mary Ellen</i> looked little like the trim, schooner that had left New
+York a few weeks before.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Jepson stepped close to the stump of the mainmast. He gave one look
+at it, and uttered a single word.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rotten!&quot; he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that?&quot; cried Captain Brisco sharply.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_186" id="Page_186"></a>Rotten!&quot; repeated the mate. &quot;That mast had dry rot to the very core.
+Only the varnish held her together.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that to you?&quot; cried the captain in angry tones. &quot;You keep your
+opinions to yourself! When I want 'em, I'll ask for 'em! Now get below
+and see if we're taking in any water.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well, sir,&quot; was the answer, but Jack gave the captain a queer
+look.</p>
+
+<p>He found some water coming in, but not more, he thought, than the pumps
+could take care of, so he reported the matter only to Captain Brisco.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's good,&quot; the commander said, seemingly well pleased. &quot;I guess they
+can have their fake shipwreck after all, if the weather clears.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As the day advanced, the storm lulled slightly, but it was still rough.
+Those of the moving picture company who ventured up on deck went below
+again with white, scared faces at the sight of the wreckage of the
+mainmast. For it did look doleful.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This shipwreck comes pretty near being real,&quot; said Mr. Pertell. &quot;If we
+could only photograph it now, it would make a fine film.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't you?&quot; asked Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I suppose I could make some views.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A few hundred feet of film were exposed by one of the operators, but the
+pretended shipwreck <a name="Page_187" id="Page_187"></a>would need to be taken from a small boat, and the
+sea was too rough to admit of that.</p>
+
+<p>Then the storm, that had given them a brief respite, began again, worse
+than before. The schooner was tossed about like a toy, and the
+mizzenmast was sprung so that no sail could be rigged on it.</p>
+
+<p>Then when a great wave struck the craft, washing over her from stem to
+stern, the work of the ocean and the storm elements seemed completed.
+The <i>Mary Ellen</i> staggered under the blow like some living thing, and
+she did not rise to it as buoyantly as she had before.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Jepson came rushing up from below.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We're leaking fast!&quot; he cried. &quot;We'd better take to the boats, Captain
+Brisco! The pumps won't work!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The boats! Nonsense!&quot; the captain cried. &quot;We'll ride it out here. The
+schooner is all right!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I tell you she's sinking!&quot; yelled Jack. &quot;We must take to the boats.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What? Do you dare give orders in my face!&quot; stormed Captain Brisco.
+&quot;This is mutiny, sir! This is mutiny! I'll put you in irons!&quot; and with
+raised fist he started toward the old sailor.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2>
+
+<h3>HELP AT LAST</h3>
+
+
+<p>Jack Jepson was a brave man. He proved it then by standing unflinchingly
+in front of the angry captain, when shrinking back might have meant a
+blow that would have brought about a general fight. Seeing him standing
+there fearlessly, made Captain Brisco pause. And that gave the others
+time for action.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What does this mean?&quot; cried Mr. Pertell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is trying to start a mutiny as he did once before!&quot; fairly yelled
+Captain Brisco.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I never started a mutiny before, and I'm not trying to do so now!&quot;
+retorted Jack, and he seemed to have lost much of his timid simplicity.
+&quot;I tell you the ship is sinking, and we had best take to the boats while
+there is time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I tell you that you are wrong!&quot; snarled Captain Brisco. &quot;I order
+you below!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I won't go, until I have told these people what is going on here!&quot;
+retorted Jack Jepson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If that isn't mutiny, I'd like to know what is,&quot; cried the captain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_189" id="Page_189"></a>Well, if that's mutiny, then I'm glad to be a mutineer!&quot; shouted the
+old salt, &quot;and any court in the land would uphold me, for I am trying to
+save lives, and you're trying to throw 'em away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Throw 'em away! What do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You know what I mean,&quot; replied Jack, and there was significance in his
+voice. &quot;I won't say anything about putting to sea in a ship that wasn't
+fit&mdash;with masts that were nothin' but dry rot, and with pumps that only
+half work at best. And I won't say anything about your plot&mdash;there isn't
+time now. But I will say&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A plot!&quot; cried Alice, who, with Ruth, stood near her father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, a plot, Miss!&quot; Jack Jepson cried. &quot;I'll tell you about it later.
+But now we've got to do something. The water's comin' in fast, and if we
+can't stop it, we'll have to take to the boats.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look here!&quot; stormed Captain Brisco, and his voice was almost in keeping
+with the howl of the gale all about them, and almost as raucous as the
+salty spray that flew over everything. &quot;Look here! Who is captain of
+this ship?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are,&quot; replied Jack quietly enough. He looked the angry man full in
+the eye, and the half-raised fist of the commander fell again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then if I'm captain, I'm going to be obeyed!&quot; came next. &quot;I order you
+below, Jep<a name="Page_190" id="Page_190"></a>son. You're no longer mate of this craft. You're deposed! Hen
+Lacomb, I hereby appoint you first mate until my regular one recovers,
+and you, Hankinson, you're second mate. Lively now. Jepson, go below,
+and if he makes any more trouble, Hen, clap him in irons,&quot; he added
+significantly.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment there was silence following this announcement&mdash;that is, as
+much quiet as the storm permitted. Then Alice cried out:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father, won't you say something! Mr. Pertell, you're not going to
+permit this, are you? I'm sure Jack Jepson is honest and that he is
+faithfully warning us. Don't let him be put down this way. Ask him what
+he means by a plot!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Alice!&quot; protested her sister. &quot;At a time like this&mdash;when we may all
+be drowned!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll all be drowned worse, maybe, if Jack's advice isn't taken. What
+is it?&quot; she asked, appealing to the old sailor. &quot;What is the plot you
+spoke of?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ask him?&quot; cried the old salt, pointing an accusing finger at the
+captain. &quot;Ask him, and if he doesn't tell you, I will. Talk about a
+mutiny! It wouldn't be half as bad as his plot for getting possession of
+this vessel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that!&quot; cried Captain Brisco, starting forward. &quot;You dare accuse
+me&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_191" id="Page_191"></a>Yes, you and Hen Lacomb!&quot; cried Jack, who seemed to have acquired a new
+boldness. &quot;I charge you with plotting to make a fizzle of the shipwreck
+these picture people planned. You were going to pretend the vessel was
+sinking, before the time set for the pictures, and you were going to get
+them to abandon the schooner. Then you and Lacomb were going to come
+back to the ship later, take her to some secret port, fit her out again
+and use her for your own purposes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the plot! That's what I overheard you and Lacomb plannin', and
+when you suspected I knew, you thought I'd be better off in the sea.
+That's how I happened to go overboard. I was thrown! That's what I
+charge you with. Deny it if ye dare!&quot; and he pointed an accusing finger
+at the two men. &quot;You threw me overboard, Hen Lacomb! And Captain Brisco
+planned to have you do it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brisco appeared to struggle with some emotion. His face went red
+and white by turns. He seemed unable to speak. But at last he choked
+out:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What! You dare say that to me. You accuse me&mdash;&mdash;!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, and I have the proof!&quot; cried Jack. &quot;Here's the agreement you made
+Lacomb sign. You were afraid to trust to him unless he made a <a name="Page_192" id="Page_192"></a>promise
+in writing, and here it is. I found it in the secret compartment in your
+cabin. Your cabin that used to be mine in the old <i>Mary Ellen</i>. That's
+how I made sure this ship was the old one I used to serve on, made over.
+I found this agreement! It's the proof of what I say. Deny it if you
+can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why&mdash;why&mdash;&quot; stammered the captain. &quot;Do you dare&mdash;&quot; but it seemed he
+could not get any farther. He glanced at Hen Lacomb who stood near him.
+A meaning look passed between the two men, and Hen started edging around
+toward Jack Jepson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father! Mr. Pertell!&quot; cried Alice. &quot;Let us have this settled! Jack has
+made charges. They may be true or they may not be. But our lives surely
+are in danger if this vessel is sinking.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I say she isn't sinking! She's as sound as a bell below the water
+line!&quot; cried the captain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I say she has a hole stove in her, an' unless it's stopped we'll be
+at the bottom in a few hours!&quot; cried Jack. &quot;The mast knocked a hole in
+her and she's takin' water fast. The pumps are no good, but they can be
+fixed with a little work on 'em.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Keep still!&quot; the captain shouted. &quot;You're under arrest as a mutineer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No he isn't!&quot; exclaimed Mr. Pertell. &quot;This <a name="Page_193" id="Page_193"></a>is my vessel. I'm the chief
+owner of it, and I here and now depose you as captain, Mr. Brisco, and
+appoint Jack Jepson in your place!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a gasp of baffled rage from the former commander.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack, take charge,&quot; said Mr. Pertell. &quot;Select as mates whoever you
+want. We'll go into this matter of the plot later. Just now we must save
+the ship if we can. Everything must give way to that. Do you accept?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What! Him captain?&quot; cried Hen Lacomb, who was edging nearer and nearer
+to Jack all this while.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why not?&quot; asked Mr. Pertell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He doesn't know how to navigate. He'll run us aground.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish he <i>would</i> run us on der ground!&quot; murmured Mr. Switzer. &quot;I haf
+hat enough of der ocean. Der ground is goot enough for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can navigate!&quot; cried Jack. &quot;I hold a master's certificate, though
+I've only filled mates' berths of late.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I&mdash;I refuse to serve under him,&quot; stormed Captain Brisco. &quot;And when we
+reach port, I shall lay this matter before the authorities. You can't
+depose a captain this way!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't I?&quot; asked Mr. Pertell coolly. &quot;I rather think I can. I looked up
+the law on the <a name="Page_194" id="Page_194"></a>rights of owners before I started on this voyage. Jack
+Jepson is captain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I refuse to serve under him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well. Then you can either work your passage, or pay for your
+passage, I don't care which. But I'm going to save this ship, and the
+lives of those aboard her, if I can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a sudden little scuffle near Jack Jepson, and Hen Lacomb went
+sprawling on the deck.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No you don't!&quot; drawled Mr. Switzer in his most German comedian voice.
+&quot;I think you haf fallen. Dit you hurt yourself?&quot; he asked of the
+prostrate Hen.</p>
+
+<p>The latter, with a growl, got to his feet, an angry look on his face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What happened?&quot; asked Mr. Pertell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, noddings dit happen,&quot; was the reply. &quot;It iss only vat might haf
+happenet. He vas getting so close by Jack dot Jack might fall ofer board
+again, und ve don't vant to lose our new captain so soon yet,&quot; explained
+Mr. Switzer cheerfully.</p>
+
+<p>He thus made light of the affair, but later it came out that Hen Lacomb
+had evidently had the intention of at least trying to pitch Jack
+overboard, as the easiest solution of the trouble of Captain Brisco and
+his crony.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_195" id="Page_195"></a>This is enough!&quot; cried Mr. Pertell. &quot;Jack, you're captain. Do what you
+like to insure the safety of us and the ship. Captain Brisco is no
+longer in command of this vessel,&quot; the manager went on to a wondering
+group of sailors. &quot;I call for three cheers for Captain Jack Jepson!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were given with a will, for evidently Jack was a favorite, and the
+deposed captain was not. The latter slunk below followed by Hen Lacomb.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We've got to try to stop that leak first of all!&quot; said Jack, as he
+carefully put in his pocket the paper he had claimed was an agreement
+between Brisco and his crony. &quot;I appoint Jim West as first mate and
+Frank Snyder as second!&quot; the new captain went on. &quot;Come below, you two,
+and we'll see what we can do. We've got to mend the pumps. Keep her
+about as she is,&quot; he ordered the steersman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aye, aye, sir!&quot; was the respectful answer. Jack was already developing
+new qualities as a commander.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is a distressing state of affairs,&quot; said Mr. DeVere.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not as bad as it might be,&quot; Mr. Pertell answered. &quot;There is a chance
+for us now. I never dreamed that Brisco was such a scoundrel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I'm so glad Captain Jack is in charge!&quot; cried Alice. &quot;And I'm so
+glad he found out <a name="Page_196" id="Page_196"></a>about the plot. Maybe this will help to clear him of
+the other unjust charge,&quot; she went on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps,&quot; agreed Ruth. &quot;But oh, Alice! If we should sink!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nonsense! We're not going to sink!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And so it proved&mdash;at least the <i>Mary Ellen</i> was not doomed to go to the
+bottom at once. The storm still raged with seemingly unabated violence,
+but the sailors, under the direction of Captain Jepson, got a heavy
+piece of canvas over the worst leak, and then the repaired pumps kept
+the water in the hold down to a normal level.</p>
+
+<p>The failure of the pumps to work, until Jack and the men fixed them was
+due to criminal negligence on the part of Brisco. He put to sea with
+this necessary part of a ship in poor condition, not thinking they would
+be needed.</p>
+
+<p>Brisco was a desperate man, and so was Lacomb. They had been involved in
+more than one shady transaction, and though both may have been aboard
+with Jack, during the mutiny, they successfully covered their tracks.</p>
+
+<p>Brisco and Lacomb sulked below, and, for the time being, no effort was
+made to bring them up and set them to work, though every hand was
+needed. Some of the members of the film company turned in and helped. It
+was thought better not to incite a fight.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197"></a>So the <i>Mary Ellen</i> lurched on through the storm, a mere semblance of
+the gallant craft she had appeared to be on leaving port. And those
+aboard labored desperately to keep her afloat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Talk about a shipwreck!&quot; gasped Mr. Pertell, as a wave drenched him,
+&quot;this is the most realistic I ever saw. If I could only picture this!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But it was impossible. How the planned drama of the sea would end, no
+one could tell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And oh! to think of poor Russ and Mr. Sneed out in this&mdash;if they <i>are</i>
+still out in it,&quot; murmured Alice, as she and Ruth clung to one another
+in their cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The <i>Ajax</i> may have survived,&quot; Ruth said, hopefully.</p>
+
+<p>And indeed, at that moment, the motorboat was making the best of the bad
+weather.</p>
+
+<p>The sea anchor which Russ had rigged provided the necessary drag and
+steerage way, and the boat's head was kept to the waves. Her high bow,
+and covered fore-part, enabled her to ride seas that would have swamped
+another craft of like size. And her dory-build added to her safety. The
+bank fishermen know well how to shape a boat to meet heavy seas.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, we seem to be doing fairly well,&quot; said Russ, as he and his
+companion settled down in the <a name="Page_198" id="Page_198"></a>shelter, to nibble at a bit of hard tack
+and drink some of the water Jack had put on board.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I suppose it might be worse,&quot; agreed Mr. Sneed. And that, for him,
+was saying a great deal.</p>
+
+<p>So the <i>Ajax</i> drifted on, as the <i>Mary Ellen</i> was driving, before the
+gale, the occupants of neither craft knowing aught of the others. And
+the storm still raged.</p>
+
+<p>After a while Russ, for want of something better to do, began looking
+over the motor. Presently he discovered something that made him shout
+for joy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it?&quot; asked his companion. &quot;Do you see the schooner?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, but I can make this boat run. Look, the propeller hasn't dropped
+off at all! The set screws of the sleeve have become loose and the
+propeller shaft didn't turn, that was all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>If any of you know anything about motor-boats, you know that the shaft
+which passes through the stuffing box, and to which shaft the propeller
+is fastened, is joined to the shaft of the engine by a coupling, or
+sleeve. If you take two lead pencils, and thrust an end of each into
+each end of a hollow, brass pencil holder, you will get an idea of what
+I mean. One pencil will represent the shaft to which the propeller is
+fastened, <a name="Page_199" id="Page_199"></a>and the other the engine shaft. The brass holder is the
+coupling, or sleeve. In order that the shafts will be held rigidly
+together, turning at the same time, set screws in the sleeve are tightly
+turned down on the shaft, binding both in the sleeve.</p>
+
+<p>It was the set screws on the propeller shaft that had loosed, allowing
+the sleeve to slip uselessly around, that had caused all the trouble.
+With a wrench Russ tightened the screws. He tested them, and, finding
+them firm, started the engine. A moment later the <i>Ajax</i> was moving over
+the waves under her own power.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hurray!&quot; cried Mr. Sneed. &quot;This is great!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And we don't need this any longer,&quot; Russ said, hauling in the drag
+anchor. Then, able to mount the waves, the motorboat was in much better
+condition for fighting the storm.</p>
+
+<p>On and on she rushed. Hour after hour passed, but the gale showed no
+signs of abating. The two young men were weary and disheartened, when,
+as there came a little rift in the clouds Russ, who stood up to look
+about, gave a yell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it now?&quot; asked Mr. Sneed. &quot;More trouble?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No!&quot; cried Russ. &quot;I see a steamer. Help at last! I'm going straight for
+her!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2>
+
+<h3>A SIGNAL OF DISTRESS</h3>
+
+
+<p>Russ had been running the motor at moderate speed, for he did not know
+just how long the supply of gasoline would last, and he did not know as
+yet what might be before him and his companion in distress. But the
+sight of the steamer gave him hope, and he turned on full speed.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Ajax</i> was a powerful craft, though even a mighty steamer would not
+have found it easy to make headway in that sea and in that gale. The
+motor craft responded gallantly, and shot up on the crest of each wave,
+sliding down the opposite side as though she were going to investigate
+the uttermost depths of Father Neptune's caverns.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Steamer! I don't see any steamer!&quot; exclaimed Mr. Sneed, as he looked in
+the direction toward which the face of Russ was turned.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will when we both come on top of a wave at the same time,&quot; was the
+answer. &quot;You see we lie so low in the water she can't see us, <a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a>and we
+can't glimpse her until we're both on a crest together. She's off to the
+east there. Watch and you'll see her. Look now!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At that moment the <i>Ajax</i> rose on a mighty wave, which lifted her high
+toward the sky, in which were now rifted clouds. Mr. Sneed glanced to
+where Russ pointed, and saw the long, black hull of a steamer, from
+whose stacks belched forth clouds of smoke, showing that her engines
+were being driven at top speed to overcome the storm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There she is!&quot; cried Russ. &quot;Now if we can only reach her, we'll be all
+right, and we can help the others.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The others,&quot; murmured the actor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, those on the <i>Mary Ellen</i>. She must be in trouble in this storm,
+for she isn't built for this sort of thing. It's a wonder she lasted as
+long as she did.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Maybe she's at the bottom now,&quot; suggested Mr. Sneed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cheerful, aren't you?&quot; remarked Russ. &quot;I thought you'd given that sort
+of thing up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I meant to. I really did. I'm sorry!&quot; the other exclaimed, contritely
+enough. Really he was a different sort of Mr. Sneed from the &quot;human
+grouch&quot; who often made matters so unpleasant for members of the Comet
+Film Com<a name="Page_202" id="Page_202"></a>pany. Since he and Russ had so nearly faced death, Mr. Sneed
+was much braver and more cheerful.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think she'll keep afloat for some time,&quot; Russ went on, &quot;as she is all
+wood, you know. She may be pretty well battered, though.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>If he could only have seen the hapless <i>Mary Ellen</i> then, he would have
+believed her quite battered indeed. For another rotten mast had fallen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you mean you're going to ask those on the steamer to look for the
+schooner,&quot; asked Mr. Sneed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's what I'm going to do, if we can get to her,&quot; Russ said. &quot;It's
+going to be nip and tuck, for she's going fast and she won't see us, as
+we're so low in the water. She's not heading in our direction, either,
+but I'll go after her on a long slant, and maybe I can reach her, or get
+near enough to make her see us. This is a pretty fast boat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were speeding over the waves, now down in a hollow, and again on
+the crest. Sometimes they would lose sight of the steamer altogether,
+and again they would catch a fleeting glimpse of her. And, when they
+did, she seemed farther off than ever.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, we'll never reach her!&quot; said Mr. Sneed, despondently enough.
+&quot;She'll never give us any aid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_203" id="Page_203"></a>There you go!&quot; cried Russ. &quot;I thought you'd given up that sort of
+thing!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I didn't mean just that,&quot; the actor said. &quot;Perhaps we will make
+her see us after all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's better!&quot; exclaimed Russ. &quot;We'll get her&mdash;or crack a cylinder!&quot;
+and he tried to get a few more revolutions out of the fly wheel.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of their brave front, Russ and his companion were sufficiently
+miserable. Their boat constantly shipped water, and they had to use the
+hand force pump, which, fortunately, was in the craft. A pump was
+connected with the cylinder cooling apparatus, designed to free the
+cockpit of bilge water, but the pump would not work.</p>
+
+<p>Russ and Mr. Sneed were wet through, for the cabin could not be entirely
+closed against the spray. And they had nothing to eat except cold
+victuals. There was a gasoline stove aboard, but there was nothing to
+cook, for only an emergency ration had been put in the craft, and that
+was more because of a whim on the part of Jack Jepson, than because he
+really thought it would be needed.</p>
+
+<p>But more than once as they drank of the water, and nibbled the hard
+biscuits, or crackers, in the water-tight box, Russ and his companion
+blessed the forethought of honest Jack Jepson&mdash;I <a name="Page_204" id="Page_204"></a>beg his pardon,
+Captain Jepson it was now, though neither Russ nor Mr. Sneed knew that.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think I'll hoist a signal,&quot; said the actor, as they drove on, now
+seeing the steamer, and again losing her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good idea,&quot; Russ agreed, as he busied himself with an oil can.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Sneed managed to lash an oar upright, and on it he fastened a bit of
+canvas. It stood out straight, like a board, so strong was the wind that
+whipped it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope they see that,&quot; commented the actor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope so, too,&quot; added Russ. &quot;It doesn't do any good to yell, for the
+wind is blowing from them to us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>More than once, as they urged their craft on a long slant toward the
+steamer, they almost gave up hope. But it sprang up again, and finally,
+as a break in the clouds let out a little rift of light, someone on the
+watch aboard the steamer saw the fluttering signal.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She's seen us! She's seen us!&quot; cried Russ in delight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How can you tell?&quot; demanded his companion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She whistled. I saw the steam. You'll hear the blast in a second.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And they did. Light travels faster than sound. They saw the steam from
+the powerful whistle <a name="Page_205" id="Page_205"></a>before they heard the hoarse blast; even as one
+sees the flash of a gun before hearing the report.</p>
+
+<p>The steamer changed her course, and came on toward the motorboat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Suppose it's the English one, that wants to capture poor Jack,&quot;
+suggested Mr. Sneed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That doesn't make any difference,&quot; Russ said. &quot;She'll save us, and then
+look for the schooner. We can take up Jack's case later.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It did not prove to be the English steamer. Instead it was a powerful
+fruiter, hailing from New York, and Russ and Mr. Sneed were soon aboard,
+the <i>Ajax</i> being hoisted to her deck. Then she resumed her course, but
+it was a different one.</p>
+
+<p>For, on the earnest plea of Russ and Mr. Sneed, the steamer's captain
+consented to turn back and search for the <i>Mary Ellen</i>.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know as I'll find her,&quot; he said, &quot;but we can't let all those
+poor souls perish.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So the search began. It lasted three days, during which the storm nearly
+blew itself out. And on the morning of the fourth day, when the sullen
+sea was trying to calm itself, and when the wind had died down to a
+moderate gale, the lookout of the <i>Sirius</i> called out:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sail ho!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where away?&quot; came the demand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dead ahead. She's a schooner, low in the water, and she's flying a
+signal of distress!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h2>
+
+<h3>CLEAR SKIES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Instantly there was commotion and excitement on board the <i>Sirius</i>, for
+Russ and Mr. Sneed had told their story of the starting out to make a
+pictured shipwreck, which shipwreck had evidently, now, become real.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, I'm sure of it!&quot; Russ cried as he caught a
+glimpse of the sighted schooner. &quot;But what has happened to her?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Masts are gone, and she's sinking,&quot; one of the steamer's officers told
+him. &quot;I guess we can't get to her any too quickly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And it was high time a rescue was made, for Captain Jepson, and Mr.
+Pertell had decided to take to the boats with all on board.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Mary Ellen</i> <i>was</i> sinking; there was no doubt of that. All that
+could be done had been done, but to no avail.</p>
+
+<p>But hope revived when the steamer was sighted.</p>
+
+<p>A little later, the <i>Sirius</i> stood by. And high time, too. As a last
+resort, when it was found <a name="Page_207" id="Page_207"></a>that the repaired pumps could not keep the
+water down in the hold, so big was the leak, the signal of distress had
+been hoisted. And, after many anxious hours, it had been thus
+providentially answered.</p>
+
+<p>Then a thought came to Mr. Pertell. The weather had cleared. The
+schooner would keep afloat a few hours more. Why not make the pictures
+of the shipwreck now? It would be his only chance. True, they would not
+be just as planned, but they would be better than losing all the efforts
+that had been made.</p>
+
+<p>There was a brief talk with the captain of the <i>Sirius</i>. He consented to
+stand by until the sea drama, quickly revised, was acted out&mdash;at least,
+until shipwreck scenes were portrayed.</p>
+
+<p>It was rather an exciting time, the passengers dropping overboard from
+the sinking schooner, and being rescued in boats. Russ, on board the
+<i>Ajax</i>, which was again put into the sea, worked the camera. The <i>Mary
+Ellen</i> made a more realistic wreck than had been hoped for. Former
+Captain Brisco and Hen Lacomb, alone, refused to take any part in the
+drama.</p>
+
+<p>At last the final film was run off, the last rescue was made by the
+motor craft and small boats, and all, passengers and crew, from the
+sinking schooner, were taken aboard the <i>Sirius</i>.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_208" id="Page_208"></a>There she goes!&quot; said Alice softly, as, with a final lurch, and a
+blowing up of her decks, from the compressed air under them, the old
+craft, bow first went beneath the waves. Russ took the final pictures.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Game to the last!&quot; said Captain Jepson. &quot;She went down bow on, to show
+she wasn't afraid of Davy Jones! That's the last of her, and the last of
+Brisco's schemes to get her for his own use.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tell me about that now,&quot; suggested Mr. Pertell. &quot;I have time to listen
+now, for we aren't trying to save a sinking ship.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were all now safely aboard the steamer, which had resumed her
+course. The moving pictures had all been taken, save some that needed a
+shore background, and these could be done later.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did Brisco really plot to get the <i>Mary Ellen</i>?&quot; asked the manager.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He did,&quot; said Jack Jepson. &quot;I'll tell you the whole story.&quot; And he did.
+Briefly it was this:</p>
+
+<p>On his first trip to the schooner, Jack had recognized Brisco as an
+unscrupulous man who had been engaged in several shady ship
+transactions. But Brisco denied his identity, and Jack pretended to have
+been mistaken, in order to throw him off his guard. Brisco was also,
+Jack said, <a name="Page_209" id="Page_209"></a>one of the mutineers of the <i>Halcyon</i>, but the plotter
+denied this, and Jack admitted he may have been mistaken.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the advent of Hen Lacomb, whom Jepson recognized as a fellow
+plotter with Brisco. The evil men knew him, too, after a bit, but they
+counted on the charge of mutiny hanging over him to make him keep quiet,
+and not reveal their plot.</p>
+
+<p>Brisco and Lacomb plotted to get the schooner for themselves. They were
+not really going to endanger the lives of the passengers or crew, but
+their game was to only pretend to sink the ship, and to raise such an
+alarm that she would be hastily abandoned. Then they would come back to
+her later, salvage her, and use her for their own ends.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Jepson had overheard this plot, and, as he had said, found the
+incriminating document signed by Lacomb. This was hidden in a secret
+compartment in what had formerly been his bunk, when the schooner was
+the <i>Halcyon</i>.</p>
+
+<p>When Brisco and Lacomb discovered that Jepson knew their secret, they
+tried to get rid of him, by a seeming accident. But Fate interfered with
+their plans, and the storm made a big change. Then came the deposing of
+Captain Brisco, and the rest of the story is known to my readers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name="Page_210" id="Page_210"></a>Well, Jack Jepson&mdash;or, Captain Jepson, though you haven't now command
+of any ship,&quot; said Mr. Pertell, &quot;we owe much to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's nothin' at all,&quot; Jack said, modestly enough. &quot;When I saw this
+steamer, though, I thought it was that Britisher coming back for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a shame that the charge of mutiny should hang over you!&quot; exclaimed
+Alice. &quot;I think it should be wiped out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish it could be,&quot; Jack said with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>A steward, a little later, came to where the rescued ones were talking
+together&mdash;Brisco and Lacomb having gone off by themselves&mdash;and the
+steward said the steamer's captain wanted to talk to the schooner's
+commander.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There he is,&quot; said Mr. Pertell, pointing to Jack Jepson. &quot;That's our
+new captain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The steward looked. A queer change came over his face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack!&quot; he cried. &quot;Is it really you? I've looked all over the world for
+you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tom Buttle!&quot; cried Jepson, leaping to his feet. &quot;My old shipmate. Say,
+if anyone knows, you do, that I never had a thing to do with that mutiny
+on the <i>Halcyon</i>. Don't you know I didn't?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course I do!&quot; the steward cried. &quot;I can <a name="Page_211" id="Page_211"></a>prove you were as innocent
+as a babe, and I know others who can, too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's this&mdash;more of the mystery?&quot; asked Alice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's the end of it, I hope,&quot; said Jack solemnly. &quot;Tell 'em, Tom!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There isn't much to tell,&quot; the steward said. &quot;I was a shipmate with
+Jack on the <i>Halcyon</i> or the <i>Mary Ellen</i>, in the old days. He's
+probably told you of the mutiny. I was hurt in it, and lay unconscious
+when they arrested him for it. I didn't recover until he had been put in
+jail, and when I tried to give my evidence, I could get no one to listen
+to me. Then I heard Jack had escaped and I rested easy. I never knew the
+charge was hanging over him all this while.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've been all over the world since, sailing in different vessels, and
+in every port I'd inquire of Jack from those who knew him. But I never
+found him until now. Clear him&mdash;of course I can clear him of the unjust
+charge!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank Heaven for that!&quot; said Jack Jepson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Everything is cleared up!&quot; cried Alice gaily. &quot;Even the sky&mdash;see how
+blue it is!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In due time Jack's innocence was proved before the English courts, and
+the charge against him wiped out. He was then free to come and go as he
+pleased. But the mystery of the disap<a name="Page_212" id="Page_212"></a>pearance of Captain Watson, of the
+<i>Halcyon</i>, or old <i>Mary Ellen</i>, and his companion, Mike Tullane, was
+never solved.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Mary Ellen</i>, all that was left of the reconstructed <i>Halcyon</i>, was,
+of course, a total wreck. Brisco's plan failed. Nothing was done to him,
+as it would have been difficult to prove a case against him.</p>
+
+<p>Arrangements were made for taking the needed land scenes of the sea
+drama, and when this was done, the whole company returned to New York.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Alice,&quot; remarked Ruth one day, as they were on their way up the
+coast in a steamer, &quot;did you have enough of sea-life this trip?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I certainly did,&quot; was the answer. &quot;No more shipwrecks for me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Same here!&quot; put in Russ. &quot;It's taking too many chances!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, you'd do it over again&mdash;or something like it&mdash;and so would you
+girls, if you knew a good film would come of it,&quot; predicted Paul Ardite,
+with a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>And here we will say good-bye to the Moving Picture Girls.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 18699-h.txt or 18699-h.zip *******</p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Moving Picture Girls at Sea, by Laura Lee
+Hope
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Moving Picture Girls at Sea
+       or, A Pictured Shipwreck That Became Real
+
+
+Author: Laura Lee Hope
+
+
+
+Release Date: June 27, 2006  [eBook #18699]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Cori Samuel, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustration.
+      See 18699-h.htm or 18699-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/6/9/18699/18699-h/18699-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/6/9/18699/18699-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA
+
+Or
+
+A Pictured Shipwreck That Became Real
+
+by
+
+LAURA LEE HOPE
+
+Author of "The Moving Picture Girls," "The Moving Picture
+Girls at Rocky Ranch," "The Outdoor Girls Series," "The
+Bobbsey Twins Series," Etc.
+
+Illustrated
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: RUSS BEGAN TAKING MANY VIEWS OF THE PITCHING, TOSSING
+SCHOONER.--_Page 157._]
+
+
+
+The World Syndicate Publishing Co.
+Cleveland, O. New York, N. Y.
+Copyright, 1915, by
+Grosset & Dunlap
+Printed in the United States of America
+by
+The Commercial Bookbinding Co. Cleveland, O.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+  CHAPTER                        PAGE
+
+     I THE GREAT MARINE FILM        1
+
+    II JACK JEPSON                 10
+
+   III SOMETHING OF A MYSTERY      21
+
+    IV THE SAILOR'S STORY          28
+
+     V THE MARY ELLEN              36
+
+    VI CAPTAIN BRISCO              45
+
+   VII JEPSON IS WORRIED           53
+
+  VIII HARD WORK                   60
+
+    IX THE RISING TIDE             68
+
+     X TOO MUCH REALISM            76
+
+    XI A REVISED FILM              87
+
+   XII OVERHEARD                   94
+
+  XIII "ALL ABOARD!"              104
+
+   XIV OVERBOARD                  114
+
+    XV "SAIL HO!"                 123
+
+   XVI THE ACCUSATION             133
+
+  XVII THE STORM                  141
+
+ XVIII GRINDING AWAY              149
+
+   XIX DISABLED                   158
+
+    XX IN THE VORTEX              165
+
+   XXI WRECKED                    172
+
+  XXII "MUTINY!"                  182
+
+ XXIII HELP AT LAST               188
+
+  XXIV A SIGNAL OF DISTRESS       200
+
+   XXV CLEAR SKIES                206
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE GREAT MARINE FILM
+
+
+"Well, at last a breathing period, Ruth. Oh, I am surely tired!" and the
+girl threw herself on the couch, without stopping to remove her light
+jacket and hat. Her head sank wearily on a cushion.
+
+"Oh, Alice! Be careful! Look out!" exclaimed the other occupant of the
+pleasant little room, a room made habitable by the articles of tasteful
+adornment in it, rather than by the location of the apartment, or the
+place itself. There was a "homey" air about it.
+
+"I'm too tired to look out, or even look in," was the answer, as the
+younger girl closed her eyes. Truly she seemed much "fagged," and worn
+out.
+
+"But, Alice, dear--your hat!"
+
+"It doesn't matter, Ruth. Please let me rest. I thought we'd never get
+home."
+
+"But it isn't your old hat, Alice, and----"
+
+"It's an old hat from now on!" broke in the younger girl, not opening
+her eyes. "It's spoiled anyhow. Some of the water from that parlor
+scene, where Mr. Bunn upset the globe of gold fish, splashed on it, and
+the spots never will come out."
+
+"Oh, Alice, is your hat spoiled?"
+
+"It doesn't matter. Mr. Pertell is going to buy me a new one. He said it
+was up to the company to do that, especially as I did so well in that
+burning room scene the other day. There!" and the girl on the couch
+raised her small fist and plumped it full on the crown of the chic
+little toque she was wearing.
+
+"Alice DeVere!" cried her sister, aghast.
+
+"Ruth DeVere--Lady Clarissa--Senorita Alamondi! Whatever you like, only
+let me--alone! I've posed and acted and otherwise contorted myself
+before at least five thousand feet of film today, and I'm not going to
+be disturbed now, just for the sake of a hat that is as good as paid for
+anyhow, so 'please go 'way and let me sleep,'" and Alice murmured the
+chorus of a once popular song.
+
+Ruth sighed. Somehow, looking at her gentle and refined face, one
+understood that a sigh, from her, was the only possible answer under the
+circumstances. Not that the girl on the couch, with closed eyes, was
+unrefined. But there was a wholesome air of good health about her that
+caused one to think of a "jolly good fellow," rather than a girl who
+needed to be helped on and off trolley cars.
+
+"You _are_ tired," commented Ruth, after a pause. "Shall I make you a
+cup of tea, dear? Or we could go over to Mrs. Dalton's, if you like. You
+know she told us always to come in when we came from the theatre, and
+have tea."
+
+"No, dear, thank you. It's awfully good of you to offer, but I don't
+want you to trouble. I'll be all right in a few minutes. I just want to
+rest."
+
+"It was a tiresome day; wasn't it, dear?"
+
+"I should say so, 'and then--some,' as Russ would say."
+
+"You shouldn't quote Russ when he uses slang," was the older girl's
+rebuke.
+
+"Can't help it, Ruth. That just seemed to fit. But you can't feel so
+very rested yourself. You had some heavy parts today."
+
+"Oh, I don't mind. I really was in love with that role of Lady Clarissa.
+I always did like English plays, anyhow."
+
+"Well, we are getting more than our share of them this season. I wish
+Mr. Pertell would swing to a good American drama again. Say, didn't we
+have fun at Rocky Ranch?" and as she asked this some of the weariness
+seemed to slip off Alice as a discarded garment is let fall. She sat up,
+her eyes flashing with fun, and her cheeks that had been pale were now
+suffused with a heightened color.
+
+"Yes, we did have fun," assented Ruth. "But it was hard work,
+too,--especially when that prairie fire came a little too close for
+comfort."
+
+"That _was_ rather scary," assented Alice. "But it was outdoors, and
+that was what I love. Oh, I can just smell that wonderful air yet!" and
+she breathed in a long breath. A look of annoyance passed over her face,
+and she made a gesture of disapproval, "wrinkling" her nose.
+
+"They're having corned beef and cabbage again downstairs," she said,
+pointing to the apartment below them.
+
+"Well, they have a right to it," Ruth said, with a tolerant smile.
+
+"Not when daddy hates it so," disagreed Alice. "Come on, let's make a
+cup of tea. And is there any cheese?"
+
+"Cheese?"
+
+"Yes," the younger girl went on. "I'm going to make a Welsh rarebit.
+Daddy just adores them, and the smell of the toast will take away the
+odor of that cabbage. Is there any cheese?"
+
+"I think so. But I thought you were tired."
+
+"I was, but I guess thinking of the moving picture days at Rocky Ranch
+acted as a tonic. I'm rested now. There!"
+
+She tossed the hat, which she had so mistreated, on a chair, slipped off
+her jacket and started for the kitchen.
+
+"I _think_ there is some cheese," went on Ruth, following her younger
+sister. "But don't make the rarebit as you did last time. It was so
+tough that Russ said it would do very well to half sole his rubber
+boots."
+
+"That was because I put the milk in too suddenly. I won't do it that way
+this time. Come on, we'll get up a nice little tea for daddy. He's sure
+to be tired also. They had to film that big scene of the accusation over
+three times before Mr. Pertell was satisfied."
+
+"Is that so? I didn't know that, I was so busy with that English play.
+Then father will be late."
+
+"A little. He said he'd follow us in about an hour, though. So we'll
+just about have it ready in time. Did Russ come out with you?"
+
+"No," and though she uttered but this simple word the cheeks of Ruth
+took on a more ruddy hue.
+
+"I saw Pearl waiting for him," went on Alice. "But----"
+
+"You did?" cried Ruth, and then she added quickly: "Oh, I mean I suppose
+he had to go with her to film that scene in Central Park, near the
+lion's cage."
+
+"Don't get jealous now," teased Alice. "I said Pearl waited for him,
+but, she is--still waiting, I guess."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+Ruth tried to appear indifferent, but it was not an unqualified success.
+
+"I mean that Russ got one of the other camera men to take his place, and
+go out with Miss Pennington," said Alice with a laugh as she began
+cutting the bread in thin slices for toast.
+
+"But Russ--"
+
+"He went up town. He told me to tell you he thought he could get that
+book you spoke of."
+
+"Oh, I didn't want him to go to all _that_ trouble!" remonstrated Ruth,
+looking at her sister, and then suddenly averting her gaze.
+
+"Guess he doesn't call much _trouble_ where _you_ are concerned," said
+Alice significantly, cutting up some chunks of cheese which she put in a
+double boiler with some lumps of butter. "He said if you wanted a book
+to give you some of the details of the country, where that English play
+was supposed to take place, you were going to have it."
+
+"It's awfully good of him," murmured Ruth. "I just casually mentioned
+that I'd like to know something about the people of that section, and he
+offered to get a book he had once heard of. But I didn't want him to
+make such a fuss over it."
+
+"La-la-la!" chanted Alice, about nothing in particular.
+
+The girls busied themselves getting tea. The kettle was soon singing on
+the gas stove, the crisp odor of toast had replaced the heavier one of
+cabbage, and the rarebit was almost ready to serve, when a step was
+heard out in the hall of the apartment house where the DeVere family had
+their New York home.
+
+"There's daddy!" exclaimed Alice.
+
+"And just in time," added Ruth, as she poured the boiling water on the
+tea, adding to the fragrant food perfumes that now filled the apartment.
+
+The key clicked in the lock, the door opened, and a rather imposing
+figure of a man entered, laying aside his hat and light overcoat, for
+the Spring day was a bit chilly.
+
+"Hello, Daddy!" called Alice, putting up her face to be kissed, as she
+came in from the kitchen with a plate of delicately browned toast.
+"You're just in time. And it's such a _lovely_ rarebit!"
+
+"That's good, my dear."
+
+"Oh, Father, how hoarse you are!" cried Ruth. "Is your throat bad
+again?"
+
+"Well, this harbor dampness isn't just the best medicine for it. But I
+shall spray it, and it will be better."
+
+He sank somewhat wearily into a chair as he spoke, and Ruth glided over
+to him.
+
+"Daddy," she said, "you look worried. Has anything happened? Is anything
+wrong at the moving picture studio?"
+
+"No, nothing wrong, but--"
+
+It was evident that something out of the usual had occurred. Even
+light-hearted Alice sensed it.
+
+"What is it?" she asked.
+
+"Oh, nothing so much," her father said in weary tones. "I suppose I
+shouldn't make such a fuss over it. But Mr. Pertell has finally decided
+to film the great marine drama, and that means we shall have to go out
+on the water, more or less. And with my sore throat that isn't just the
+best thing in the world for me."
+
+"A marine drama!" cried Alice. "Oh, I shall just love _that_!"
+
+A look of worry still clouded Mr. DeVere's face.
+
+"Father, there is something else," insisted Ruth. "You haven't told us
+all about this sea film."
+
+"No, I--I haven't," he said. "And, to tell the truth, I'd rather we
+weren't going to be in that marine drama."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+JACK JEPSON
+
+
+Hosmer DeVere's words and manner alike were alarming to his daughters.
+Seldom had they seen him so moved, especially over such a seemingly
+simple matter as the announcement of a new moving picture drama. He and
+the girls, in common with the other members of the Comet Film Company,
+had to portray many different scenes in the course of a season's work,
+and though some of it was distasteful, it was seldom objected to by
+anyone, unless perhaps by Pepper Sneed, the "grouch," or perhaps by Mr.
+Wellington Bunn, an actor of the old school, who could not reconcile
+himself to the silent drama.
+
+"Why, Daddy, what is the matter?" asked Alice. "I think it will be
+perfectly fine to have a little trip out to sea, especially now that
+Summer is coming on."
+
+"But not if the damp salty air is going to irritate his throat,"
+declared Ruth.
+
+"Oh, it isn't so much that," Mr. DeVere said, "but you girls evidently
+don't know that the big scene in this drama is a shipwreck, and what
+follows. I am to be 'cast' in that, and so are you."
+
+"Well, what of it?" asked Alice. "It won't be a _real_ shipwreck; will
+it?"
+
+"Real? Of course not!" exclaimed Ruth. "The idea!"
+
+"I certainly hope it won't be real," Mr. DeVere said, "But--Oh, well, I
+suppose I may as well admit the truth. You'll probably call me fussy and
+all that, and laugh at the superstition of an old actor. But you know we
+have our traditions, though I am free to confess that I have lost many
+of them since entering on this moving picture work. But I had a dream
+about this same shipwreck, and that was before I knew we were to be in
+it, for I might mention that Mr. Pertell has included you girls in the
+drama, and has prominent parts selected for you."
+
+"Oh, I'm glad!" cried Alice enthusiastically.
+
+"I'm not," her father said, and he did not smile. "As I said I had a
+dream about this drama before I knew we were to have parts in it. And in
+that dream I saw----"
+
+"Oh, Daddy! Now don't tell a depressing dream before tea!" begged Alice,
+slipping her arms about his neck, and imprinting a kiss on a spot,
+which, if it were not already bald, was fast becoming so. "Wait until
+after supper--the rarebit will spoil if we don't eat it at once. Wait,
+Daddy dear!"
+
+"All right, I will," he assented with a sigh. "Perhaps I may have a less
+gloomy view of it after a cup of tea."
+
+And while the little family party is gathered about the table, I shall
+take just a moment to tell my new readers something about the previous
+books of this series.
+
+Ruth and Alice DeVere were moving picture girls, which you have probably
+guessed already. That is, they were actresses for the silent film dramas
+that make so much for enjoyment nowadays. Mr. DeVere was also an actor
+in the same company. He had been a semi-tragedian of the "old school,"
+but his voice had failed, because of a throat ailment, and he could no
+longer declaim his lines over the footlights. He was in distress until
+it was suggested to him that he take up moving picture work.
+
+This suggestion came from young Russ Dalwood, who, with his widowed
+mother and little brother, lived across the hall from the DeVere family,
+in the Fenmore Apartment on one of the West Sixty streets of New York.
+Russ had invented a new attachment for a moving picture camera, and he
+himself was a camera operator of ability.
+
+At first Mr. DeVere had refused to consider moving picture work, but he
+finally consented, and even allowed his daughters to take their parts in
+the silent drama. In the initial book of the series, "The Moving Picture
+Girls," I related their first experiences.
+
+All was not smooth sailing. Though Mr. Frank Pertell, manager of the
+Comet Film Company, was a most agreeable man, the other members of the
+theatrical company were like those of any other organization--some were
+liked, and some were not. Among the former, at least from the standpoint
+of Ruth and Alice, was Russ; Paul Ardite, who played juvenile leads; Pop
+Snooks, the property man and one who did all the odd tasks; and Carl
+Switzer, a round-faced German, who was funny without knowing it.
+
+But neither Ruth nor Alice cared much for Laura Dixon and Pearl
+Pennington, two former vaudeville actresses who thought they were
+conferring a favor on the cameras to pose for moving pictures. Mr. Bunn,
+an actor of the kind styled "Hams", was in like case.
+
+Mr. Bunn was always bemoaning the fact that he had left the "legitimate"
+drama with a chance of playing "Hamlet", to take up moving picture
+work. But he might have been glad--especially on paydays--for he had
+made more out of camera work than he could have done on the regular
+stage.
+
+Pepper Sneed was never satisfied. He was of a gloomy nature, and always
+looking for trouble. Sometimes he found it, and for a time he was happy
+in saying "I told you so." But more often he proved a dismal failure as
+a predicter of calamities.
+
+This was the company, with others whom you will meet from time to time,
+in whose fortunes Ruth and Alice DeVere had cast their lots.
+
+After the girls' first introduction to the camera they went to Oak Farm
+where a series of pictures were taken, and, incidentally, a mystery was
+cleared up. Getting snowbound was another experience for our friends,
+but they forgot the cruelties of Winter in the happy days under the
+palms. And they had only recently come back from Rocky Ranch, where a
+number of Western dramas had been filmed, when the little scene of our
+opening chapter took place.
+
+Those of you who have read the previous books of this series do not need
+to be told much about moving pictures. And even those who select this
+volume as their first venture in becoming acquainted with our heroines
+must well know how the film pictures look from the front of the screen.
+
+To the uninitiated I might say that in making picture plays a company,
+somewhat like a regular theatrical organization, is gotten together. The
+play is decided upon, but instead of the acts taking place before an
+audience they are enacted before a camera and a man who acts as
+director, or manager.
+
+Some of the action takes place out of doors, amid the surroundings of
+nature, but most interior scenes are "filmed," or taken, in the studio,
+under the brilliant glare of electric lights. The pictures are taken in
+succession on a narrow strip of celluloid film, of the same nature as
+those in any camera. The strips are of a standard length of one thousand
+feet, though some plays may "split," and take only half a "reel" while
+others will fill several.
+
+When the film has been exposed, it is developed in a dark tank, and from
+that one "master" film, any number of "positives" can be made for use in
+the projecting machines. Doubtless you know that the same machine which
+takes the pictures does not show them on the screen.
+
+But enough of this detail.
+
+"Was the rarebit good?" asked Alice, smiling up into her father's face,
+as the supper progressed.
+
+"You may give me some more, which is the best answer in the world, my
+dear," he replied, smiling.
+
+"Be careful!" Ruth warned him. "You may have dreams, Daddy!"
+
+A shadow seemed to pass over the face of the old actor. He had been
+jokingly gay during the meal, but now there seemed to be a sense of
+depression.
+
+"Might as well tell us, and have it over with," suggested Ruth. "We
+don't believe in dreams, anyhow. Do we Alice?"
+
+"Not a bit, and I've named the corners of my bed ever so many times,"
+and she laughed at that old sweethearts' superstition.
+
+"Well, my dream was very vivid," Mr. DeVere said. "I don't usually
+believe in omens, but this one impressed me. I dreamed we were all at
+sea, on a vessel in a storm, and, somehow, we became separated. I saw
+you girls going down with the ship, while I was taken up on a life
+raft."
+
+"Well, what of it, Daddy?" asked Alice. "I've often had unpleasant
+dreams myself. Probably you ate something you ought not to have taken.
+I'm rather sorry, now, I made this rarebit."
+
+"Oh, not at all! It was excellent!" he exclaimed. "I would perhaps,
+have thought nothing of my dream had not Mr. Pertell, a short time ago,
+told me something of his plans for the future. He spoke of a great
+marine drama he had in prospect, and we are to have prominent parts in
+it. But I was startled when he told me that one scene--the great one, in
+fact--was to be a shipwreck. He has engaged an old vessel for this
+purpose, and he is going to sink it with all on board."
+
+"All on board!" cried Ruth. "You don't mean----"
+
+"Well, that's how it will appear in the camera, anyhow. You girls are to
+be well in front, and your swimming abilities will be very necessary,
+for you will have to go into the water."
+
+"I hope it is warm," murmured Alice.
+
+"Oh, it will be Summer before we get to the shipwreck part," went on Mr.
+DeVere. "But what worries me is my dream in connection with the drama. I
+almost told Mr. Pertell we would have nothing to do with it."
+
+"Oh, Father! You can't do that!" exclaimed Ruth. She, as housekeeper,
+knew how much money was required in these days of the high cost of
+living. Though Mr. DeVere and his daughters received fair salaries,
+there were many expenses to be met, and if they refused present
+engagements they might not find it so easy to get others.
+
+"Oh, of course I didn't actually turn it down," said the old actor, "but
+it gave me quite a turn, I must say. I haven't gotten over it yet,
+seeing you girls disappear under the waves."
+
+"Don't think of it, Daddy!" urged Alice. "Have some of this apple slump.
+Mrs. Dalwood sent it in."
+
+"Your idea is that a man's mind is in his stomach, isn't it, daughter,"
+laughed her father. "Well, I will have some of the dessert. Oh, but I
+almost forgot, you will have to go down an hour earlier in the morning
+to the studio."
+
+"Why?" Ruth wanted to know.
+
+"A heavy day's work on, and Mr. Pertell wants to sketch out the
+preliminary scenes of the marine drama. We are actually going to sea, I
+believe, and he has engaged some old sailors, or at least one so far, to
+give it a proper nautical flavor. It's only for tomorrow that we have to
+go earlier than usual."
+
+Mr. DeVere seemed more like himself after he had told his daughters of
+his vision. It did not so depress him now, and the rest of the meal
+passed off in a much more jolly manner.
+
+In the evening Russ Dalwood came in from across the hall, and they
+played bridge whist, of which Mr. DeVere was fond.
+
+"Fancy daddy, Russ," laughed Alice, "wanting us to give up a chance to
+go to sea just because he dreamed of a shipwreck!"
+
+"Oh, I didn't actually want you to give it up," her father remonstrated.
+"Perhaps I was foolish even to mention it. But I can't forget it--I
+can't!" and he seemed to look through the walls of the room on some
+distant and fateful scene.
+
+"Well, I must be getting back," Russ said. "You've won the rubber, as
+usual, Mr. DeVere. Lots to do tomorrow, and I have a new assistant to
+break in, so I'll say good-night."
+
+There were busy times for all next day, in the studio of the moving
+picture concern. In the big room brilliant with electric lights as well
+as from the illumination that came through a sky-glass, there were
+several scenes from different dramas being filmed at the same time.
+
+When Ruth and Alice DeVere entered with their father, Mr. Pertell, the
+manager of the Comet company, was engaged off to one side, evidently
+instructing a man in what he must do before the camera. The man was a
+sailor, and it needed but a glance to show that he was a real one, and
+not "made up" for the occasion.
+
+"You see," said Mr. Pertell, "you come into the shipping office, and
+pretend to hand over the papers. But you slip the clerk the wrong ones,
+and while he is examining them you reach over behind him and take the
+documents you want."
+
+"Avast there! Belay!" came the hoarse voice of the sailor. "I do that
+there, do I?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Steal the papers?"
+
+"Well, it isn't _stealing_, exactly. It's only----"
+
+"Stealin' is what I call it, and it can't be called by another name to
+my way of thinkin'. It won't do, sir, it won't do! Jack Jepson got into
+trouble once, but he isn't goin' to do it again. No sir! That stealin'
+won't do for Jack Jepson. You've got to get someone else to sign them
+articles for you. No stealin' for Jack Jepson!" and the figure of the
+old sailor turned and, with a rolling gait, he started across the big
+studio room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+SOMETHING OF A MYSTERY
+
+
+"Look out there!"
+
+"Where you going?"
+
+"Hold him back, somebody! Look out, you'll spoil that scene! Don't cross
+in front of the camera!"
+
+Half a dozen frantic voices were calling to the sailor who, with dogged
+persistence, kept on, shaking his grizzled and gray head, and muttering
+over and over again:
+
+"It won't do for Jack Jepson! No sir! It won't do. I had one experience
+with trouble and I don't want any more. No sir!"
+
+Evidently utterly unused to a moving picture studio, the old man kept on
+his way. He was headed directly toward a camera that was "filming" an
+elaborate ball room scene.
+
+If any figure came between the scene and the camera with the pictures it
+was imprinting on the sensitive celluloid film (at the rate of sixteen
+per second) part of the elaborate work would have to be done over
+again. And as one of the characters in the little play was a celebrated
+dancer, whose time was paid for at an almost unbelieveable sum per hour,
+it would mean a heavy expense.
+
+"Stop him!" cried Mr. Pertell. "Come back here!"
+
+"Halt! Vamoose! Turn about!" Paul Ardite called to the worked-up
+traveler of the deep blue sea.
+
+This had no effect.
+
+"Avast there! Belay!" cried Russ Dalwood, who was not at that moment
+engaged at the crank of some camera. He used the same sea terms the old
+man himself had uttered, but this salt-water "lingo," or translation of
+the command to halt, had no effect either.
+
+Then came an interruption at a most opportune time. Just ahead of the
+sailor a scene from a Wild West drama was being enacted. A group of
+cowboys were engaged in a quarrel in the bunk house, which had been set
+up in the studio. The outdoor scenes of the little play were to be made
+later, for it is the custom in this business to make all the scenes,
+taking place in one locality, at the same time, regardless of their
+sequence in the finished play. Later the film is cut up into strips,
+pasted together with the proper headings, or captions, and the finished
+play results.
+
+And just as the old sailor, who called himself Jack Jepson, was about to
+step in front of the ball room scene camera, to the frantic horror of
+the operator, one of the cowboys, following out his lines, drew his
+revolver, and fired a blank cartridge at the "villain."
+
+In the studio the noise was like that of a small cannon.
+
+"Mutiny!" yelled Jack Jepson, jumping in the air a foot or more.
+"Mutiny!"
+
+But he stopped, and just in time. Two steps more would have brought him
+in front of the clicking camera.
+
+"Mutiny!" he fairly roared. "What is this! Who's firin' a shot across my
+bows? All hands on deck t' repel boarders! Avast there!" and he stood
+looking around in bewilderment, while the smoke from the revolver
+floated upward.
+
+"Come here!" called Mr. Pertell running forward, and grasping the arm of
+the sailor before he could get away to step in front of any of the other
+moving picture machines. "You don't understand, Mr. Jepson. I merely
+want you to----"
+
+"Yes, I reckon I heard you say what you wanted me to do. Now look here!
+I don't know much about you, but you come over t' our Sailors' Snug
+Harbor, an' you took some pictures. That was all right, I'm not captain
+there an' I haven't anything t' say. You said you wanted an old
+able-bodied man for certain work, an' I volunteered. I didn't know where
+the voyage was, but I signed on, an' come here; didn't I?"
+
+"You did," said Mr. Pertell. "But let me explain."
+
+"No, you listen to me, first!" exclaimed the old salt, shaking a
+thickened and roughened finger at the manager. "I come here, willin' to
+do anything from slushin' th' mast, or holystonin' th' decks t' furlin'
+sail in a blow. But what do I get; eh? I ask you what do I get? Why an
+order to steal shippin' papers, that's what I get! An' that's a serious
+crime. I'm not goin' t' be mixed up with it. No sir! Not for Jack
+Jepson!" and he tried to break away.
+
+"Wait a minute!" Mr. Pertell begged. "You don't understand. It's only
+the business of stealing the papers, you know."
+
+"Well, it's mighty poor business for any man t' be in; that's my
+opinion. I was raised honest, an', man and boy, I've lived honest for
+fifty years, with one exception, an' that wasn't my fault, and now----"
+
+Again he made an effort to leave, which effort, if not blocked, would
+have once more taken him in front of some clicking camera.
+
+"Oh, can't you understand!" cried the manager with a hopeless gesture.
+
+"Perhaps I could explain to him," suggested Ruth in a low voice. "I have
+plenty of time, Mr. Pertell, and though I don't know this gentleman----"
+
+"Oh, I forgot. He's going to act with you and your sister, Miss DeVere,"
+said the manager. "Come over and be introduced. You too, Mr. DeVere.
+He's to have a part in our great sea drama, that is, if I can ever get
+it started. I began explaining to Jepson, here, about taking the papers
+which have to do with the case, but he can't----"
+
+"You can't make me believe stealin's right, no matter how you go at it!"
+interrupted the old salt, doggedly shaking his head.
+
+"Perhaps _I_ can," put in Ruth with a smile, as the manager mentioned
+their names to the newest and, seemingly, the most refractory member of
+the company.
+
+"Well, Miss," said the sailor, "you look honest. I would believe what
+you'd tell me, for I know you couldn't do no wrong. Perhaps I was a bit
+hasty, but you see this is all new to me--this play-actin', an' shootin'
+at folks unexpected like. I wouldn't have tried it, only the captain at
+the Sailors' Snug Harbor, over on Staten Island, where I'm berthed,
+asked me as a favor to come here. But I don't like it!"
+
+"I didn't at first," said Alice, joining with her sister, in an attempt
+to placate the old salt. "But I became used to it."
+
+"Ha! You're pretty young to be in this business," said Jack Jepson, who
+evidently said what he thought.
+
+"Oh, I'm older than I look," replied Alice with a smile. "I just love
+the sea. I wish you would tell me about some of your voyages, for I'm
+sure you must have been on many."
+
+"That I have, Miss, but this is th' queerest cruise I ever started on,"
+and he looked around at the many scenes being enacted.
+
+Meanwhile Ruth had slipped to Mr. Pertell's side.
+
+"Give me a brief outline of the play," she suggested. "I think I can
+make it plain to him. He is all fussed up because it's something new.
+You haven't time to go into details."
+
+"That's right--I haven't," agreed the harassed manager. "Well, this is
+enough for you to know just now. There's a plot to sink a ship, and it
+is necessary that certain papers appear to be stolen.
+
+"I picked Jepson up, as he says, at a sailors' home, over on Staten
+Island. He's a typical salt, but he balks at even a semblance of
+wrong-doing."
+
+"I think I can make him understand," Ruth said as she took the
+typewritten pages of the scenario, or plot, of the drama from the
+manager.
+
+"I wish you would," Mr. Pertell said. "I've a thousand and one things to
+do."
+
+Ruth started toward the old sailor. To her surprise her sister Alice was
+now in earnest conversation with him. Jack Jepson seemed to have warmed
+to Alice at once. And Ruth heard him saying, as she approached:
+
+"Well, Miss, you see it was this way. There was a mutiny, an' I was
+accused, but I wasn't guilty. There was a mystery about it when the
+captain disappeared, an' that mystery hasn't been solved yet, though I'd
+give a good bit if it were. It's hangin' over me like a nightmare, Miss.
+Now I'll tell you all about it, if I don't tire you."
+
+"I should love to listen!" exclaimed Alice, with dancing eyes and
+flushed cheeks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE SAILOR'S STORY
+
+
+Ruth, on her way to explain to sailor Jack Jepson what was wanted of him
+in the matter of acting for moving pictures, paused as she saw Alice and
+the aged salt in earnest conversation.
+
+"I think I had better defer my explanations a while," Ruth told herself.
+"Perhaps he will be in a bettor frame of mind to listen, after he has
+talked with Alice. What a wonderful way she has of making friends!" the
+older girl mused as she looked at the interested and flushed face of her
+pretty sister. At that moment Alice glanced up and caught Ruth's gaze on
+her.
+
+"Do come and listen," she called. "I'm going to hear a wonderful story,
+Ruth dear."
+
+The old sailor looked up quickly, stopping in his progress toward a
+bench, whither Alice was leading him. It was in a quiet corner of the
+studio, some distance away from the various little groups that, in
+three-sided rooms (before the open part of which cameras were placed,
+and over which big lights hissed) were going through their parts in the
+silent dramas.
+
+"This is my sister," Alice said.
+
+"Oh, yes, I remember now," Jack Jepson said. "There's so much goin' on
+that I get a bit confused. But I can see you two look alike. Are you
+goin' to put me reefin' sails or scrubbin' decks?" he asked.
+
+"Neither one," Ruth said with a smile. "I told Mr. Pertell, our manager,
+that I'd explain what was wanted of you. It is very simple, and----"
+
+"I don't call it simple t' rob an' cheat!" cried Jack with energy, "an'
+that's what he wanted _me_ to do."
+
+"I'll explain, and I think you'll find it all right," Ruth went on. "My
+sister and I are in this business," she added, "and I don't believe you
+think _we_ would do anything wrong."
+
+"Far be it--far be it," said the old salt, earnestly.
+
+"Oh, but before you came, Ruth dear," suggested Alice, "Mr. Jepson was
+going to tell me----"
+
+"Avast there! Belay! Hold on!" exclaimed the sailor, his voice ringing
+out through the studio, above the tones of those actors who, to give
+greater verisimilitude to their work were talking their parts, as well
+as going through them. They smiled at the old salt's energy.
+
+"Wait a minute, Miss," he went on in lower tones. "I didn't mean t' be
+so quick, but that Mr. Jepson business won't do. Not at all!"
+
+"Why, isn't that your name?" asked Ruth. "I understood Mr. Pertell to
+say----"
+
+"Oh, that's my name--at least the Jepson part of it is. But I don't like
+the mister. I'm not used to it. The only time of late years when I was
+called Mister was when I was up before the lawyers, and I didn't like it
+then. Jest please call me Jack Jepson, an' 'twill sound more natural. I
+ask it as a favor, Miss," and he looked from Ruth to Alice.
+
+"Why of course we'll call you Jack," assented the latter. "It will sound
+nicer anyhow, I think," she added. "Now go on with your story. You said
+there was a mystery in it. Has it anything to do with--buried treasure?"
+and Alice leaned forward eagerly.
+
+"Buried treasure? No, Miss. What made you ask that?"
+
+"The idea!" exclaimed Ruth with a laugh. "I'm afraid you'll think my
+sister very romantic, Mr.--er--Jack."
+
+"That's better!" he laughed. "Well, I don't know much about romance. My
+life's been mostly hard work."
+
+"I just mentioned treasure," Alice said with a little laugh, and a
+glance toward where Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, having a rest from
+their moving picture work, were curiously eyeing the old sailor and the
+two girls.
+
+"Well, my mystery hasn't anything t' do with buried treasure," resumed
+Jack Jepson. "It's about a mutiny that took place off th' Hole in th'
+Wall, about five years ago, an'----"
+
+"Hole in the Wall!" interrupted Ruth. "I thought mutinies always took
+place on the high seas."
+
+"Well, this _was_ the high seas," Jack answered.
+
+"But the Hole--?"
+
+"That's the name of a passage between Great Abaco Island and Eleuthera,
+in the West Indies," the sailor replied. "I don't know why it's called
+that, but it is."
+
+"A queer name," murmured Ruth.
+
+"Go on, please," urged Alice.
+
+"Well, I was second mate aboard a five masted schooner engaged in the
+lumber business," went on Jack Jepson. "We were going down to South
+America, in ballast t' bring back a cargo of hard woods, an' off the
+Hole in the Wall th' trouble started.
+
+"Some of the crew kicked on account of the grub--that's the stuff we
+eat on a ship," he explained.
+
+"Oh, we know _something_ of such talk," said Alice with a laugh. "We
+haven't been out West among the cowboys for nothing!"
+
+"Well, some of th' hands laid it to the grub, an' others t' th' hard
+work of sailing th' craft," went on Jack. "She was a mighty poor
+schooner in ballast, an' owing t' storms an' rough weather we had t' be
+takin' in or lettin' out reefs all th' while. It wasn't so bad up t' th'
+time we got off th' Hole in th' Wall, but from then on it was fierce!
+
+"I'd heard rumors that th' crew was goin' t' mutiny an' demand that we
+put in at some port, an' get better grub, an' more hands, for we was
+short of sailors. But I didn't pay much attention to th' underhand talk
+until it was too late. Then, all at once, when we had got away down
+about off Anegada, th' mutiny broke in full force. The men riz up, an'
+overpowered th' officers--th' captain was made a prisoner in his cabin,
+an' I was given my choice of joinin' th' mutineers or walkin' th'
+plank."
+
+"What's that?" asked Ruth, a bit startled.
+
+"That's when they blindfold a man, and make him walk a plank that is put
+out over the bulwarks, or side of the ship," said Alice.
+
+"Why, if he were blindfolded I should think he'd fall off, not knowing
+when he came to the end," Ruth remarked, with a little shudder.
+
+"He doesn't know," Alice said. "That's an easy way of sending a man to
+his doom."
+
+"That's it, Miss!" chimed in Jack. "You got th' idea!"
+
+"But Alice, how did _you_ know that dreadful thing?" her sister
+wonderingly demanded.
+
+"Read it in a book. Go on please, Mr.--er--Jack."
+
+"Of course I didn't want t' walk no plank," resumed the sailor, "so I
+temporized. I thought maybe I could beat th' mutineers after all. So I
+pretended t' join 'em. Things got pretty bad. Many of 'em was for
+puttin' th' captain away--tossin' him overboard, an' there was a fight
+about it. Matters got t' such a pass that pistols were fired, an' th'
+captain would have been shot, an' killed, only a fellow named Mike
+Tullane, a rough character, an' one of the leaders of th' mutiny,
+stepped up sudden like an' saved th' captain's life by knockin' aside
+th' ruffian's gun.
+
+"Well, of course there was a fight then, but Mike seemed t' come out all
+right, bein' a leader, an' havin' th' men pretty well with him. Anyhow,
+th' mutineers were in charge of th' ship, an' off Anegada, one of th'
+little British Islands of the West Indies, we were put about t' run for
+port. Jest what was t' be done no one seemed to know. After the men got
+th' ship they didn't know what to do with her.
+
+"Then came th' mystery. One night th' captain an' Mike Tullane
+disappeared. They was seen in th' cabin, talkin' together, an' some of
+th' hot-headed ones thought Mike was goin' back on his pals. They was
+for makin' him walk th' plank.
+
+"But cooler heads made 'em wait. They said they wanted t' give Mike a
+chance to explain. But he never got it."
+
+"Do you mean they--" began Alice, somewhat horrified.
+
+"I mean that night he an' th' captain disappeared," Jack said. "They
+couldn't be found anywhere. No boat was taken, so they couldn't have
+gotten off in one of them craft, an' we wasn't near enough land t' make
+swimmin' safe. But they totally disappeared, an' that was th' mystery.
+Whether they had a fight, an' jumped overboard together in th' darkness,
+no one ever knowed, for them mutineers didn't keep extra good watch.
+
+"But anyhow they was gone--mysteriously missin' as they say in the
+paper. That sort of took the heart out of some of th' mutineers and they
+got careless. First we knew a British vessel overhauled us, and, not
+likin' th' looks of things, began to ask questions. Of course there
+wasn't any captain, such as there should be on a ship, an' that made it
+look suspicious. Th' worst of it was that nobody could say where the
+captain was. None of us knew.
+
+"Then th' story of th' mutiny came out, of course, an' it was all up.
+The Britisher took charge of us. I was arrested as the ringleader of the
+mutiny, an' put in chains! An' I had no more to do with it than a baby,
+Miss. No more than a baby!" and Jack Jepson looked from Ruth to Alice,
+his blue eyes expressing the indignation he had felt at the time.
+
+"An' that's th' story of th' mystery, as I said I'd tell your sister,"
+he added turning to Ruth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE MARY ELLEN
+
+
+During the silence that followed the rather sudden ending of the old
+salt's story, Ruth and Alice looked at each other with wonder in their
+eyes. On all sides of them could be heard the clicking of the moving
+picture cameras, the loud directions issued by the men who were managing
+the different little dramas, and occasionally the sound of shots from
+the cowboy play that was going on in front of where our friends were
+seated on the bench, though at some distance away, for the studio was
+large.
+
+"But that can't be all of it," said Alice, at length.
+
+"All of what, Miss?" Jack Jepson asked.
+
+"The mystery."
+
+"That's all there is to any mystery, Miss," he said. "A mystery is a
+mystery, an' if it isn't solved, it's a mystery still, an' nobody can
+make any more of it. Th' captain and Mike Tullane completely
+disappeared, an' were never heard of afterward. That's th' mystery, an'
+all there is to it, jest as I told you."
+
+"But about yourself?" asked Ruth. "You said you were put in chains,
+under arrest, as the ringleader of the mutiny."
+
+"So I was."
+
+"But what became of you?"
+
+"Well, I escaped, Miss. It may not be a very nice thing to confess, but
+I escaped. Th' British ship took us to a jail on some island--I forget
+th' name of it. Anyhow I was locked up, an' so were a lot of th' others.
+We were tried, an' I was accused of startin' th' mutiny. Some of th'
+worst men on th' ship put th' blame on me, an' I wasn't a bit guilty.
+But it was no use in denyin' it. They was all banded together t' accuse
+me t' save themselves. I was found guilty, though I wasn't at all, an' I
+was sentenced to a long imprisonment. I just escaped hanging by a hair,
+for mutiny on th' high seas is a serious crime.
+
+"But I was innocent, an' I knew it, an' when I found th' trial goin'
+against me, I took a chance that offered, an' planned t' escape. I found
+a French vessel puttin' t' sea an' as they was short handed I signed on.
+Since then I've been in many vessels, but I always keep away from
+English ones, and from English ports, for I would be arrested the minute
+I set my foot on shore in one. A big reward is out for me."
+
+"How long ago was all this?" asked Ruth.
+
+"Oh, some years."
+
+"But isn't the unjust charge outlawed now?" Alice wanted to know.
+
+"I'm afraid not, Miss. Such things are never outlawed. I daren't go t'
+an English port, an' that's hampered me. I have to take what berths I
+can get."
+
+"Can't you disprove the mutiny charge?" asked Ruth.
+
+"Not unless some of them involved was to confess, Miss. An' land knows
+where those fellers are now. They've disappeared with th' captain an'
+Mike Tullane. Of course if I could find either one of them, I could
+prove my innocence, an' then I'd be free t' go where I pleased. But I've
+about given _that_ up, Miss.
+
+"So I sort of come t' anchor in th' Sailors' Snug Harbor, an' when I
+heard about this movin' picture business, and th' chance it gave t' make
+a little money, I took it. But when it comes t' doin' some crime for it,
+I draws th' line. As I said, I've always lived honest, man and boy, for
+many years, an' that one charge is th' only one against me. I'm not
+goin' t' take them papers, and substitute false ones."
+
+"But you don't exactly understand," Ruth said with a smile. "I am going
+to explain it to you. Mr. Pertell said I might. Now here is the story we
+are supposed to act out; and, mind you, it is only _supposing_--make
+believe, as we children used to say."
+
+"Oh, it's make believe; is it?" asked Jack Jepson.
+
+"Yes, just make-believe."
+
+"I had a little gal once--long years ago," he said softly, "an' she used
+to be great on make-believe games. Is this takin' of them papers a make
+believe game?"
+
+"Exactly!" chimed in Alice. "My sister and I have to pretend every day.
+It's fun!"
+
+"Well, of course I didn't know _that_," said Jack. "Maybe I made a
+mistake in bein' so quick. There was nothin' wrong in it?" he
+questioned.
+
+"Not the least in the world," said Ruth. "It is just a game, played for
+the amusement of the public. I'll explain," and from the typewritten
+scenario she held she went over the outlines of the big marine drama, as
+one of the authors of the Comet company had written it. As she gave the
+details, the simple, kindly face of the sailor cleared. His doubts
+vanished.
+
+"Say, wasn't I th' old landlubber though!" he cried. "T' think I thought
+I was really committin' a crime. Ha! Ha!"
+
+"Well, your past experience had made you careful," Alice said.
+
+"That's what it had, Miss. It's no fun t' be barred from the ports of
+the country that has more of 'em than any nation of the world. It
+hampers a man. But I daren't go on British soil."
+
+"Could they come here and take you?" asked Ruth.
+
+The old man looked around before replying.
+
+"They maybe wouldn't know me," he hoarsely whispered. "I've grown a
+beard since those days."
+
+"Well, then, how would the British authorities know you?" asked Alice
+with a smile.
+
+"I'm not takin' any chances, Miss," was the answer. And though it might
+seem to an outsider that it would be safe, under those circumstances,
+for Jepson to visit British ports, if he kept away from the island where
+he had been imprisoned, he could not see it that way.
+
+"No sir!" he exclaimed. "No British ports for mine!"
+
+By this time Mr. DeVere, who had been engaged in finishing a few scenes
+in a play that had started the day before, came up to join his
+daughters.
+
+"Well, how is the great marine drama coming on?" he asked, his voice
+being more hoarse than usual. He had done some talking, as he found it
+helped to give a better idea of the characters he portrayed, but it was
+not necessary, in these picture plays, to get his voice "over the
+footlights."
+
+"There has been a halt," explained Ruth with a smile. "This is Jack
+Jepson, Father. He is to have one of the principal parts, but he balked
+at some underhand work, and--"
+
+"Pleased t' know you," Jack broke in with a jerky bow. "Your daughter's
+a smart gal," he said. "She made everything as clear as daylight t' me.
+I'm goin' on with th' play now."
+
+"That is when Mr. Pertell is ready," put in Alice. "He seems to have
+found some difficulty in that cowboy drama."
+
+This was evident, for the Western play had been stopped, and the camera
+operator, with a weary look on his face, was leaning against a post, as
+if in despair of ever completing that day's run of film.
+
+"No, no, Mr. Bunn, you must not do it that way," the manager was saying.
+"When Ardite, in the character of the young outlaw, shoots at you, stand
+up without flinching. That's your part--to be indifferent to gunfire."
+
+"Oh, that's my part, is it? Just to be shot at!" cried the old "Ham"
+actor. "Well, it's a mighty poor part, that's all I've got to say! It
+will be the last time I ever take a part like that. Oh, why did I ever
+leave the legitimate stage?"
+
+"Ha! Maybe it was because the stage would have left you, had you not
+left it," said Mr. Switzer, who was dressed up as a German comedian, and
+taking part in another play.
+
+"Ha! What is that?" asked Mr. Bunn pompously. But Mr. Switzer did not
+repeat his remark. He was called to resume his part.
+
+"Now Mr. Bunn, stand up and be shot at!" commanded Mr. Pertell. "Come,
+come! We can't lose all day on this little play. I've got to get busy on
+the marine drama, and I want some of you in that. Ready with that gun
+now, Paul!"
+
+"Yes, shoot him!" murmured Mr. Pepper Sneed, the human grouch. "Aim it
+right at him. Of course they are only blank cartridges," he added
+cheerfully, "but if the wadding hits you Bunn, lockjaw is almost sure to
+follow. Go on and shoot. I know something will happen," and he looked as
+though he would be disappointed if his prophesy were not borne out. "Go
+on, shoot!"
+
+"No! No! I protest! I withdraw from this play!" cried Mr. Bunn, looking
+around for his tall hat, without which he seldom was seen. It was his
+one remnant of departed glory.
+
+"No, you'll not withdraw!" cried Mr. Pertell. "We've got half the film
+run off with you on, and you've got to stick it out. Go on, Paul. And,
+Mr. Sneed, you needn't trouble to stand here and look on, as you're not
+in this cast. You have a--depressing effect."
+
+Mr. Sneed certainly did. However, he moved away, and the play went on.
+It was successfully filmed, and then Mr. Pertell was free to take up,
+where he had left off, the discussion of the preliminaries of the marine
+drama. "Out on The Deep" it was to be called.
+
+"Well, how about it?" asked the manager, as he approached the moving
+picture girls, their father and sailor Jack. "Have you succeeded in
+convincing him?"
+
+"That's what they have, Mr. Pertell," the old salt said. "I'm sorry I
+made such a fuss about those false papers. I didn't know it was only
+make-believe."
+
+"Well, if that difficulty is over with, we'll go on, though we can do
+only a few of the simple scenes today," the manager said.
+
+"Do you understand the play?" he asked of Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Not altogether. I will look over the scenario."
+
+"I can save you the trouble," the manager went on. "I'll outline it
+briefly for you. 'Out on the Deep,' is, as you can tell by the name, a
+marine story. Part of it will take place in a sailors' home. That will
+be the Snug Harbor, where I found Jack Jepson. We will go over to
+Staten Island some day and film those scenes.
+
+"Another part of the drama will take place in a shipping office. Of
+course that will be a studio scene, taken right here. I was starting in
+on that when Jack balked."
+
+"Well, I won't again," the sailor promised.
+
+"Glad to hear it," came from the manager. "But the big part of the play
+will actually take place on deep water," Mr. Pertell resumed. "We are
+going out in a big schooner, and----"
+
+"A real schooner?" asked Jack, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, a real schooner. It isn't a very good one, but it will answer our
+purpose, especially as we have to wreck her, and she will be a total
+loss. I had to pay pretty high for her, too. But I think it will be
+worth it. The shipwreck scenes, in the storm, ought to be great. And
+now, as I have decided to postpone the rehearsal of the play for a
+while, I think it would be a good plan for some of us to go and look at
+the _Mary Ellen_, and get familiar with her layout."
+
+"The _Mary Ellen_!" cried Sailor Jack.
+
+"Yes, that is the name of the schooner I have purchased to use as a
+shipwreck," said the manager.
+
+"Why--th' _Mary Ellen_!" cried Jack. "That was th' name of th' vessel
+where th' mutiny was!" and he started to his feet in great excitement.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+CAPTAIN BRISCO
+
+
+"Mutiny! What do you mean?" demanded Mr. Pertell, a little startled by
+the action of the old sailor.
+
+"That's just what I mean, sir! Oh, I forgot you don't know. But I told
+these young ladies about me being in a mutiny, an' I'm under suspicion
+in connection with it still. I can't go in an English port, and that's a
+nice blight to put on a man!" he said indignantly.
+
+Mr. Pertell looked bewildered.
+
+"Perhaps I can explain," said Ruth, "and if I go wrong, Jack, please
+correct me."
+
+"That I will, Miss!" he exclaimed.
+
+Thereupon Ruth told the whole story, much more connectedly, and more
+briefly, than would have been possible for the old salt. But Ruth had
+the knack of condensing a long scenario into a few words.
+
+"Was that it?" she asked Jack, when she had finished.
+
+"That's it, Miss, an' you did me more credit in the story than I
+deserved."
+
+"Oh, no I didn't," Ruth said, smiling. "I'd like to help you solve that
+mystery, too--the mystery of the disappearance of the captain and Mike
+Tullane."
+
+"That's it!" cried Jack. "If I could only find one of them, or if some
+of th' real mutineers would confess, it would clear me an' I could be
+free t' roam wherever I wanted t' in th' world. But it's too much t'
+hope for that. But you said th' name of th' vessel we was t' make
+believe be shipwrecked on was th' _Mary Ellen_, sir," and he turned to
+the manager. "The _Mary Ellen_ was the name of the craft where the
+mutiny occurred. Could it be--" he paused, hope showing on his eager
+face.
+
+"No, there's hardly a chance that this is the same one," said Mr.
+Pertell. "_Mary Ellen_ is a common name for vessels," he went on, "and
+there must be scores with it painted on their bows. I don't know
+anything about the vessel I have bought, but I doubt if she was ever in
+a mutiny. She is a very old craft, and isn't really fit for service now.
+But her owners say she will do for what I want. We are going to take her
+to Southern waters, and the main scenes of the drama will be
+photographed aboard her, and around her."
+
+"Where is the craft now, if I may ask?" inquired Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Over in Erie Basin," answered the manager. "I am having her fitted up,
+and a crew is being engaged. Of course it will be some time before we
+sail, but I want to get everything in readiness. So suppose we take a
+run over there now, and look at her."
+
+"That suits me!" exclaimed Jack, to whom matters nautical were as the
+breath of life. "And I hope you'll sign me on, sir; when it comes to
+makin' up your crew, sir."
+
+"I intend to ship you," was the answer. "Captain Brisco said he would
+need some good officers. You have a mate's certificate, have you not,
+Jack."
+
+"Yes, sir, and mighty glad and proud I'll be to fill that berth, sir."
+
+"Oh, won't it be jolly to go sailing!" exclaimed Alice. "I shall just
+_love_ it!"
+
+Mr. DeVere sighed resignedly.
+
+"I'm afraid it won't be very good for your throat, Daddy," said Ruth in
+a low tone. "The damp air will be sure to make you cough."
+
+"Oh, well--" he began.
+
+Mr. Pertell overheard what was said.
+
+"I don't like to ask you, Mr. DeVere," he said, "to do anything that
+will be bad for your health. But I certainly need your services, and
+those of your daughters, in this sea drama. Otherwise I would not ask
+you to run any risks with your throat.
+
+"But I will say this. We shall not be afloat until Summer, and, as we
+shall be in a warm climate, perhaps the bad effects will not be so
+pronounced."
+
+"No, I think so myself," the old actor admitted. "It may even do me
+good. I will doctor up in the meanwhile. And I realize that if I do not
+go, my daughters cannot. I would not like to have them miss this fine
+opportunity."
+
+"Oh, Daddy! We wouldn't go if it harmed you!" Alice cried.
+
+"Oh, I dare say I can manage," her father replied. "The new treatment I
+am taking seems to agree with me. Who knows? Perhaps, when it comes time
+to sail, my throat may not trouble me at all."
+
+"Let us hope so," Alice broke in. "I do so love the water, and the
+Southern sea will be a dream!"
+
+Perhaps if Alice could have looked ahead, and seen what lay before her,
+she would not have been so enthusiastic in anticipating the future.
+
+Mr. Pertell saw that the other plays under way in the studio were
+running smoothly, and then prepared to take Mr. DeVere, his daughters,
+and the old sailor over to Erie Basin, to inspect the _Mary Ellen_, as
+she lay in her slip, being refitted for another voyage--her last--for
+she was to rest beneath the waves when she had played her part in the
+moving picture play.
+
+"I wish I were going with you," said Russ Dalwood, as Ruth passed him
+where he was having a moment's respite from grinding away at the crank
+of a camera.
+
+"I wish so, too," she answered, in a low voice.
+
+"But I've got to stay here, and grind away at this film," he said
+hopelessly.
+
+"We'll see you to-night," she called to him, as she went out.
+
+Paul Ardite waved to Alice as she "twinkled" her fingers at him. Paul
+was in a cowboy costume, playing a scene in the cowboy story, which
+seemed to be giving more and more trouble as it proceeded.
+
+"This is the fifth time we've done that act," Paul called to Alice in an
+aside as she passed. "And all because Mr. Bunn is so fussy. They'll take
+him out, if he isn't careful. Where are you going, Alice?"
+
+"Over to see _Mary Ellen_."
+
+"Who's she? A new actress?"
+
+"Yes, she's a 'she' I suppose, and she's going to have a big part in a
+drama. I'll tell you about it later."
+
+The _Mary Ellen_ certainly did not present a very trim appearance as the
+little party went aboard her at the dock in Erie Basin. The decks were
+cluttered up with an assortment of ropes, planks, casks, boxes and other
+things, so that it was impossible to move about without great care. On
+coming in sight of the craft Jack Jepson's face wore a look of
+expectancy.
+
+"She might be the same _Mary Ellen_ that I was on," he said.
+
+But when he saw that the craft had three masts, whereas the ship where
+the mutiny had occurred boasted of five, Jack shook his head.
+
+"She isn't th' same ship," he murmured.
+
+Yet as he stepped on deck he gave a start, and an exclamation escaped
+his lips.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Alice, who was near him.
+
+"Well, Miss, you may think it strange," he said, "but if I had my eyes
+shut, I'd say I was on my old ship--th' _Mary Ellen_ I was tellin' you
+about."
+
+"But she had five masts, and this one----"
+
+"Yes, I know, Miss Alice. But, masts or no masts there's somethin' about
+this craft that's strangely familiar. I'm sure I've been on her before,
+and yet--no, it can't be--three masts can't make five, no matter how you
+count."
+
+"Well, this is the ship," said Mr. Pertell to his guests. "This will be
+our home when we get her fitted up in ship-shape. I don't know much
+about such things myself, so I've given Captain Brisco full charge. He
+is to get her in readiness."
+
+"Well, if you were to ask me I should say it would take the greater part
+of a year to get this in ship-shape," said Ruth. "I never saw such
+confusion--never!" and she gazed about the deck.
+
+"Why, Miss, this isn't anythin'--nothin' at all!" cried Jack Jepson.
+"With a few of my old shipmates I could get this craft ready for a
+voyage in half a day--that is, if she's all right below th' water line,"
+he added as an afterthought.
+
+"I'm trusting all that to Captain Brisco," said Mr. Pertell. "He was
+recommended to me by the ones from whom I purchased this boat. I think
+he will have everything in ship-shape for us in time."
+
+As they stood looking about the deck a man came up from below. From his
+appearance he was unmistakably a sailor, and one in authority. He issued
+several orders, on hearing which a number of men bestirred themselves,
+and then, catching sight of the little party, he called out in rough
+tones.
+
+"Come now! What's this? No visitors are allowed on board here. Get
+ashore at once!"
+
+"Hello, Captain Brisco!" called Mr. Pertell. "That is, if that's the
+proper nautical greeting."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Pertell. I didn't recognize you," said the commander of the
+_Mary Ellen_. "I beg your pardon! Won't you walk this way?"
+
+"We are on a little tour of inspection," the manager went on. "These are
+some of my principle moving picture actors, and I want them to get
+familiar with the ship. And, Captain Brisco, this is an old salt who
+will be with us. He is to be second mate, I believe. Jack Jepson, let me
+present you to Captain Brisco."
+
+A strange look came over the old salt's face. He stepped forward and
+burst out with:
+
+"I guess I've met Captain Brisco before, but that wasn't his
+name--then!"
+
+Captain Brisco started back as though a shot had been fired near him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+JEPSON IS WORRIED
+
+
+For an instant only did the commander of the _Mary Ellen_ show signs of
+perturbation. He recovered himself with an effort, hardly obvious to the
+moving picture girls who were watching. It was as though a cloud had
+passed over the sun so quickly as to give an observer no time to glance
+up and see it, before the shadow was gone. Then Captain Brisco smiled.
+
+"I think you've made a mistake, my man," he said, with the air of one
+used to commanding. "I'm sure I don't know you, whether or not you think
+you have had the pleasure of my acquaintance. How about it?"
+
+He turned a sharp look on Jack Jepson, and the latter faltered.
+
+"Well--well, maybe I am mistaken," he said slowly. "But I sure did take
+you for an old shipmate of mine. I sure did--an old shipmate," and he
+spoke the words slowly.
+
+"For instance--who?" asked Captain Brisco, and the words seemed to come
+out like the closing of the jaws of a steel trap.
+
+"Oh--er--you wouldn't know if I told you," said Jack. "I guess I was
+mistaken," he added.
+
+"And I'm sure of it," Captain Brisco said, coolly. "I don't know many in
+these parts, for I've been away for some time. And--er--who might you
+be?" he asked, with more of that commanding air.
+
+"This is the sailor who will be one of your mates on our little trip,"
+explained Mr. Pertell. "You said you would need officers, even for a
+short voyage such as we intend making, so I picked up Jack Jepson. Do
+you think he'll do?"
+
+"Depends on how much he knows of navigation," was the sharp answer.
+
+"Oh, I have my certificate," Jack answered. "If you want t' see it I
+have it----"
+
+"Never mind now," interposed Captain Brisco. "There are a thousand and
+one things to do, and nothing seems to be going right. Lay aloft there,
+some of you!" he cried to a group of men. "Get those halyards reeved and
+straightened out. Think we're going to lie here all Summer? Lively now!
+I think I could use you, if you've any knack of handling men," he added
+in lower tones, turning to Jack. "It's slow work, getting fitted out."
+
+"I could come any time," Jepson answered, and Alice noted that the old
+sailor gazed furtively now and then at the captain. It was as though he
+wanted to impress his memory with the face of the commander. "I'm over
+in Sailors' Snug Harbor," Jepson went on, "I came over to do some
+actin'----"
+
+"Yes, this play acting business is new to me, too," said Captain Brisco.
+"But I suppose I can get used to it. Seems rather queer to go to all
+this work and expense," he went on to Mr. Pertell, "just to fit a
+schooner out, and then sink her. It's a waste of good money, I should
+say."
+
+"We'll get our money back, never fear, if the film turns out all right,"
+said Mr. Pertell. "Now how are you coming on? That's what I came to see.
+I want some of my principal actors to get familiar with the ship, so I
+brought them down. I started with Jepson, up in the studio," he added in
+a lower voice, for the benefit of Captain Brisco, "but he balked, I'll
+tell you about it later. He can stay and help you if you like."
+
+"Well, I probably can use him," the commander said, as he looked at
+Jepson, who was wandering about the deck with a curiously abstracted
+air.
+
+"Sort of funny thinking he knew you, wasn't it?" commented Mr. Pertell,
+while Alice, Ruth and Mr. DeVere looked on with interest at the various
+activities connected with getting the _Mary Ellen_ ready for sea.
+
+"Oh, not at all queer," answered Captain Brisco, quickly. "I have
+commanded so many men and ships in my day that I must be familiar by
+name, at least, to hundreds of sailors. But I never saw this Jepson
+before. However, he seems to be a good, honest soul."
+
+"Too honest, by far!" laughed Mr. Pertell. "He wouldn't even pretend to
+take some false papers to carry out a film idea. Said he'd been in
+enough trouble over being falsely accused in a mutiny!"
+
+"A mutiny!" exclaimed Captain Brisco. "A mutiny!"
+
+"Yes. Why, is that remarkable?" asked the manager, for Captain Brisco
+seemed startled.
+
+"No, oh, no! I don't know as it is. I was only thinking if he was given
+to starting mutinies, he wouldn't be a safe man to have on board here."
+
+"Oh, you needn't fear for Jepson," the manager said. "He was innocent in
+that mutiny affair, I believe. But now as to details. I want to consult
+with you in regard to certain matters."
+
+And while the captain and manager sought a quiet corner, where they
+might converse, and go over the plot of the great marine drama, Alice
+and Ruth wandered about the ship. The sailors who were fitting her out
+looked curiously at the girls as they went to and fro. Mr. DeVere found
+a sheltered spot where he said he would wait until Mr. Pertell was
+finished with the captain.
+
+"Does your throat pain you much?" asked Alice solicitously.
+
+"Oh, not as much as I expected, coming so near the water. I think it
+will be all right. Don't worry."
+
+"Isn't it perfectly wonderful, to think we're going to be on board this
+schooner!" exclaimed Alice to her sister. "And are we going to sleep
+here and eat here, Jack?" she asked, as the old sailor came toward them.
+
+"Well, Miss, if you goes on a voyage you can't walk off th' ship
+whenever you want to, you know, to get a berth, and some grub. I mean
+something to eat and a place to sleep," he quickly translated. "You has
+to stay right on board until the voyage ends."
+
+"Oh, and could we see where we sleep?" asked Ruth.
+
+"The staterooms? Yes, of course," said Captain Brisco, who with Mr.
+Pertell came forward just then. "Jepson, take the ladies below. If
+you're a sailor you don't need to be told the way."
+
+"No, sir," was the respectful answer. Jack seemed to have acquired new
+dignity since coming aboard; and it was noticeable, a little later, that
+he took more pains with his talk, being more grammatical, and
+pronouncing his words better, as befitted a mate.
+
+"And I want to see where they do the cooking," remarked Ruth. "What is
+it they call it--the alley?"
+
+"The galley," corrected Alice. "Don't you remember?"
+
+"Oh, yes, so it is. What a funny name for a kitchen."
+
+"This way," directed Jack, as he started for the companionway. Meanwhile
+Mr. Pertell and Captain Brisco having settled on certain details, called
+Mr. DeVere into consultation, since that actor was to have a prominent
+part in the scenes that would take place aboard the ship.
+
+Jack Jepson led his two pretty charges below, where some men were also
+at work. They inspected the sleeping quarters, the galley and other
+parts of the ship. Then, at the suggestion of Alice they penetrated to
+the men's quarters--the forecastle, or "fo'cas'l," as Jack pronounced
+it, sailor-fashion.
+
+As they passed two carpenters doing some "patch-work," Jack paused and
+looked closely at what they were doing. Suddenly he turned to Alice and
+asked:
+
+"Is this craft to make a voyage all by herself?"
+
+"A short one--yes," Alice answered, for she had looked over the
+scenario. "Why do you ask?"
+
+"Oh, nothin'--nothin'--," answered Jack Jepson. "Only, oh, well, I
+s'pose it's all right," he went on. But as he led the way forward Ruth
+noticed a look of worriment on the face of the old sailor. It was so
+evident that it startled her--the more so as she heard him murmur:
+
+"Going all by herself; eh? Well, she certainly needs a consort."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+HARD WORK
+
+
+Ruth took advantage of the first opportunity to question Sailor Jack
+Jepson. The memory of that look on his face haunted her. But it was not
+until they had come from the _Mary Ellen_ that Ruth found her chance.
+
+While on board, arrangements had been made for taking some of the
+preliminary scenes of the marine drama, and Mr. Pertell urged Captain
+Brisco to hasten, as much as he could, the preparations for the voyage.
+
+But finally, when Alice and her father had gone on ahead, walking with
+Mr. Pertell, and were deep in a discussion about a certain scene, Ruth
+found a chance to ask:
+
+"Didn't you like what you saw downstairs in the _Mary Ellen_, Jack?"
+
+"Downstairs, Miss?" the sailor questioned, a puzzled look on his face.
+
+"Or whatever the right sea-term is for under the deck?" she went on.
+
+"Oh, you mean below."
+
+"Yes, didn't you like what you saw below?" asked Ruth.
+
+"What do you mean, Miss?"
+
+"Well, you didn't seem altogether pleased. I don't want them to hear,"
+she went on, motioning to her father and sister, "but you looked
+worried. Was anything--wrong?"
+
+"Wrong? No, Miss, not exactly wrong. But some of them fellers didn't
+seem to know their business in repairin' a ship, that was all. But we
+aren't goin' on much of a voyage, so I don't s'pose it matters--much."
+
+"But we are going on a pretty long trip, and for a time we'll all be
+alone on board the _Mary Ellen_, some distance from land," Ruth said. "I
+know, for I've read the outlines."
+
+"Is that so, Miss? Why--I--I didn't exactly know that. I wonder if I'd
+better----"
+
+Before Jack Jepson could continue Mr. Pertell turned back and called:
+
+"Oh, I believe I forgot to tell you people, but we are also to have a
+motorboat in connection with the _Mary Ellen_. A big, powerful gasoline
+craft, she is, called the _Ajax_. She'll follow us, part of the time,
+for some of the pictures have to be taken from a distance, as she trails
+along at the stern. We'll have plenty of time for rehearsal, though."
+
+"Ah, a motorboat to follow us. Then there isn't so much danger," said
+Jack Jepson, and he seemed talking to himself.
+
+"Danger!" exclaimed Ruth. "What do you mean by that?"
+
+"Danger? Did I say danger, Miss?" he asked, and again Ruth was surprised
+at the strange look on his face.
+
+"You certainly did say it," she replied.
+
+"Well, I didn't mean it," he said, though he spoke with an obvious
+effort. "I meant it would be much more company--company for you folks as
+aren't used to sailin' the seas. That's all, Miss. Oh, no, there's no
+real danger--that is there won't be to _you_, as long as old Jack Jepson
+can ward it off," he murmured under his breath.
+
+The little party went back to the studio, and, after lunch, some of the
+easiest and less important scenes in the marine drama were rehearsed.
+Sailor Jack soon understood what was wanted of him, and did very well.
+Ruth and Alice took pleasure in coaching the honest, simple old salt.
+His too-conscientious scruples about doing a seemingly wrongful act were
+overcome when it was explained to him, and he went through the scene in
+the studio shipping office very well.
+
+"And that will be all you'll have to do for a few days," Manager Pertell
+told him. "You will not be needed to take part in any scenes until we
+get ready for the second act. Meanwhile you had better arrange to stay
+aboard the _Mary Ellen_, while she is in the Erie Basin, and help
+Captain Brisco."
+
+"That I will! Aye, aye, sir!" exclaimed Jack. "And it'll be a relief to
+be where I can feel the heave of a deck, even if the craft is anchored,
+and to smell the real salt water again. I'll go aboard as soon as I can
+get back to the Snug Harbor, and stow my dunnage in a bag."
+
+He really seemed delighted to make the change, and the worried look left
+his face, though Ruth could not forget the shadow it had cast. What did
+it mean? She asked herself this over and over again.
+
+Meanwhile there was hard work for the moving picture girls and Mr.
+DeVere. A company engaged in the making of films does not content itself
+with merely producing one big play. There are any number of small reels
+that are needed, as "fillers." Some of them are called "split reels,"
+meaning that there are two plays, or sketches, on each one. And in the
+intervals of going through scenes in "Out on The Deep," or rehearsing
+for them, Ruth and Alice took part, with others of the Comet
+organization, in the making of many pictures.
+
+Several weeks went by in this way. Spring was gradually turning into
+Summer, to the delight of the girls, who loved the outdoors. Of course
+they loved Winter, too, for they had many outdoor scenes to take part in
+then, since snow effects are always easy to photograph.
+
+"But Summer is the best!" cried Alice, gaily dancing about the studio,
+after she had finished in a little comedy scene, one day.
+
+"I think so, too," agreed Ruth.
+
+"And when we get out on the deep blue sea," the younger girl added, "it
+will be ideal. Oh, I can hardly wait for the _Mary Ellen_ to start on
+her last voyage. Isn't it too bad she has to be sunk?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, it is rather tragic," agreed Ruth. "I hope we get far enough away
+when she takes her last plunge beneath the waves," she added with an
+involuntary shudder.
+
+"Oh, trust Captain Brisco for that," Alice said.
+
+"I had rather trust--Sailor Jack Jepson," murmured Ruth in a low voice.
+
+Meanwhile work on refitting the schooner had gone on apace. The moving
+picture girls, and their friends, had paid several visits to her, and
+found Captain Brisco, Jack Jepson and the others hard at work making the
+vessel a semblance of her former self.
+
+"She's an old tub," said Jack to the girls, "but she's in better shape
+than she was when you were here afore, Missies."
+
+And indeed the _Mary Ellen_ did seem so. A new coat of paint added as
+much to her appearance, as a new dress and hat does to a young lady,
+though _Mary Ellen_ could no longer be classed as young.
+
+Then came a day when many members of the theatrical company, including
+Jack Jepson, who now enjoyed that distinction, were taken down to the
+seacoast, some distance from New York. They went in a tug specially
+hired for the occasion.
+
+"Some of the scenes of the marine drama take place on the seacoast,"
+explained Mr. Pertell. "I want to get them now, when we have the chance.
+I need a rocky shore, and this is the nearest one we can reach. Get
+ready now. We have rehearsed these scenes, you remember."
+
+They were not easy scenes, and, even though they had been gone over in
+the studio, when it came to actually going through them on the beach,
+one difficulty after another arose.
+
+In the first place it was a raw, windy day, and there was a pretty high
+sea, dashing up among the rocks of the shore, and sending a spray over
+toward the cameras.
+
+"I can't do anything from this point!" finally complained Russ Dalwood,
+who was at the machine. "I've spoiled about a hundred feet of film now.
+We'll have to get around that point."
+
+"All right," agreed Mr. Pertell, "but the scenery isn't so good there."
+
+But when one difficulty was disposed of another one was found. Mr. Bunn
+made trouble when he was asked to do a certain "fall" in the water. He
+complained that he did not want to spoil his tall hat.
+
+"Oh, you and your tall hat!" impatiently exclaimed the manager. "Go on
+with that scene, I tell you!"
+
+"But I--er--I--" expostulated the old actor.
+
+Before he could make further objection a mist of heavy spray dashed over
+him, thoroughly wetting his beloved hat.
+
+"There!" cried Mr. Pertell. "Your tile is spoiled anyhow, now go on and
+fall in. It can't get any wetter!"
+
+"Oh, what a life! What a life!" groaned the "Ham" actor, but he went
+through the "business." Perhaps he realized that other engagements were
+not any too plentiful for men of his talent.
+
+Nor did Ruth and Alice have an easy time. They had to scramble over
+rocks, they had to escape from smugglers, they had to hide in caves,
+and once Alice had to fall down on the rocks, and pretend to be hurt. It
+was a very real fall, too, and she did not have to make much of a
+pretense at limping.
+
+"Oh, I'm so sorry!" exclaimed Paul Ardite, hastening to her side. "Shall
+I carry you?" he asked eagerly.
+
+"No indeed. I'm all right. I just----"
+
+"Keep back there, Paul! Keep back!" cried Mr. Pertell. "Don't get in
+range and spoil the picture. That's fine, Miss DeVere. It's very
+natural--that limp!"
+
+"It ought to be!" murmured Alice, biting her lips to keep back an
+exclamation of pain. "It's real enough, especially the pain."
+
+Moving picture acting is not all as easy as it seems.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE RISING TIDE
+
+
+"Well, that's very good, so far," said Mr. Pertell, when there came a
+lull in the taking of the preliminary scenes of the marine film. "A
+little more life wouldn't have hurt any, but the conditions aren't just
+the best. It was fairly well done."
+
+"Huh! Fairly well done!" exclaimed Pepper Sneed. "I wonder what he
+wants, anyhow? I nearly broke my neck scrambling over those rocks, and
+the skin is all gone from the palms of my hands, and all he says is that
+it was 'fairly well done!' I wonder what he wants, anyhow?"
+
+"Ha! He vants dot you shouldt altogedder preak your neck, ain't it?" put
+in Mr. Switzer. "Dot vould be a real funny picture, alretty yet!" he
+went on in his favorite character of a Dutch comedian. "Preak your neck,
+Mr. Sneed, und let Russ make der picture."
+
+"Ha! I think I see myself!" exclaimed the "grouch," as he looked for a
+seaweed-cushioned rock whereon to sit. "There's been a lot of trouble
+today, but, mark my words, there'll be more before we have finished.
+That's all I've got to say," and by the sour look on his face anyone
+would have thought that he rejoiced in his prediction of trouble to
+come.
+
+"What is the matter now?" asked Ruth, coming up in time to hear part of
+the discussion.
+
+"Oh, Pepper is sure the world is going to come to an end before the
+public has a chance to see him in his great rescue act of 'Out on The
+Deep,' I guess," replied Paul Ardite. "Cheer up!" he added. "The worst
+is yet to come."
+
+"You're right there," agreed Mr. Sneed, darkly. "There'll be an accident
+before this day is over, mark my words!"
+
+"Oh, Alice, are you hurt?" asked Ruth quickly, as she saw her sister
+limping toward her, for the little scene in which Alice had slipped and
+hurt her ankle, had taken place when Ruth was busy in another part of
+the play, farther down the shore line.
+
+"It isn't anything," the younger girl answered, bravely keeping back an
+exclamation of pain.
+
+"Will you be able to go on?" Mr. Pertell asked. He had followed Alice,
+when the scene closed, and when he had stopped Paul in time to prevent
+the photographs from being spoiled.
+
+"Oh, yes, I can go on, of course," Alice said, with an effort.
+
+"Because you have some important parts yet to do," the manager
+continued. He was not as heartless as this sounds. Really he was most
+kind and considerate. Yet he knew the pictures must be made and the
+present was the best time. If there were a delay, there was no telling
+what might intervene.
+
+He knew that Alice herself realized this. She would not give up unless
+positively unable to go on. The general public little realizes how often
+those who entertain them do so under positive pain and suffering. Of
+course moving picture scenes can be postponed more easily than can those
+in a real theatre. But the general rule holds good for the movies, as
+for the legitimate. "The show must go on!" That is the watchword of
+manager and player alike. "The show must go on!"
+
+"I have a bottle of arnica with me," said Mrs. Maguire, the "old lady"
+of the company. "I heard we were to do some rock-scrambling today and I
+brought it along. I'll rub some of it on your ankle," she said to Alice.
+
+"Yes, doctor her up a bit," advised Mr. Pertell. "She's too important to
+be left out of the film, for a while at least. I don't want to force
+you, Miss DeVere," he went on, "but really----"
+
+"Oh, I'll be able to go on," Alice bravely said. "It is only a little
+wrench, I think."
+
+Behind a screen of rocks Mrs. Maguire removed Alice's shoe and stocking,
+and the motherly old lady and Ruth bathed the injured foot. It was not
+as bad as Alice had feared, and when it was bound up again she found she
+could use it by "favoring" it slightly. She would not have to take part
+in a scene for nearly an hour, and she took advantage of the rest
+afforded by the wait.
+
+Meanwhile Mr. DeVere and some other members of the company were going
+through their parts. An old fisherman's hut had been found, a little way
+down the beach, and for a small sum of money the grizzled old salt had
+agreed to vacate for the morning, and allow the moving picture actors to
+use his home as the background for several scenes.
+
+"It isn't just what the scenario calls for," said Mr. Pertell, "but we
+can switch things around at the studio later, to make it fit."
+
+This is a secret of more than one film. The producer takes advantage of
+things as he finds them. Often, after a film has all been planned, and
+the pictures are being taken, a chance accident, or incident, will
+suggest an advantageous change, and it is made on the spot. Later the
+film is "cut" or added to, so that the change fits in.
+
+Again, on going to the outdoor scene called for in the scenario, the
+manager may see a background that suits him better than one he intended
+using. On the spot he will stop and have the act take place there,
+altering, or adapting, the plot of the story to fit. And many an
+accident has been turned to good account in making a film. But these are
+secrets known only to the initiated, and the public that sees the
+finished picture in some theatre little realizes how much chance had to
+do with its making.
+
+Scene after scene was "filmed," Russ and his camera associates grinding
+away at the machines. It was not easy work, for the wind and spray often
+interfered with the clearness of the picture. But of course that only
+added to the reality of it when the finished picture was shown.
+
+"Now for that scene on the far rocks," called Mr. Pertell when he had
+brought to a satisfactory conclusion a difficult part of the drama. "Are
+you able to go out there, Miss DeVere?" and he looked anxiously at
+Alice.
+
+"Oh, yes, I'm much better," she answered.
+
+"All ready then!" called the manager. "Russ, I want one or two
+'close-up' views in this, so prepare yourself accordingly."
+
+"All right," answered the operator, who was talking to Ruth. He put in a
+fresh reel of film, and adjusted the camera.
+
+A "close-up" view, I might explain, is one taken with the person, or
+subject, very close to the camera, so that it appears very large--larger
+than usual. For instance, it might be necessary, in some play, to show a
+certain ring. The hand of the person, with the ring on the finger would
+be held close to the camera, so that the resultant picture on the screen
+would show every detail of the ring clearly. You have often seen such
+views in moving pictures, though you may not have known what they were
+technically called.
+
+The "rock scene" that was to be filmed now was to take place out on a
+little rocky group some distance from shore. It was reached by a long,
+narrow rocky ledge that curved out into the bay. Alice, Ruth and Paul
+were to be in this picture, and Russ would plant his camera on the rocky
+ledge, between the actors and the shore.
+
+"Can you walk out there, Alice?" asked Paul, as he stepped along beside
+her, Russ walking with Ruth.
+
+"Oh, yes," was the answer. "My ankle is much better now. It was silly of
+me to slip that way."
+
+"You couldn't very well help it," he said.
+
+"That seaweed is very treacherous. I hope there is none on the rocks out
+there."
+
+"Why?" she asked. "Is the water deep?"
+
+"Rather, so that fisherman said."
+
+"Well, I'm not going to slip," declared Alice.
+
+It was not easy work getting out to the group of rocks on the narrow
+path of black stone, made slippery by the spray. But they managed it,
+and finally Ruth, Alice and Paul took their places.
+
+"All ready," called Mr. Pertell, who, with a copy of the scenario in his
+hand stood back of Russ to direct matters. "You are all supposed to be
+talking together, and then Paul discovers a sail out on the bay. You
+register surprise, Paul."
+
+"Very good," answered the young actor.
+
+I might explain that the word "register" is used to indicate that an
+actor or actress is to depict, or go through, the "business" of showing
+certain emotions, either by facial expression, or gestures.
+
+"And after Paul sights the vessel, you register hope, Miss Ruth," went
+on the manager. "All ready now--begin."
+
+So the filming of that scene went on.
+
+"Very good," complimented the manager. "Just a little more force there,
+Paul. Wait a minute, Russ. Do that one bit over."
+
+The scene was started over again, but it had proceeded only a minute or
+so before Russ gave an exclamation of annoyance.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"Spring broke," reported the operator. "I'll have to go get the other
+camera, and it will take me half an hour to get it in shape."
+
+"Well, we'll have time enough," Mr. Pertell said, with a look at the
+sun, which is a sort of god to photographers. Without its beams little
+can be done. "I'll go back and help you," said the manager who used to
+be an expert operator himself before he rose in the ranks.
+
+"You'll have to wait a bit," Russ called to Ruth, Alice and Paul. "Got
+to fix another camera."
+
+"All right. We'll stay here," announced Alice. "I don't want to make
+that trip again with my lame ankle," and she sat down in a niche of the
+rocks. The others followed her example. The minutes passed quickly in
+pleasant talk, but presently Paul jumped to his feet. There was alarm in
+his action.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Ruth, startled.
+
+"Look!" he said. He pointed toward the shore. The path of rocks was
+broken midway by a stretch of water. The tide had risen, cutting off the
+retreat to the beach.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+TOO MUCH REALISM
+
+
+"Oh dear!" exclaimed Ruth. It seemed a silly, futile thing to say, but,
+perhaps, very natural under the circumstances. Ruth arose, and put her
+arms about her sister, who tottered a little as she stood upright.
+
+"The tide has risen?" asked Alice, and her tone was questioning.
+
+"That's what has happened," went on Paul. "Pshaw! I ought to have kept
+watch of it. Russ was gone longer than I thought. But here we are now,
+fairly caught."
+
+"Can't we--can't we wade back to shore?" faltered Alice.
+
+"I wouldn't like to have you try it," answered Paul, and he moved over
+closer to the girl.
+
+"Why not?" she asked. "I'm not at all afraid of getting wet, and it
+can't be so very deep over those rocks--not yet."
+
+"It isn't that you would get wet," Paul answered. "But the rocks were
+slippery enough as they were. Covered with water, as they now are
+between us and the shore, I'm afraid you'd slip off, especially as your
+ankle will give you a twinge if you twist it."
+
+"It certainly will," agreed Alice. "It hurts worse now. But oh! We must
+get back to shore!" she exclaimed. "We must!"
+
+"We--I--I think I could lift her over the place where the water is,"
+said Ruth.
+
+"But you might both slip in," objected Paul. "And the water is quite
+deep on either side of this ledge of rocks. You see the ocean washes in
+against them, and scoops out the sand. So that there is a deep channel,
+ten feet or more, right alongside of the ledge of rocks. If you fell in
+there----"
+
+"Oh, don't speak of it!" begged Alice. "I wouldn't mind swimming if I
+were prepared for it but it isn't exactly Summer yet, and with a
+disabled foot----"
+
+"It isn't to be thought of," finished Ruth. "But we _must_ get ashore
+somehow, Paul. The water is getting higher every minute."
+
+"Yes, the tide has just begun to come in," said the young actor. "I
+should have noticed it before, but I didn't. Now I wonder--"
+
+He did not finish, but gazed back toward the beach, nearly a quarter of
+a mile away. To his surprise, and also alarm, not one of the members of
+the moving picture company was in sight.
+
+"That's strange," thought Paul, but he did not speak his thought aloud.
+
+"Oh!" screamed Alice, so suddenly as to startle them all.
+
+"What is the matter?" demanded Ruth.
+
+"A wave splashed right up behind me! Look!"
+
+The rising wind was sending little waves over the outer edge of the
+small island of rocks on which the three were marooned. It was another
+evidence that the tide was getting higher and higher.
+
+"What _shall_ we do?" asked Ruth.
+
+"We must get help--_somehow_!" Alice said. Then she looked shoreward, in
+the direction Paul was gazing, and she uttered the single expression:
+
+"Oh!"
+
+But it was fraught with meaning.
+
+"Why--they've gone!" gasped Ruth. "What--what----"
+
+"They'll be back!" Paul interrupted. "Probably Mr. Pertell just thought
+of some scene he could get, and he took them off down the beach to put
+them all in it. They'll be back in a little while, and then we can
+signal to them."
+
+"If--if it isn't too--too late!" faltered Alice.
+
+"Too late? What do you mean?" demanded her sister.
+
+"I mean these rocks will soon be covered, and covered deep, too," Alice
+said. "The high water mark is away above them."
+
+"Is it, Paul?" demanded the older girl. She wanted the statement of
+Alice disproved.
+
+"I'm afraid it is," the young actor made answer. "And the tide, I am
+sorry to say, is likely to be unusually high today. The moon has
+something to do with it. But we will be taken off before then."
+
+"Suppose we aren't?" asked Alice. "The wind and the sea are rising, and
+if we are swept off the rocks----"
+
+"Don't be so tragic about it!" broke in Ruth. "If we are to go to sea,
+and be in a shipwreck, even if it is only pictured, we must learn to
+face perils. And here we are only a little way from shore."
+
+"That's right!" cried Paul. "That's the way to look at it, Alice.
+There's no danger!"
+
+"That's easy enough for you to say--you two who haven't a lame ankle,"
+the younger girl said, seriously enough. "But I don't believe I can even
+swim!"
+
+"There will be no need of that," Paul said. "They are sure to come back
+and see our plight soon. I can't see what's keeping Russ. He promised to
+come back as soon as he fixed up another camera. It's very strange."
+
+Later they learned that when Russ and Mr. Pertell got back to the beach,
+leaving, as they supposed Ruth, her sister and Paul safe on the rocks,
+Pop Snooks, the veteran property man, discovered a certain nook that
+would answer for an important scene in the play. Wishing to take
+advantage of it at once, while the light was good, Mr. Pertell ordered
+the entire company over there to go through the prescribed "business."
+He took Russ and the two other camera operators with him, to make sure
+of getting at least one film.
+
+That is why the beach opposite the rocks where the three were marooned
+by the rising tide, was deserted just then. For the time both Mr.
+Pertell and Russ forgot their three friends, or, if they thought of them
+at all, it was to think that they were perfectly safe, and would come to
+no harm by waiting a bit.
+
+The tide rose higher and higher. In a few minutes it would lap the feet
+of the three marooned ones. A desperate resolve came into Paul's mind.
+
+"I'll swim, or wade, to shore," he said, "and get a boat."
+
+"And leave us here?" demanded Alice.
+
+"Yes. There is nothing else to be done," he answered, desperately.
+
+"No, please don't go!" begged Alice, putting a detaining hand on his
+arm. "I can't bear to be left here."
+
+"But it will be only for a few minutes," Paul said, "and the tide isn't
+rising so fast that it will sweep you away in that time."
+
+"I know--but--don't go!" begged Alice, her voice trembling.
+
+Paul looked at Ruth.
+
+"Perhaps you _had_ better stay," suggested the older girl. "They are
+sure to come back soon, and--well, we don't want to be left here."
+
+"All right," agreed Paul. "But I think I could get back with a boat in
+time."
+
+However, there was no need for him to go. A moment later the moving
+picture company, headed by Russ and the two other camera men, came
+around the turn of some sand dunes.
+
+"There they are!" cried Ruth.
+
+"Oh, come and get us!" fairly screamed Alice.
+
+Paul put his fingers to his mouth and sent out a shrill whistle.
+
+It needed only a glance on the part of Mr. Pertell and the others to
+show the plight of the three marooned ones.
+
+"I forgot all about them!" the manager exclaimed. "Russ--Mr.
+Bunn--Switzer--a boat--where's that fisherman--where's the life-saving
+station? This is----"
+
+"Avast there! Belay!" came the deep tones of Jack Jepson, who had come
+out to do certain parts in the shore scenes. "I'll take that boat out
+and get 'em. Don't worry!"
+
+"Oh, but my daughters!" exclaimed Mr. DeVere, hoarsely.
+
+"And Alice with a sprained ankle!" gasped Mrs. Maguire.
+
+"Don't worry! I'll get 'em!" declared the old salt. "Come on," he called
+to Mr. Bunn. "You look like you could handle an oar," and he started
+toward a dory that was drawn up on the beach.
+
+"I--I can't row!" exclaimed the old actor. "Besides, I might----"
+
+"Yes, he might spoil his dignity," said Russ fiercely in an undertone.
+"I'll go with you," he said to the sailor. "I can manage a boat!"
+
+"Good! That's the way to talk. Come on!"
+
+A few minutes later Russ and Jack had shoved out the fisherman's craft,
+and were quickly rowing toward the rocks. The tide was now so high that
+Paul and the two girls stood ankle-deep in the water that completely
+covered the rocks.
+
+"Ahoy there! Ahoy!" sang out Jack, as he and Russ sent the boat over the
+waves to the rescue. "Ahoy! We'll have you safe in a minute!"
+
+"Quick! Get that picture! Film it!" cried Mr. Pertell to one of the
+other camera men. "I can work that scene in--somehow."
+
+There was very little that was not "grist" which came to the "mill" of
+Mr. Pertell's cameras. The film began to unreel and before they knew it
+Paul, Ruth and Alice were being depicted in the rescue scene, which,
+when it was projected on the screen, made a series of effective
+pictures.
+
+There was little real harm done save for wet feet and startled nerves.
+Sufficient harm, one might think, but Ruth and Alice were beginning to
+forget they had nerves, so many were the strange acts they were called
+upon to perform in their moving picture work.
+
+Jack and Russ helped the three into the boat, and rowed to shore with
+them, where mutual explanations were made, and Mr. Pertell was
+sorrowfully apologetic for his forgetful share in it.
+
+"And the next time I forget about the tide, when I'm at the shore, I'll
+fine myself a box of candy to be forfeit to you girls," Paul said.
+
+"Be sure you don't forget to pay the fine," Alice warned him.
+
+As the company had brought along several changes of costume, there were
+dry shoes for the three marooned ones, and then, as it was too late to
+finish the scene on the rocks, they went back to New York. Some other
+day would have to be devoted, at least in part, to completing that film.
+
+In the days that followed, work on the _Mary Ellen_ went on apace. She
+was almost ready for her voyage to sea. The big motorboat, _Ajax_, was
+also being put in readiness. While Jack Jepson and the others were busy
+at the schooner there were also busy scenes at the studio, where Mr.
+DeVere and his daughters took part in many film plays. Nearly all the
+studio scenes for "Out on The Deep," had been completed.
+
+"But we must get that river attack before we start on the voyage," said
+Mr. Pertell one day. This "river attack" showed one phase of the big
+marine drama. Ruth and Alice, in company with Mr. Bunn, as an old
+'longshoreman, were supposed to be rowed across a river to escape harbor
+thieves. To get good local color the location of the scene was fixed on
+the Jersey side of the Hudson river, above the Palisades. Thither those
+of the company required in the scene journeyed one day.
+
+All went well until the time when Mr. Bunn, rather against his will, was
+rowing Ruth and Alice toward shore. They were being pursued by some
+rough men in a second boat. It is needless to say that the "rough men,"
+were also moving picture actors.
+
+"Go on there, Mr. Bunn! Row! Row!" called Mr. Pertell, while Russ, who
+was with him in a third boat, was making the reel hum in the camera.
+
+"I--I can't row any faster," said the old "Ham" actor.
+
+"But you _must_!" the manager cried. "That's better," he added as Mr.
+Bunn showed a burst of speed.
+
+"Oh dear! If ever I get through this series of pictures I'll quit the
+game!" groaned the former legitimate actor.
+
+Ruth and Alice "registered" the proper business as the men in the
+pursuing boat came nearer and nearer. The flight was to continue along
+the Jersey shore.
+
+"Jump out! Jump out!" commanded Mr. Pertell, giving directions from
+behind a screen of bushes, where he and Russ, having landed, were now
+hidden to take the land scenes.
+
+The girls and Mr. Bunn leaped ashore. The "villains" followed, firing
+blank cartridges.
+
+"Fine! That's fine!" cried the enthusiastic manager, when suddenly, from
+a road that ran along the shore, there sprang a number of country
+officers. They had their clubs in one hand and had drawn their
+revolvers.
+
+"Surrender! Surrender!" cried the leading officer to the "villains," who
+were pursuing Mr. Bunn and the girls. "Surrender! We've got you covered!
+We seen you chasin' these parties! Surrender!" and the police rushed
+toward the actors.
+
+"Keep back! Keep back!" implored Mr. Pertell, leaping out of concealment
+and waving his hands. But he was too late.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+A REVISED FILM
+
+
+Just what idea the local police had in mind when they rushed forward
+would be hard to say. Evidently, however, they believed they were intent
+on rescuing the girls from some imminent peril, for the leader of the
+officers, showing not a little fear, even in the heroic role he was
+playing, fired a shot into the air, and cried:
+
+"No you don't! No you don't! Nothin' like that there can be done while
+Captain Wealson is around. Up an' at 'em, men!"
+
+He and his men rushed toward the pursuing "villains," got right in the
+way of the camera, and proceeded to attack those whom they thought were
+guilty of some crime.
+
+"There it goes!" cried Mr. Pertell. "The picture is spoiled! It will
+have to be all done over again."
+
+In obedience to a gesture of despair from the manager, Russ ceased
+grinding at the crank of the camera.
+
+"That's enough! Stop!" called Mr. Pertell, and Ruth, Alice and the
+others who were making strenuous efforts (seemingly) to escape, came to
+a halt. Many times before they had heard that command which meant that
+something was going wrong, and that they might as well stop at once
+without wasting effort.
+
+"Why, I wonder what's wrong," said Alice, who had not quite grasped the
+interruption. "Everything seemed to be going beautifully."
+
+"Perhaps the film broke," suggested Ruth.
+
+"It's the police," Paul said, waving his hand at the officers, each of
+whom had clutched a "prisoner," and was holding him.
+
+"The police?" echoed Alice.
+
+"Yes, they came in when they weren't wanted," Paul went on.
+
+"Oh, I thought they were part of the picture!" exclaimed Ruth. And so
+she had. Often, to make a moving picture seem more realistic, a manager
+will not tell the actors all he has prepared. Thus he gets the element
+of surprise. Both Ruth and Alice, in this case, thought the local police
+had been brought into the scene at the last moment to add a touch of
+reality to the play. But, as it turned out, it was almost too much
+reality.
+
+"Say, what do you fellows mean, anyhow?" demanded the manager, of the
+police leader. "What do you mean, I say," and Mr. Pertell strode up with
+an angry look on his face.
+
+"What do we mean? Ha! That's a good one! Listen to him, boys! What do we
+mean? Why we mean to arrest these scoundrels, and we've done it, too!"
+he added proudly, with a wave of his hand toward the persons his men had
+made prisoners.
+
+"Well, you've made a big mistake," Mr. Pertell went on.
+
+"Mistake! Ha! I guess not!" cried the officer. "We don't make mistakes
+up here! One of my men seen something queer goin' on out in the river,
+and come and told me. Then I seen your boats puttin' off, and I knew
+something was wrong. So I got my forces together, and we waited for
+these fellows. We've got 'em, too! Every one of 'em!" he added proudly.
+"Lock 'em up, men!" he ordered. "We'll show these fellows what Jersey
+justice is like. Take 'em away."
+
+"Hold on!" cried Mr. Pertell, and this time he allowed a smile to show
+on his hitherto glum face. "You don't seem to understand."
+
+"Oh, I think I do," said the police officer calmly. "I understand a
+great deal more than you think I do. Come on."
+
+"Wait! I'll explain!" cried the manager. "It's for the moving pictures!"
+he added. "This is only a pretended attack and pursuit. Ask the young
+ladies themselves," he said, motioning to Ruth and Alice who were now
+smiling. Certainly they did not seem to be in any great alarm or
+distress over their recent adventure. Their appearance must have caused
+the officer to doubt the wisdom of his course.
+
+"Weren't these fellers chasing you?" he demanded, motioning to the
+prisoners. "Now don't say they wasn't, for I saw 'em."
+
+"Oh, yes, they were pursuing us," admitted Ruth, "but it was all in the
+picture."
+
+"The picture?" questioned the officer.
+
+"Yes. We are moving picture actresses and actors," she went on, and her
+father, coming up then, though he had had no active part in the chase,
+confirmed what she said.
+
+For a moment the police captain maintained a silence, and then, as he
+could no longer doubt what was said, since Mr. Pertell exhibited certain
+credentials, the representative of Jersey justice said:
+
+"Well, this certainly is one on me! We'd better go back, boys," he added
+to his men, "and we'd better keep quiet about this thing. But I sure
+thought this was a kidnapping case."
+
+"And you spoiled my picture," groaned Mr. Pertell. "Now we've got to go
+back to the middle of the river, and do it over from there."
+
+"Hold on a minute!" exclaimed Pop Snooks, who, as property man, was also
+a sort of assistant manager. "Maybe this will turn out all right after
+all."
+
+"How do you mean?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"Why, the police. We could have them try to stop the pursuers but get
+worsted in the encounter, and the roughs could keep right on after the
+girls. In that way we won't have to waste much film. Just go on with the
+picture from the point where these policemen came in."
+
+Mr. Pertell thought for a minute.
+
+"That's the idea!" he suddenly cried. "It will make a better picture
+that way. Say!" he went on to the police officers: "You're in on this!"
+
+"In on what?" asked the captain.
+
+"On this scene. I can use you and your men. You won't mind a little
+rough and tumble work, will you?"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+Thereupon the manager explained that he would turn the police to good
+advantage, and have them interfere in the attack, only to be outdone by
+the "villains."
+
+"It's only fair for you to do this, as you came in where you weren't
+needed and nearly spoiled the picture," the manager said.
+
+Whether it was this appeal to justice and fair play, or because he and
+his men were anxious to get into a moving picture, was not made clear;
+but the captain and the policemen consented to do their parts.
+
+There was a little coaching, something of a rehearsal and then that
+scene went on again, with Ruth and Alice "fleeing" from the pursuers,
+and the police charging downhill after the men.
+
+Then followed the improvised scene, of an attack by the police, and a
+repulse by the "villains."
+
+"Good! That's great!" cried Mr. Pertell. "It will be better than I
+thought it would. This is fine!"
+
+"Ha! Yes, maybe for you, but look at my eye!" cried Mr. Pepper Sneed.
+"Look at it!"
+
+"Well, what's the matter with it?" asked Mr. Pertell. "It's a little
+red, that's all I can see." The taking of pictures had stopped for the
+time being.
+
+"A little red! A little!" fairly howled the grouch. "Say it will be
+black and blue tomorrow. One of those policeman hit me in the eye with
+his elbow. It was an awful blow. I shouldn't wonder but that I went
+blind. Never again will I take part in anything as tough as this. I know
+I'll be laid up for a week," and with this gloomy thought he limped off,
+for he had been rather roughly handled in the melee.
+
+"I wonder if that's all for us today?" asked Alice, as she saw Russ
+taking the legs off his camera.
+
+"Why, are you tired?" asked Ruth, solicitously.
+
+"A little, yes. I shall be glad when we get out to sea."
+
+"Perhaps we may have even harder work than this," suggested Ruth, for
+the race along shore had not been easy. "A shipwreck isn't going to be
+any society drama, Alice."
+
+"I know," agreed the younger girl. "But I think we shall like it."
+
+Neither of them realized what was in store for them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+OVERHEARD
+
+
+"Well, I think this will do," Mr. Pertell announced, as the members of
+his company gathered on the shore of the Hudson, ready to go back to the
+larger boat, whence they had come in the two small ones, to depict the
+pursuit. "It came out better than I expected when I saw that crowd of
+policemen charging down on us."
+
+"I thought sure we were in for a spell in the lock-up," remarked one of
+the extra men engaged as a member of the "pursuing villains."
+
+"You had a little extra work, doing part of the scene over again, so
+we'll give you all a little bonus," said the manager. "We'll get back to
+the studio now. There are a few scenes I want to make before we start
+off on our trip to sea."
+
+"How soon do we go?" asked Alice.
+
+"As soon as we can get stocked up. Captain Brisco has a few little
+repairs to make to the schooner, I believe."
+
+"Do you think the _Mary Ellen_ will prove to be a safe boat in which to
+go to sea?" asked Mr. DeVere, when he, with his daughters, and the
+others, were on their way back to New York.
+
+"Why not?" asked the manager.
+
+"Well, I heard Jack Jepson say the schooner was a pretty old one,"
+replied the veteran actor.
+
+"So she is," said Mr. Pertell, "if she hadn't been, our company never
+could have afforded to buy her just to make a shipwreck of her. But she
+is perfectly safe for what traveling we shall do. Brisco has assured me
+of that, and has seen to it. What sort of a yarn was Jepson giving you?"
+and Mr. Pertell seemed a bit annoyed.
+
+"Well, he merely said that the schooner was a pretty old one," went on
+Mr. DeVere, "and that she had seen her best days."
+
+"He didn't say that she was unsafe, did he?"
+
+"No, oh, no! Nothing like that!" exclaimed the actor quickly. "I was
+just wondering about her. I shouldn't like to take any chances you
+know," and he glanced over toward his daughters who had no part in this
+conversation.
+
+"Oh, the _Mary Ellen_ will be as safe as is necessary," the manager
+continued. "Besides we will be in Southern waters after we leave here,
+and there will be little danger from storms."
+
+"I am glad of that," Mr. DeVere said. "A warm Southern clime will be
+beneficial to my throat. It does not take kindly to our Northern
+weather, even at the best."
+
+In the days that followed there was plenty of work for the moving
+picture girls in the film studio. They had to take part in several
+little dramas that had to be completed before the sea scenes in the
+ocean play were undertaken.
+
+"Anything much to do this afternoon?" asked Russ of Ruth as he passed
+her near her dressing room one day about a week after the episode of the
+mistaken policemen.
+
+"No, I am free," she announced. "They have postponed that 'In the Slums'
+and I'm glad of it. I don't care for such characters as I have to assume
+in a play like that."
+
+"Nor I. I'm off for the afternoon, too. What do you say we take Alice,
+and go for a little trip to the Erie Basin?"
+
+"To see the _Mary Ellen_ again? There can't be much change since we saw
+her last."
+
+"No, not exactly to see her, though we could pay a visit if we liked.
+But you know we are to have a big motorboat follow us in the ocean
+scenes--I'm to take pictures from it, in fact--and that motorboat--the
+_Ajax_--is over in the Basin, near the old schooner. I thought maybe
+you'd like to take a look at her."
+
+"I would!" exclaimed Ruth with enthusiasm. "I'll tell Alice. She is
+disengaged, I know, for I heard Mr. Pertell tell her so."
+
+"I'm sorry we can't go for a trip in her," went on Russ, "but she isn't
+in shape yet. I have to go over to give some directions about building a
+platform for setting the camera on, and I thought we might combine
+business and pleasure."
+
+"It will be a pleasure to go," said Ruth, as she went off to find her
+sister.
+
+"Tell Paul, too, if you see him," Russ called after her. "We'll make a
+party of it."
+
+"All right," Ruth answered.
+
+She found Paul and Alice together--just as she half expected--and
+mentioned Russ's plan.
+
+Paul was cast for a role in a little play that afternoon, but he spoke
+to Mr. Pertell about it, and the manager kindly postponed it, as it was
+not very important.
+
+So, after lunch the four young people started for the place where the
+_Ajax_ was being overhauled, not far from the dock of the _Mary Ellen_.
+On the way they talked of their plans when they should be at sea. It had
+been given out at the studio that they would all go aboard the _Mary
+Ellen_, which would be headed for the Florida coast. Somewhere off that
+peninsula, just where had not been decided, the moving pictures would be
+made, and the shipwreck would take place. The details had not yet been
+perfected.
+
+"Are you going to travel alone in the motorboat?" asked Alice of Russ.
+
+"No indeed. She is to be carried in a cradle on the deck of the _Mary
+Ellen_, and----"
+
+"A cradle!" interrupted Alice. "Whoever heard of a boat being put in a
+cradle, as if it were a baby!"
+
+"Well, the _Ajax_ is going to be rocked in the cradle of the deep, isn't
+she?" asked Paul.
+
+"Oh, what a heartless joke!" mocked Ruth.
+
+"Just for that you'll be fined four ice cream sodas!" laughed Alice.
+
+"No, but speaking seriously," went on Russ, "the _Ajax_ will be cradled
+on the deck of the schooner; that is, the motorboat will be set in two V
+shaped affairs, called cradles. That's to prevent her rolling off into
+the high seas."
+
+"Do you think it will be rough?" asked Ruth, with an apprehensive look
+over her shoulder, as though she already saw a "hurricane in the
+offing," as her sister laughingly put it.
+
+"Well, you know we have to wait for a storm, to get some of the scenes,"
+Russ said. "Of course the weather often gets pretty bad in these
+Southern waters, in spite of their peaceful name," he continued, "but I
+don't suppose Mr. Pertell will venture out far from the harbor in a bad
+blow. Even a little wind will kick up enough sea to make it look pretty
+rough in a picture."
+
+"Oh, I don't mind a storm!" exclaimed Alice. "I just love it."
+
+"Oh--Alice!" cried her sister. "You know you'll be as frightened as I'll
+be."
+
+"We'll see," challenged the younger girl with sparkling eyes and a flush
+on her cheeks.
+
+They found the _Ajax_, after some little difficulty, among a score of
+other boats, in process of repair.
+
+"Oh, what a big one!" exclaimed Alice as she caught sight of the craft.
+"I do hope you'll give us a ride in her, Russ."
+
+"Of course I shall, between times of taking pictures," he promised.
+"What do you think of her, Paul?"
+
+"Pretty fine," agreed the young actor. "Has she any speed?"
+
+"Not much, I guess. It's an old sort of tub, but pretty steady in the
+water, Mr. Pertell said. That's what I want for taking pictures. It
+won't do to have her rolling and pitching. Well, let's go aboard, and
+see how they're coming on."
+
+Russ had a permit to view the craft, and as he was expected to give some
+instructions regarding the building of the platform, the man in charge
+of the overhauling work welcomed the four young people.
+
+The _Ajax_ was, as Russ had said, rather a tub, but it was a large,
+comfortable boat, and was capable of going on quite a cruise. There was
+a partially enclosed cabin, and many comforts and conveniences. But just
+for the present purpose, everything was being subordinated to the taking
+of moving pictures.
+
+"I'm readjusting the motor," the head of the repair gang told Russ, "so
+she'll start and stop, as well as reverse easily and quickly. That's
+what you want, isn't it?"
+
+"That's it, yes. You see I can't tell when I'll have to shift, to make
+allowances for what the actors and actresses will do. There's no telling
+about these moving picture people," and Russ gave Ruth and Alice, as
+well as Paul, a laughing look as though to indicate that they were very
+temperamental, and hard to get along with.
+
+"Are these some of the actor folks?" asked the mechanic who was laboring
+over the motor.
+
+"That's what they are, and good ones, too!" cried Russ.
+
+"Gee! They don't look it!" was the frank remark, and the two girls broke
+into peals of laughter.
+
+Paul and Russ showed Ruth and Alice over the big motorboat, and then
+leaving the three to their own devices for a while, the young camera
+operator went into details of the work with the head mechanic. Russ was
+told that the _Ajax_ would be ready in plenty of time for him. He
+expressed himself as satisfied with the progress made, though he made
+one or two slight changes in the platform, built on the forward deck of
+the craft, where he was to stand when he took the pictures of the
+shipwreck.
+
+"Well, how about those sodas now?" asked Russ of his companions when he
+had finished. "There's a nice place a few blocks up, and it's about warm
+enough for ice cream."
+
+"Couldn't we take just a look at the _Mary Ellen_ while we are here?"
+asked Alice. "Isn't that she, over there?" and she pointed across the
+basin.
+
+"You speak of that ship as if she were a person," objected Ruth.
+
+"And so she is!" Alice exclaimed. "A ship is always a lady, isn't she,
+Paul?"
+
+"She ought to try to be, at least," he laughed. "How about it, Russ?
+Shall we take the girls over to the schooner?"
+
+"Might as well, I guess. It won't take long, and it isn't far."
+
+A short time later the four of them stood at the gangplank of the _Mary
+Ellen_. They saw no signs of any men on deck, but they were doubtless
+below, making the repairs, which must be nearly finished.
+
+"Come on," said Russ, leading the way. "We'll go aboard."
+
+As they stood on deck, looking about them, they saw no one, but the
+companionway was in plain sight, and they started toward it, intending
+to go down into the main cabin.
+
+The place was rather dimly lighted, but when their eyes had become used
+to the gloom, they caught sight of a solitary figure in the forward end
+of the main compartment.
+
+"It's Jack Jepson," whispered Alice to her companions. "We'll give him a
+surprise. Keep quiet now. His back is toward me and I'll tiptoe up
+behind him and put my hands over his eyes. I'll make him guess who it
+is. He'll think some British suffragette has taken him on that silly
+charge of mutiny," she went on.
+
+"Be careful," admonished Ruth. "No pranks, Alice."
+
+"This isn't a prank. Keep quiet now."
+
+The old sailor was evidently not aware that visitors were in the cabin,
+for they had made little noise in descending the companion stairs, and
+what little they had caused was drowned by the distant noise of
+carpenters' hammers.
+
+As Alice advanced, the others remaining back in the semi-darkness, they
+all heard Jack Jepson break into a sort of monologue. He was talking to
+himself, in fashion something like this.
+
+"It ought to be hereabouts, if it's anywhere, and I'm sure it is. I
+can't be mistaken. They have cut her down, and made a lot of changes,
+but they can't fool me. I was suspicious when I first came aboard, and
+I'm more so every minute. I'm going to find out for sure, while I have
+the chance. Let me think now."
+
+He leaned up against a bulkhead, while Alice glanced back at her friends
+in some surprise. What meant the words they had overheard? The old
+sailor seemed strangely excited, and he was passing his hand over the
+paneling of the cabin as though in search of something long forgotten,
+or dimly remembered.
+
+A moment later another step was heard in the apartment, and Captain
+Brisco entered. He started at the sight of Jepson, though the commander
+had not yet seen the four young people.
+
+"What are you doing here?" he asked in a hoarse voice. The old salt
+started back as though caught in some guilty act.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"ALL ABOARD!"
+
+
+Ruth, Alice, Paul and Russ remained silent and unseen witnesses of the
+little scene being enacted before them. It was like some section taken
+from a moving picture drama, though they could not guess what the plot
+was, nor what the outcome would be.
+
+"What are you doing here, Mr. Jepson?" asked Captain Brisco, and there
+was sarcasm in the title he bestowed on his mate, for since he was third
+in command, having been given the post of second mate, the old salt was
+entitled to be called Mister.
+
+"I was jest--jest lookin'--lookin'--" Jepson faltered.
+
+"Well, you'd better look forward then," came, the harsh command.
+"There's plenty to do there, if we're ever to start on this voyage, and
+of all the----"
+
+At that moment Alice sneezed. She could not help it, and in trying to
+hold it back, she made more of a commotion than if she had let the
+sneeze come naturally.
+
+At the sound Captain Brisco and Jack Jepson turned and stared toward the
+dimness that marked the companionway.
+
+"Who's there?" called Captain Brisco, sharply.
+
+"We just came aboard to see how matters were coming on," said Russ
+stepping forward and under a skylight.
+
+"But we didn't expect to be welcomed with snuff," said Alice, as she
+sneezed again. This time Ruth joined her. There was an irritating odor
+noticeable in the cabin.
+
+"I beg your pardon," Captain Brisco said, as the others stepped closer
+to Russ, so they could be discerned. "I didn't know who it was. I am
+glad to see you. That's a paint-remover you smell. It is irritating. I
+am very glad to see you."
+
+But he did not say it at all as though he meant it. Alice said afterward
+she thought her sneeze had broken in on the captain's denunciation of
+the proposed sea voyage.
+
+"It was just as though he were going to say it was the most foolish and
+nonsensical thing of which he had ever heard," Alice explained. "Oh, why
+_did_ I have to go and sneeze just then?"
+
+"Did you want to hear what he would have said?" asked her sister.
+
+"Yes, I did. I don't like Captain Brisco."
+
+"You mustn't say such things," Ruth cautioned her. But this was some
+time later.
+
+Just at present the commander of the _Mary Ellen_ was trying to make his
+unexpected guests feel a welcome he rather grudgingly extended.
+
+"We have been over looking at the _Ajax_," explained Russ, "and we
+thought we'd stop in and pay you a call."
+
+"Oh, yes, I'm to carry the _Ajax_ on deck, I believe," the commander
+said. "Well, you'll find us all pretty busy here," he went on. "Mr.
+Jepson, will you kindly go forward and see how the men are coming on
+with that caulking?"
+
+It was a very different voice from the one he had used when Ruth, Alice
+and the others had been unseen listeners.
+
+"What about the mainmast?" asked Sailor Jack. "It's sprung, as I told
+you it was, and unless those stays----"
+
+"I'll look after that!" interrupted the captain. "You do as I tell you,
+and leave that mast to me."
+
+"But you said that it didn't need--" persisted the second mate.
+
+"Never you mind what I said!" and the commander's voice was harsh. "I'll
+look after that. Now you go forward!"
+
+It was more in the nature of a command than is usual between captain
+and mate. The girls felt this, as well as did the boys. But they said
+nothing.
+
+"Come along and see how we are progressing," continued Captain Brisco in
+more genial tones, as Jack Jepson left the cabin.
+
+"Then you are going to be ready in time?" asked Paul.
+
+"Ahead of time," said the commander, boastfully.
+
+"That's good!" exclaimed Russ. "Mr. Pertell is anxious not to be
+delayed."
+
+"He won't be on _my_ account," Captain Brisco assured the young
+operator. "A few more details, and we'll be ready for sea. About time,
+too, for this good weather won't hold any too long down among those West
+Indian islands."
+
+"Oh, are we going there?" asked Alice. "That will be delightful!"
+
+"I thought we were to go only to Florida," Ruth remarked.
+
+"There has been a slight change in the plans," the captain said. "Mr.
+Pertell and I decided on it. I believe it is not generally known yet,
+but there is no secret about it. I told him he could get better results
+by going a little farther south than merely along the Florida coast,
+down toward some of the West Indies, and he agreed with me."
+
+"The West Indies," mused Alice as she followed the others about the
+refinished schooner. "I wonder if we will get near the 'Hole in the
+Wall' that Jack told about? I'd like to see it, but I suppose a hole in
+the water is a pretty hard thing to find."
+
+Alice wondered whether she would see the old sailor before they went
+ashore again. She had taken quite a fancy to him, as had Ruth, and the
+old salt, on his part, seemed to like the moving picture girls more than
+any other members of the Comet Film Company.
+
+"I wonder what he was doing all alone there in the cabin?" mused Alice
+as she hung back a little while the others were examining some changes
+that had been made in the dining-cabin. "It seemed as though he were
+trying to discover some secret panel, a passage or hiding place, or
+something like that. And Captain Brisco certainly was rather brusque
+about it. I do hope there won't be any quarreling or mutiny aboard the
+_Mary Ellen_ when we put out to sea."
+
+For a time Alice was a little alarmed, but she soon recovered her
+composure, and was able to take her part in the conversation.
+
+The _Mary Ellen_ was indeed assuming a "ship-shape" appearance. The
+litter that had obstructed her decks on the first visit had given place
+to a semblance of neatness. The craft had been newly painted and she
+glistened in the sun, her brass work having been highly polished.
+
+"A few more days and we'll pull out of here," announced Captain Brisco,
+as they went up on deck. "Then I suppose you folks will begin to cut up
+all sorts of capers," and he smiled indulgently. He seemed to have
+recovered his good nature, or, rather, perhaps, to have summoned some of
+it to be used on this occasion.
+
+"Well, we'll leave the 'cutting-up' to Mr. Switzer," said Paul with a
+laugh. "He's the comedian of the company."
+
+One of the workmen approached and asked the captain some question. It
+seemed to be about pumps, though the girls did not understand it very
+clearly.
+
+"You needn't bother to mend those valves," the commander said. "We
+shan't need the pumps anyhow, and there's no use putting too much time
+and work on the old hulk. Pertell told me to get her ready for sea so
+she'd last a reasonable length of time. They're going to wreck her
+anyhow, you know."
+
+"Yes, I know. But those pumps----"
+
+"Let 'em go!" the commander ordered. "Now about those stays," and he and
+the sailor plunged into a mass of technical details in which the moving
+picture girls were not interested, nor, I am sure, would you be, my
+readers.
+
+In spite of all the work that had been done on the _Mary Ellen_, she was
+still far from being a fine ship. Many things were left undone, as they
+would not show in a picture. As the captain had said, Mr. Pertell was
+not desirous of putting too much time or expense on her, just to send
+her to the bottom after a few days' use. Still the craft had to be
+rendered seaworthy, as some views were to be taken showing her progress
+down the coast to the Florida Straits.
+
+A little later Captain Brisco was called below, and he took leave of his
+visitors, saying he would be busy for some hours.
+
+"Well, it's time for us to go," Ruth said. "We promised to meet daddy at
+dinner," she added to her sister.
+
+Alice assented and looked around, as though in search of someone.
+
+"What is it?" Ruth asked.
+
+"I was looking for Jack, to say good-bye. There he is over there," and
+she pointed to the old man polishing the brass work of the binnacle in
+front of the steering wheel. "I'm going over and speak to him," she
+added.
+
+Jack Jepson had his back toward Alice, and was not aware of her
+approach. She heard him murmuring to himself, and the words sounded
+strange to her--as strange as the first ones she had overheard from him
+that day.
+
+"It'll never do! It'll never do!" Jack Jepson was saying. "It's criminal
+wrong, that's what it is. But I'll jest keep a sharp watch, an' at the
+first sign of danger, I'll--"
+
+Then he heard the footfall of Alice on the deck, and turned quickly. He
+smiled at her, and the smile was in strange contrast to his rather
+ominous words. As Alice knew very little about the sea or boats, she
+paid no attention.
+
+"I came to bid you good-bye," she said. "We are going back to New York
+now, but we'll soon be aboard here for a long stay, I hope. My, how nice
+everything looks!"
+
+"Yes, but it--it's too nice!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+"Too nice? What do you mean?" she asked wonderingly.
+
+"Oh, well, nothing, Miss Alice. You wouldn't understand. I'm glad to see
+you. This isn't a mate's work, properly speakin'," he said, as he
+indicated the box of polish, "but then we haven't started discipline
+yet. We'll do that at sea."
+
+"And I'll hope we'll soon be out on the deep," voiced Alice.
+
+A week later the entire moving picture company that was to take part in
+the marine drama assembled at the dock where the _Mary Ellen_ had been
+refitted for her last voyage. Stores and provisions had been put aboard,
+the _Ajax_ lay stowed in the cradle on deck, and the members of the
+company, the moving picture operators and the manager and his
+assistants, had sent their baggage aboard. There was plenty of extra
+film.
+
+"All aboard!" called Captain Brisco, and the gangplank was about to be
+hauled in. "All aboard! We won't wait for him!" he went on, speaking to
+the first mate and to Mr. Pertell who stood near him.
+
+"Won't wait for whom?" Alice heard Mr. Pertell ask.
+
+"A new hand I hired at the last minute. He's a good navigator, better
+than Jepson, and that's why I took him on. But he isn't here, and so
+we'll go without him."
+
+"Not short-handed, are you?" asked the manager, rather anxiously.
+
+"No, not for this voyage. I think----"
+
+But the captain was interrupted by a shout up the wharf. A man,
+seemingly a sailor, came running toward the schooner.
+
+"There he is now!" the captain exclaimed. "All aboard. Hurry up, my man,
+or you'll be left."
+
+The man flung himself on the gangplank which was separated from the
+dock by some little distance. He scrambled aboard, and just then, Alice,
+standing near Jack Jepson, heard the old sailor utter an exclamation of
+surprise, and murmur:
+
+"Can that be him? Can that be him--after these years? No, it can't be!"
+
+"All aboard!" cried Captain Brisco. And the _Mary Ellen_, in charge of a
+fussy little tug, began moving away from the dock.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+OVERBOARD
+
+
+Alice was so impressed with what she had heard sailor Jack say, that, in
+spite of the desire to give all her attention to the start of the
+voyage, destined to be so momentous, she looked first at Jepson and then
+at the new arrival. The latter appeared to be an ordinary sailor, but
+there was a commanding air about him, as though he were used to having
+his own way. But he was sufficiently subservient to Captain Brisco,
+saluting the commander in formal fashion.
+
+"You're late!" growled Captain Brisco.
+
+"Yes--couldn't help it," was the almost cheerful answer. "You knew I
+wouldn't be left though, didn't you?"
+
+"Well, I wasn't sure of it," Alice heard the captain answer. "Get below,
+and then we'll talk later."
+
+Alice turned to see how Jack Jepson was taking this. The old salt seemed
+to be listening intently, but he had his back turned.
+
+"He knows that man who just came aboard," decided Alice, "and there is
+something queer about it all. In fact there is something queer about
+this vessel and Captain Brisco. I feel as though I were in the midst of
+a mystery. I'm going to see if I can't solve it."
+
+That was Alice's way. She always did like to solve puzzles, from the
+time when she was a small child, and she went at this one in much the
+same way as had been her habit in the case of the simple ones in the
+juvenile papers she took when a little girl.
+
+"There's something between Captain Brisco, Jack Jepson and this new
+man," Alice decided. "Jack is afraid of being recognized, and yet he
+wants to make sure who this new man is. Can it have anything to do with
+the mutiny, I wonder?"
+
+It was a question she could not answer just then. She resolved to be on
+the watch, to look and listen, without saying much, until she had in her
+mental grasp some of the loose ends of the puzzle.
+
+Ruth was some distance off, talking to her father. Mr. DeVere, in spite
+of the warmth of the day, had a light silk scarf about his throat, which
+had pained him during the night. The other members of the company were
+scattered about the schooner which was being towed out to sea. Miss
+Pennington and Miss Dixon were waving to some young men who had come to
+see them off. Mr. Wellington Bunn's face wore a glum look. Perhaps he
+saw no chance of doing anything with his favorite role of Hamlet in this
+marine story that was soon to be enacted.
+
+Alice heard Jack muttering to himself. She could not catch all the
+words, but she heard him say:
+
+"Yes, it must be the same one! He hasn't changed much--not as much as I
+have. He won't know me. But what am I to do?"
+
+The old salt's musings, however, were cut short, for Captain Brisco
+called to him.
+
+"I say there, Mr. Jepson," ordered the commander, "will you go forward,
+and see how the bitts are standing up under the strain of that hawser? I
+don't want them to pull out, and they're none too strong. Lively now!"
+
+"Aye, aye, sir!" dutifully answered the second mate, and he shuffled off
+along the deck, while Captain Brisco and the new arrival went below,
+being, apparently, on very friendly terms.
+
+"And that is another queer part of it," mused Alice. "That new man is
+supposed to be a common sailor--he must be, as all the offices, from
+captain down, are filled. And yet Captain Brisco treats him as an
+equal. I can't understand it."
+
+None of the others of the moving picture company appeared to find
+anything odd in the reception of the man who had almost been left. In
+fact, save for Alice and Jack Jepson, no one paid any attention to him.
+As the captain and the new man whom he had addressed as "Hen Lacomb"
+went below, the attention of Alice was taken by Ruth.
+
+"Don't you think, dear," her sister said, "that we had better get our
+possessions in order. I understand that some pictures are to be taken
+aboard the schooner here, and we will want to get our costumes out where
+we can easily reach them."
+
+"I suppose so," murmured Alice. "But I wonder who he is?" she added,
+half unconsciously.
+
+"What in the world are you talking about?" asked Ruth in some surprise.
+"Do you mean that young man who was waving to Miss Dixon?" for a certain
+youth seemed very loath to bid farewell to the former variety actress.
+
+"Yes. Who is he?" asked Alice, accepting this chance to get out of
+answering, though what she had meant was the identity of the mysterious
+Hen Lacomb, and not the youth on the dock.
+
+"I've seen him before," Ruth said.
+
+"Who?" asked Alice quickly, her mind still intent on the mystery.
+
+"Why, Alice, how odd you are! That young man of whom we are speaking, to
+be sure. I mean I've seen him around the studio. He seems to be quite
+impressed by Miss Dixon."
+
+"Yes," said Alice, vaguely. "Well, let's go below," she suggested. "You
+notice how nautical I'm getting," she went on.
+
+"Forgetful you mean," supplemented Ruth. "Well, anyhow, we have fine
+weather for the start."
+
+The schooner was well out from the dock now, and the pilot was in
+charge, so there was nothing for Captain Brisco to do for the present.
+He had gone to his cabin, and the stranger, or, rather, Hen Lacomb, to
+give him the name bestowed on him, was with the commander.
+
+"I wish I knew what they were talking about," said Alice, and, without
+intending to do so, she spoke aloud.
+
+"Who?" asked Ruth. "Really, you are saying the strangest things this
+morning, Sister mine!"
+
+"Oh, I was thinking--thinking----"
+
+Alice was rather at a loss for words to explain.
+
+"You must have some of your new roles on the brain," went on Ruth. "I
+know I've been doing a lot of thinking over mine. They are nearly all
+nice ones, I'm glad to say, but I don't like the parts we have to take
+in the shipwreck. Fancy having actually to jump into the water."
+
+That was one of the things required, according to the scenario.
+
+"There's no danger," Alice said, as she and her sister reached the
+stateroom they were to share.
+
+"Oh, but think of _sharks_ in those Southern waters!"
+
+"I'm not going to think of them," declared Alice. "Besides, we shall be
+in the water only a short time, and the motorboat will pick us up. It
+will be nice and warm."
+
+The plan of the shipwreck included the jumping overboard of some of the
+company, and their rescue in small boats, or by the motorboat _Ajax_,
+that would follow, with Russ in it taking the moving pictures of the
+"thrilling scenes."
+
+"Well, that doesn't come until toward the end," Ruth remarked, "so I'm
+not going to think about it until then. Now let's unpack."
+
+Ruth and Alice had comfortable, if rather restricted, quarters in a
+small cabin containing two bunks. Their father was near them, and the
+other members of the company had rooms scattered about. The ship's crew,
+of course, berthed forward, and the two mates, of whom Jack Jepson was
+one, were quartered with the captain. Alice wondered what would be the
+standing of Hen Lacomb.
+
+She learned a little later when she saw him taking his bag "aft." That
+meant he was to be treated as an officer. There is all the difference in
+the world on a sailing ship, whether a man bunks "forward" or "aft." In
+the latter case he is either an officer or a passenger, and in the
+former case he is classed as a member of the crew, a "foremast hand,"
+and, as such, has no authority.
+
+"Hen Lacomb is evidently someone in power," decided Alice, though she
+said nothing to her sister or father, or even Jack. She managed to
+learn, by judicious questions, that Hen, as she began to think of him,
+was a friend of Captain Brisco, and a sort of passenger-helper on the
+_Mary Ellen_.
+
+And now that the voyage was really started, those who were to take part
+in the play began to consider their roles.
+
+In brief the plan was this. The schooner, under her own sail, would
+proceed to the warm West Indian waters and clime, and there, when
+suitable surroundings were found, the taking of the main scenes in the
+big drama would begin.
+
+I shall not weary you with an account of the trip down. In spite of her
+age, the schooner proved a good sailor, for she had been well refitted,
+even if she was to be wrecked. Day after day passed and the sun shone
+warmer as they came farther and farther south.
+
+Some few scenes were filmed aboard the craft, but there was not much
+work for anyone, and the time was most enjoyable. Even Mr. Sneed, the
+"human grouch," consented to smile, now and then.
+
+They passed Key West, but did not dock, and kept on. Alice wondered if
+they would come near the "Hole in the Wall," but she did not like to
+ask, for fear of making trouble for Jack. She did not know how much of
+his story he wanted known to those aboard the ship.
+
+It was a warm, sunny day, and Mr. Pertell had announced that he would
+begin some of the more important scenes of the drama in a short time.
+The _Mary Ellen_ was plowing through the blue waters, bending over under
+a good wind. Nearly all the members of the company were out on deck,
+under awnings. Alice saw Jack Jepson at some work on the port rail, and
+noticed Hen Lacomb and the captain stroll toward him. The two latter
+seemed to converse for a few minutes, when suddenly there was a heavy
+lurch and roll to the craft.
+
+"Mind your helm there!" sang out Captain Brisco angrily to the
+steersman. At the same time there rang out a cry from Hen Lacomb.
+
+"Man overboard! Man overboard!"
+
+Alice, startled, leaped to her feet. Jack Jepson had disappeared!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+"SAIL HO!"
+
+
+Alice DeVere was not an ordinary sort of girl. She may have been, once,
+but that was before her advent in moving pictures. There had been times
+when a sudden emergency would cause her to feel faint, if not actually
+to succumb to that interesting ailment, which is so useful, especially
+in stories and books.
+
+But Alice, who was the nearest to the scene of what had just happened,
+neither fainted, nor became unduly excited. She had seen too many
+emergencies in the work of taking moving pictures to become "rattled,"
+which is not used in a slangy sense at all, but merely to indicate that
+one's nerves vibrate too rapidly. Consequently, after her first scream,
+Alice was almost as calm and collected as could be expected of a veteran
+sailor.
+
+"Man overboard!" Alice cried, echoing the shout of Hen Lacomb, who, she
+noticed, after his first hesitation, began lowering a boat, or trying
+to, for it needed two at that task.
+
+"I'll help!" cried Alice rushing to the aid of the strange man who
+seemed so friendly with Captain Brisco.
+
+"Oh--you----!" he exclaimed, with a swift look at her. Then he resumed
+the work of loosing the ropes so they would run freely in the pulley
+blocks of the davits.
+
+Meanwhile Captain Brisco had bawled out an order to the helmsman to
+bring the ship up in the wind. A sailor had tossed overboard a
+life-ring, and then came to help Lacomb lower the boat, for Alice found
+it beyond her strength, eager as she was.
+
+"There he is!" cried Russ, as he rushed to the rail beside Alice. He
+pointed to the water. Fortunately the sea was smooth, and rising and
+falling on the waves could be seen the head of the old sailor.
+
+"Oh! Oh!" gasped Ruth, who glided over to the side of Alice. "If--if a
+shark should come now."
+
+"There aren't any around here!" declared Russ. He did not know whether
+there were or not, but he said that to make the girls feel more
+comfortable. After all, if there were sharks, whatever he said would be
+of no effect, and it was better to take the best view of it, he thought.
+
+"Lower away!" cried Hen Lacomb, and the boat went down to the water.
+Two sailors, beside himself, slid down the ropes into it, and took the
+oars. They cast off the davit blocks, and began rowing toward the
+bobbing head. Old Jack could swim well, it seemed, in spite of his age.
+The water was warm, and it was broad daylight, so he was in
+comparatively little danger--except from sharks and from the fact that
+he had on his clothes, which would soon become soaked and hamper him.
+
+But no sharks appeared; that menacing triangular fin which marks them
+was not seen cutting the water, and no big twelve-foot man-eater was
+observed to turn on his back in order to bring his curious, under-shot
+mouth with its rows of keen teeth to bear on poor Jack Jepson.
+
+If a shark had appeared, it would probably have put an end to the plans
+of Mr. Pertell to have his company give an idea of shipwreck by leaping
+into the water. No one would have jumped into those waters had they been
+shark-infested. But, as I have said, none of the tigers of the deep
+showed, and, a little later, Jack was being lifted into the small boat.
+They had reached him just when his strength was about exhausted.
+
+"Oh, have they saved him?" asked Miss Pennington, coming on deck very
+pale. Alice said afterward she had not had time to put on her "war
+paint."
+
+"I--I can't bear to look!" faltered Miss Dixon, following her friend.
+"Tell me dear--is he--is he dead?" she asked of Alice.
+
+"Dead! No, of course not!" said Alice, none too politely. "Don't be
+silly! He just fell overboard, and they got him back again; that's all."
+
+Miss Dixon looked angry and flounced back to her cabin with her chum.
+Jack and his rescuers were hoisted up in the boat, the other sailors
+hauling on the ropes, the blocks of which were hooked fast to rings in
+the bow and stern posts of the rowing craft.
+
+"Well, you tried to leave us rather suddenly," said Mr. Pertell. "Don't
+go trying that again, Jack--at least until we finish making the
+pictures," he went on with a whimsical smile. "You're in too many
+important scenes to be lost that way."
+
+"I haven't any fancy that way myself," said Jack, who seemed little the
+worse for his unexpected bath.
+
+"How did it happen?" asked Captain Brisco of his mate, though it seemed
+as though he had been near enough to have seen for himself.
+
+"Why, I was standing near the rail," Jack explained, "talkin' to Mr.
+Lacomb, here," and he indicated the strange man, "when, all at once the
+ship gives a lurch, and--well, I went over, that's all I guess," and he
+looked at Lacomb, as though to get him to confirm the account.
+
+"Yes that's right," said the other. "I--I tried to grab him, but I was
+too late. I nearly went over myself," he added, grimly.
+
+"Yes," assented the old salt, "you did," and he shot a look at the
+other.
+
+Did Alice fancy it, or did Lacomb wince, and shrink back? And did a look
+pass between him and Captain Brisco--a look full of meaning?
+
+Alice was puzzling over these questions in her own mind, when the
+helmsman spoke.
+
+"It wasn't _my_ fault," he said. "I was steering all right, but Captain
+Brisco came and spoke to me and handed me a paper. I took one hand off
+the wheel, and the----"
+
+"No one has said it was your fault," broke in the commander quickly. "I
+was giving you a copy of the sailing orders for the day. I wouldn't have
+bothered you if I had known a puff of wind and a big wave were coming
+along together, to snatch the wheel out of your grip. But it wasn't your
+fault. However, no harm is done. You had better get below, Mr. Jepson,
+and put on some dry clothes. Mr. Lacomb will stand watch until you feel
+all right again."
+
+"Oh, I'll be all right in a little while," Jack said. "I don't need no
+one to stand my trick on deck. I'll be back shortly."
+
+He went below, the water dripping from him. The ship was put back on her
+course. The excitement had not lasted long.
+
+"Too bad you didn't have a camera ready, Russ," said Paul to the
+operator, when matters were normal aboard the _Mary Ellen_ once more.
+"You might have filmed a good rescue scene."
+
+"I was too much excited to think about that," Russ admitted. "Besides,
+we are going to have plenty of rescue stuff in a few days, and this
+wasn't a particularly thrilling one. Poor old Jack! I wonder how it
+feels to fall overboard?"
+
+"Not very pleasant," Paul said. He had done it more than once in the
+interests of the pictures.
+
+Alice, going below for something a little later, met the old salt on his
+way to the deck again, he having changed to dry garments.
+
+"Oh, are you all right?" she asked anxiously, for she and her sister, as
+well as Mr. DeVere, had taken a liking to Jepson. "Are you all right?"
+
+"All right, Miss Alice," he replied. "No harm done at all."
+
+"I thought sailors never fell overboard," she said, half jokingly. "I
+supposed they were so sure-footed that accidents like that never
+happened to them."
+
+"They don't--not usual like, Miss," said Jack with that earnest, honest
+air that characterized him.
+
+"Then how did you come to do it?"
+
+"I--I didn't do it, Miss," Jack answered. "I didn't _fall_ overboard."
+
+"You didn't?" cried Alice, not noticing the accent Jepson put on one
+word.
+
+"No, Miss. Not exactly."
+
+He looked around as though to make sure no one was listening, and then,
+in a hoarse whisper, he said:
+
+"I didn't _fall_ overboard. I was _tossed_!"
+
+Then, before she could ask him what he meant, he gave her a warning
+glance, and passed on. Just as he did so, Captain Brisco came along the
+passage way.
+
+"I was just coming down to see how you were," he said, with a quick look
+at Alice. "I didn't know you were here, Miss DeVere," he continued,
+rather awkwardly. "Hope the accident didn't upset you."
+
+"Oh no," she said, glad that it was rather dark, and that the commander
+could not notice how pale she had become at hearing the ominous words of
+the old sailor.
+
+"Accidents will happen, but they don't always end so luckily," the
+captain went on. Jack Jepson had passed up on deck, and Alice, not
+feeling in the mood for talking, passed to her cabin. Captain Brisco,
+after a moment of hesitation, went up on deck again, and, had anyone
+observed him, they would have seen him in close conversation with Hen
+Lacomb. The two men spoke in low tones.
+
+Jack Jepson was soon himself again, and on duty as though nothing had
+happened. But he had created a very queer state of mind in Alice DeVere.
+Her suspicious were increased, and she asked herself a multitude of
+questions she could not answer. Nor dared she repeat them, even to her
+sister.
+
+"If he were tossed overboard, who did it?" she asked herself. "And why?
+The only one near him was Lacomb, and what object could he have in
+wanting to drown Jack? Oh, I can't understand it! I _must_ ask Jack what
+he meant."
+
+This was not so easy to do as Alice had expected. She wanted to speak to
+the old sailor privately, but there was no chance.
+
+That afternoon there began the taking of some of the more important
+scenes of the marine drama. These scenes were those that had to be
+filmed on the ship itself, and they kept everyone busy. Besides, Alice
+did not want to make too obvious an effort to talk to the old salt, as
+she feared Captain Brisco would become suspicious. There was a nameless
+mystery in the air that had its effect on Alice. Ruth noticed a
+difference in her sister, and questioned her about it, but Alice was
+able to say it was due to the difficult and exacting work of the new
+drama, and, in part, it was.
+
+Several days passed, and she had had no chance to speak to Jack. Each
+day was filled with work, or rehearsals, and some of the films had to be
+taken several times, due to the uncertain footing on the deck of the
+ship, which produced awkward motions on the part of the actors.
+
+It was on a warm afternoon, with a hint of a storm in the atmosphere,
+when Mr. Pertell said:
+
+"Well, I guess that will do for a while. This will pretty nearly bring
+us up to the shipwreck scene. We shall have to make a landing on one of
+the islands here, to get the proper background."
+
+They were then well down among the West Indies.
+
+"Where do we land?" asked Alice, who was on deck with her sister,
+standing near Jack Jepson, who was acting as lookout, with a telescope
+in his hand.
+
+"Well, I'm not particular," Mr. Pertell said. "Perhaps Jack can suggest
+a good place."
+
+"Well, I know something about the locality here," the old sailor
+answered, and he looked at Alice with a friendly wink. "I shouldn't want
+to go ashore at the place where I escaped from after that mutiny," he
+went on. "They might not want to let me go again."
+
+"No, that's so," agreed Mr. Pertell. "It might not be just the thing,
+though you could prove your innocence."
+
+"No, I can't! That's the trouble!" cried Jack, who had told his story to
+the manager. "I don't want to be caught, and put in jail. I'm going to
+keep away from that island where I was locked up."
+
+"Which one was it?" asked Ruth.
+
+"I don't know the name," Jack said, "but I can tell it the minute I set
+eyes on it. I don't want to go there. I had enough----"
+
+Jack paused suddenly. The glass went to his eye, and he called out:
+
+"Sail ho!"
+
+"Where away?" demanded the helmsman.
+
+"Two points off on the lee bow. She's a small steamer, and she--she's
+flying the British flag!" added the old man.
+
+A strange look of fear came over his face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE ACCUSATION
+
+
+"What's this?" demanded Captain Brisco, coming on deck just then.
+"What's up?"
+
+"Sail ho!" repeated Jack Jepson. "Over there, Captain!" and he pointed,
+and extended the telescope. Alice noticed that the hand of the old salt
+trembled, though usually he was as steady as the proverbial surgeon.
+
+"Hum! Yes. One of the English revenue ships," remarked Captain Brisco.
+"It's the first one we've met down here."
+
+"It is a British vessel, isn't it?" asked Jack Jepson, and there was a
+queer strain in his voice.
+
+"Yes," replied his superior. "What of it?"
+
+"Oh, nothin' sir! Nothin'."
+
+But Alice thought it was something.
+
+"Well, we haven't any need to speak to her," went on Captain Brisco.
+"We're going to anchor soon."
+
+"Anchor?" asked Jepson.
+
+"Yes, they want to take some of their pictures!" It was evident to
+Alice, from the tone of voice in which Captain Brisco spoke, that he had
+little sympathy with the work of the film actors. But he had been hired
+to do his part with the ship, and must carry out his agreement with Mr.
+Pertell.
+
+The captain handed back the glass, and went to consult with the manager
+about making a landing. They were near several small islands, any one of
+which would probably do as a background for some of the picture-play
+scenes.
+
+Left to himself Jack Jepson took another long look at the oncoming
+steamer.
+
+Alice watched him curiously.
+
+"Yes, she's a lime-juicer," he remarked, and something like a sigh
+escaped him.
+
+"A--a lime-juicer?" repeated Alice in some surprise. "I thought you said
+she was a _steamer_."
+
+"So she is. But we old sailors used to call all British ships
+'lime-juicers,' because they used to be the only ones that was compelled
+by law to carry lime juice."
+
+"Why lime juice?" Alice wanted to know.
+
+"To prevent scurvy, Miss. Lime juice, potatoes or anything like that
+will keep sailors from the scurvy disease, Miss. They found it out, the
+Britishers did, and made their ships carry such stuff. Lime juice is
+easier to stow away than potatoes, and every sailor had to have his
+share.
+
+"Scurvy is a bad disease, Miss. It's terrible, and though lots of fun
+was made of the lime juice British ships, they done their duty, Miss. It
+got so other nations had to fall into line. And, though lime juice isn't
+as needful as it was, 'cause they have other things that do as well,
+perhaps, I always think of a Britisher as a lime-juicer."
+
+"I see," murmured Alice. "Yes, I can see the English flag," she went on,
+as she looked through the glass Jack passed to her. "She is headed right
+for us, too."
+
+"That's what I make out, Miss. And I wish it was my watch below; I sure
+do, Miss!"
+
+"Why, you aren't thinking that they may be after you, are you, Jack?
+After you on that old mutiny charge?"
+
+"They might be, Miss," he said in a whisper, looking cautiously around.
+"You see that charge isn't dead, and then there's the one of escapin'
+from an English prison. They might overlook the mutiny, especially as
+they may not have all their witnesses now--some of 'em may be dead. But
+an English prison officer never forgets, nor forgives, an escape, and
+the law doesn't either. If they was to see me, I'd be taken back to
+stand the charges ag'in me."
+
+"But how would they know you?" asked Alice. "Besides, it isn't at all
+likely that anyone on that vessel had anything to do with your being
+taken into custody on the mutiny charge. That was years ago."
+
+"I know Miss, but they might remember me, even if I have changed a lot.
+And this is mostly English waters around here. English islands, too. It
+was somewhere about here I was imprisoned. Before I set foot on land,
+I'm going to find out if it's English, and if it is, I'm goin' to stay
+on board. I'm not goin' to take any chances."
+
+"But can't they arrest you at sea, if there should be such a possibility
+that they recognized you?"
+
+"Not if I'm three miles from land, I think. Still, I may be wrong about
+that. I wish I hadn't come on this voyage, that's a fact. I don't like
+the sight of that English flag."
+
+"Don't worry," advised Alice. "There isn't one chance in a thousand that
+you would be recognized after these years. In the first place, you have
+changed a lot. And, in the second place, probably the English officers
+who arrested you, and the others, are in some other part of the world
+now. Why do you think they may be on that steamer?"
+
+"Well, things don't change down here as much as you might think,"
+replied Jack, as he and Alice watched the steamer coming nearer. "And an
+Englishman is less likely to change than anybody else, Miss. He'll often
+stay in the same berth until he dies. So it's likely some of the same
+officers who were around here when I was arrested are here yet. And they
+may be on that vessel."
+
+"But how can they recognize you?" Alice persisted.
+
+"Well, if they didn't know me, they might know this ship."
+
+"This ship! Why, this is only a small vessel, and yours was a big
+five-master."
+
+"I know, Miss, I know," said Jack, with a nervous look over his
+shoulder. "But here's a secret I haven't told to anyone yet. This may be
+the _Mary Ellen_, but she used to be the _Halcyon_!"
+
+Alice started back in surprise.
+
+"The _Halcyon_!" she gasped. "How could it be?"
+
+"This way, Miss. They built her over, cut down her length, and changed
+her so hardly anybody would recognize her. But I knew the _Mary Ellen_
+for the _Halcyon_ almost as soon as I came aboard."
+
+"And is that why you acted so--so queer?"
+
+"Partly--yes. You see she was first the _Mary Ellen_ and the mutineers
+named her the _Halcyon_. Then, when she was rebuilt she became _Mary
+Ellen_ again."
+
+"But I never knew they could make vessels over," Alice protested.
+
+--"Oh, yes, it's often done," the sailor assured her. "This certainly
+was the old _Halcyon_, as she was called when the mutineers had her, and
+anyone who had sailed in her would know it. A sailor's eye can't be
+deceived. There's others on board as know it, too."
+
+"Others here? Of the mutinous crew?"
+
+"Hush, Miss, if you please! Not so loud! Yes, others who were in the
+mutiny, but who got off scott free, while I was the one to suffer. But
+they're tryin' to keep under cover. There's a game afoot, but I'll spoil
+it if I can--that is, if this British steamer don't make trouble for
+me."
+
+Alice's head seemed to swim. She was getting into the depths of the
+mystery now with a vengeance. What did it all mean? To what did Jack
+have reference? Could it be that Captain Brisco, and the man with whom
+he was so friendly, were in a plot?
+
+Alice felt as if she must tell someone. It was too big a secret for her
+to keep to herself.
+
+One thing seemed necessary. She must rid Jack of some of his fear of
+being arrested again.
+
+"But if the ship is changed so, how could any of the British officers,
+provided any are on that steamer, recognize her?" Alice asked.
+
+"I don't know how, but I'm sure they could," said Jack, rather
+unreasonably. "And you mark my words. They'll see us and in spite of our
+change of rig, they will want to speak us. A sailor never forgets a
+ship. Of course there may be no officers on that steamer who would know
+the old _Halcyon_, but ag'in, there may be. I'm afeered, Miss."
+
+"Oh, but you needn't be. Mr. Pertell will make it all right even if----"
+
+"He isn't bigger than Johnnie Bull," said Jack ominously, "though Mr.
+Pertell is a good friend of mine. Ha! Didn't I tell you? There they come
+right for us, and they're signallin' us to lay to."
+
+It was evident that something had taken place aboard the steamer. A
+signal flag broke out at her mast, and Captain Brisco, seeing it,
+exclaimed impatiently:
+
+"What can they want with us?"
+
+"They want to talk, that's evident," said Hen Lacomb, who stood near the
+commander.
+
+"But what about?"
+
+"We'll soon know."
+
+As the _Mary Ellen_ lay almost motionless on the sea, for she had been
+brought up sharply, the steamer approached. It was so calm that she
+could come quite close without danger of a collision. A man, evidently
+an officer, hailed through a megaphone. Jack dared not desert his place
+as lookout.
+
+"What vessel is that?" demanded the officer of the British steamer.
+
+"The _Mary Ellen_, from New York," answered Captain Brisco. "Out on a
+moving picture cruise. We're in a hurry."
+
+"Better not be," was the exasperating comment. "There's someone here who
+wants to ask you a few questions."
+
+Another figure joined the speaker, and at the sight of this second
+officer, old Jack Jepson groaned.
+
+"I knew it! I knew it," he whispered to Alice. "That's the man in charge
+of the revenue cutter who arrested me years ago. See! He recognizes me!
+I thought this would happen."
+
+It was evident that something out of the ordinary was taking place.
+
+"_Mary Ellen_ ahoy!" called the second officer. "If you didn't used to
+be the _Halcyon_, I miss my guess. And there's a man aboard you I want!
+There he stands!" and he pointed an accusing finger at Jack Jepson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE STORM
+
+
+The old sailor seemed to shrink down in his clothes and become smaller.
+He cast an appealing glance at Alice who stood near him.
+
+"See!" he murmured. "What did I tell you?"
+
+"It may be all right yet," she answered. "Surely after these years they
+can do nothing to you, especially when you were not guilty."
+
+"Ah, but it's the escape from the prison that hangs over me," he said.
+"They want me more for that than on the mutiny charge. Oh, what shall I
+do?"
+
+"Stay here and 'face the music,' as Russ or Paul would say," suggested
+Alice. "I'll speak to my father, and to Mr. Pertell. You are an American
+citizen, and----"
+
+But she had no time for further advice. Again came the hail from the
+steamer.
+
+"Stand by there, _Mary Ellen_, or _Halcyon_, as your name used to be,"
+was the sharp order. "I'm going to send a boat aboard you. We want that
+man!" and once more he pointed accusingly at Jack.
+
+"I don't know what you're talking about," blustered Captain Brisco.
+"That man is my second mate, and you can't take him from me that way.
+This isn't war time," and he seemed disposed to protect Jack.
+
+"Don't let them take me, Captain!" the old sailor pleaded. "You know
+what it means. Don't let them take me away!"
+
+"I won't!" declared Captain Brisco, and for the moment the heart of
+Alice warmed to him. She fancied she had misjudged him. But as she
+looked at him, she saw a look on his face that made her doubt. It was a
+look that made his words seem insincere. And when the moving picture
+girl saw the captain speaking in an aside to Hen Lacomb, her doubts were
+redoubled.
+
+"Stand by!" someone on the steamer ordered. "We're sending a boat to
+take the prisoner."
+
+"This is a pretty how-d'-do!" blustered Captain Brisco. "They're going
+to leave me short-handed, and just at a time when I'm likely to need
+every man I can get, too," and he cast an anxious look around the
+horizon. It had suddenly become quite dark. A bank of clouds, slate
+colored, and fringed with an ominous yellow, had gathered in the west,
+and there was a moaning in the air as though a far-off wind were sending
+a message to those in peril to beware of its breath.
+
+The sea, too, had a glassy look. The big waves rose sullenly, and sank
+back into troughs, with an oily smooth motion as though they resented
+being thus confined. It was like the action of some raging beast in
+leash. There was a curious oppressiveness in the air, too, and more than
+one found difficulty in breathing.
+
+"What is it? Oh, what is it?" asked Ruth, as she came toward her sister.
+"I feel as though something terrible were going to happen."
+
+"Something _has_ happened!" Alice exclaimed. "They've got poor old Jack!
+Isn't it a shame, when everything was going so nicely?"
+
+"Got him!" questioned Ruth. "What do you mean?"
+
+"It's those Britishers! They recognized this ship as the one on which
+the mutiny occurred. She's been built over--the ship I mean--but the
+steamer knew her--I mean some officer did. And they're going to take
+Jack away. You know he told us how he broke out of jail, after he was
+locked up on an unjust charge. Well, they want him for that, but he
+doesn't want him to go--at least he pretends he doesn't."
+
+Alice paused for breath--she needed it.
+
+"Well!" exclaimed Ruth. "You may understand what you mean, but I don't,
+my dear. Who wants whom, and who doesn't want whom--and what?"
+
+Thereupon Alice explained how Captain Brisco had declared Jack should
+not be taken, and yet how Alice, herself, believed he would give him up.
+
+"But what does it all mean--that enmity you say Captain Brisco has
+against Jack?" Ruth asked Alice, for Alice spoke about the time Jack had
+fallen overboard, and mentioned how the sailor had said he was tossed
+over the rail.
+
+"I don't know what it means," the younger girl replied. "It is all queer
+and mysterious, and it's getting worse. But I think there is some secret
+between Captain Brisco and that Hen Lacomb that Jack has found out, and
+they're afraid he'll tell. That's why I think they would be glad to see
+him taken away--no matter what happened to him. It's all very well for
+Captain Brisco to say he doesn't want Jack to go, but I believe he's
+glad this happened."
+
+"Oh, Alice! What a thing to say!"
+
+"I don't care! I believe it!"
+
+All this while preparations had been under way aboard the steamer to
+lower a small boat, but there seemed to be some delay.
+
+Meanwhile Jack Jepson remained as lookout on the _Mary Ellen_, though
+there was no need of him there, for the schooner was now merely
+drifting, with sails aback, and the steamer, too, was at the call of the
+wind and currents.
+
+"Come on, mate!" hoarsely whispered a sailor to Jack. "Slip below, mate,
+and we'll hide you. If they try to take you, we'll stand 'em off. I
+don't like the Britishers anyhow. I was shanghaied into one of their
+lime-juicers once, an' I never forgot it! Slip below!"
+
+"No, I'll take my medicine!" said Jack grimly. "Might as well get it
+done with. This thing has been hangin' over my head a number of years
+now, and I'll be glad to hear the last of it. It's a terrible thing for
+an innocent man."
+
+"Perhaps some way may be found for clearing you," suggested Alice. "I'll
+speak to my father. He knows some prominent lawyers in New York, and
+they will induce the government to take up your case. Go quietly, Jack,
+and we'll do all we can for you."
+
+"Oh, I shan't raise a row, Miss, never fear. No good'd come of that, and
+it would only make trouble. I'll go quietly enough."
+
+"Ha! What is going on?" asked Mr. DeVere, who had been down below. "Has
+anything happened?"
+
+Alice and Ruth tried to tell him at once, the former eager to enlist
+his sympathies in Jack's cause. Mr. DeVere promised readily enough.
+
+"Though I can't hold out any hope for you," he said. "I know nothing of
+law, but international affairs are always slow."
+
+"But I ought to get justice in the end, ought I not?" asked Jack,
+respectfully.
+
+"You ought, my man, and I'll do all I can for you," said Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Oh, what a pretty sight!" exclaimed the voice of Miss Dixon, as she
+emerged from a companionway with her chum, Miss Pennington. "Isn't it
+romantic--stopping to speak to a steamer at sea?"
+
+"Delightful," agreed Miss Pennington. "I wonder if the captain of the
+steamer will ask us to tea? It's a British vessel, and Englishmen are so
+fond of tea."
+
+"Yes, and they are so romantic and good-looking," agreed Miss Dixon.
+"But perhaps this is only for moving pictures."
+
+"Oh, pshaw! Perhaps it is!" sighed her companion, and the two of them,
+who had been taking surreptitious glances in mirrors, enclosed in the
+flaps of their bags, ceased "primping," until they could be sure whether
+or not there was any object in it.
+
+"What's it all about?" asked Miss Dixon again.
+
+"Oh, they're going to take one of our men, I believe," said Pop Snooks,
+the property "angel," as the ladies often called him.
+
+"Oh dear! What are they? Pirates?" gasped Miss Pennington.
+
+"No, it's Jack Jepson they're after. Some old charge, I believe."
+
+"Ha! I knew something would happen on this voyage!" exclaimed Mr. Pepper
+Sneed. "I felt it in my bones all along."
+
+"Good thing you're not disappointed," murmured Alice.
+
+"Oh dear!" sighed her sister. "It's too bad. And I liked Jack so."
+
+"So did I," returned Alice. "But they're a long while sending that
+boat."
+
+It did seem so, for there were no signs yet, of one being lowered over
+the side, though Captain Brisco, after the command to lay to, had
+ordered his accommodation ladder lowered to receive the visitors.
+
+Then came another hail from the steamer.
+
+"_Mary Ellen_ ahoy!"
+
+"Aye, aye!"
+
+"We won't send a boat right away. A hurricane is sweeping up fast, and
+this is a bad locality in which to be caught," called one of the
+steamer's officers through a megaphone. "We'll have to get out of here,
+and so had you better. There's no sea-room here. We'll pick you up
+later, and don't forget you are in English waters, and subject to our
+orders. We're going to have that man!"
+
+"Well, if you put it that way, of course I'll have to give in," said
+Captain Brisco. "I'll wait for you after the blow."
+
+"Well, that's a respite, anyhow, but not a very pleasant one," said
+Alice.
+
+"No," agreed Jack Jepson, who breathed easier now. "We're in for a bad
+storm, I reckon. We'll have to make everything snug."
+
+"Attention!" once more came the hail from the steamer, and when Captain
+Brisco answered, he was ordered to follow a certain course by compass,
+as being safest.
+
+"Then I can pick you up!" the steamer captain cried as the propellers
+began to churn the water. The British vessel swept away, leaving Jack
+Jepson still on the schooner, but under threat of arrest.
+
+Then the forerunner of the storm came, filling the sails of the _Mary
+Ellen_, and heeling her over until the lee scuppers were awash.
+
+"Make everything snug!" cried Captain Brisco. "It's coming on to blow
+great guns!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+GRINDING AWAY
+
+
+Events aboard the _Mary Ellen_ did not transpire at all slowly. In a
+comparatively short space of time she had been converted from an old
+hulk into a good sailing vessel, she had put to sea with a party of
+moving picture workers, including a sailor accused of mutiny, who had
+broken jail. She had been stopped by the English ship, and now the old
+schooner was starting to scud before the blast of a hurricane. For the
+time being the accusation against Jack Jepson was forgotten.
+
+"Lively now, everyone!" cried Captain Brisco. "When a storm breaks down
+here, it isn't any child's play. Double reefs in all sails, and two men
+at the wheel. Lash everything fast, pass life-lines, and passengers keep
+below."
+
+"Oh, but I want to see the storm!" exclaimed Alice.
+
+"Oh, how can you!" remonstrated Ruth. "It is going to be--awful!"
+
+And indeed, if the evidence of sky and sea, and the moaning of the wind,
+were any indication, a great storm was in prospect.
+
+The billows that had been rolling with oily smoothness now began to show
+little feathery crests of foam, and they were following one another with
+greater quickness, as if impatient to be at their shattering work.
+
+The wind seemed most ominous of all. It was as though it came from afar
+off, down behind the horizon line that showed black, with a fringe of
+angry yellow in the west. A low, mumbling, roaring, moaning wind it was,
+that whistled mournfully through the rigging of the schooner, and howled
+down the companionways.
+
+"Oh dear!" sighed Ruth, as she slipped her arm into that of her sister,
+and started for their cabin. "Come on, Alice. I'm afraid!"
+
+"Nonsense! What of? Nothing has happened--yet."
+
+"No, but there is going to be a terrible storm!"
+
+"And I just love a blow. I've never seen one at sea, and, as this may be
+the only chance I'll get, I'm not going to miss it. Stay up with me,
+Ruth. Don't be like those sillies, and go below," and she motioned to
+Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon who were scurrying for cover, as the wind
+and the sea increased.
+
+"Well, I'll stay up a little while," agreed Ruth. "But I--I'm afraid all
+the same."
+
+"Nonsense!" cried Alice gaily. "We have a good ship under us. It went
+through a mutiny, and I guess it can weather a storm."
+
+"That's just the point--can it?" asked Ruth in a low voice.
+
+"What do you mean?" Alice asked in a curiously strained voice.
+
+"I mean that this is an old vessel, 'made over,' as we would say of a
+dress, Alice, it can't be as good and strong as a new one would be, and
+in a storm----"
+
+"Oh, don't be nervous!" broke in Alice. "Here, I'll ask Mr. Blake," and
+she stopped the first mate who was hurrying to and fro directing the men
+at their work of making everything snug below and aloft.
+
+"Isn't she safe, Mr. Blake?" Alice appealed.
+
+"Who?" the first mate wanted to know.
+
+"This ship."
+
+"I--I think so," he said. "Yes, surely," he added quickly. "We will ride
+out the storm, never fear. It hasn't gotten here yet, and we may only
+get the outer edge of it. But you must excuse me now," and he hastened
+along the deck.
+
+"There!" cried Alice. "What did I tell you?" she asked triumphantly.
+
+"Well, I'll stay here with you a little while," Ruth agreed. "Then I'm
+going below and----"
+
+"Bundle up all your possessions and sit on a life preserver," broke in
+Alice with a laugh. "Oh, Ruth, you are--hopeless!"
+
+"Yes, but look at that!" and the older sister pointed to the west. There
+had been a rapid change. There was more yellow in the clouds now and
+less blackness, though there was enough of that ominous color too.
+"Doesn't it scare you, Alice?"
+
+"Not so much, no. Of course I've never been in a bad storm down here,
+and I don't know what they do to one. But I think we'll weather it, as
+the sailors say. But I wonder what Mr. Pertell is doing?"
+
+She motioned to the manager who was seen amidships, talking to Russ, the
+chief camera operator. They were near the big motorboat _Ajax_, which
+still rested in the cradle on deck.
+
+Mr. DeVere was also in conversation with the manager and his chief
+helper.
+
+"Let's go over and see what it is," suggested Alice. "Maybe they are
+frightened too."
+
+"I wouldn't blame them," murmured Ruth, with a nervous glance over her
+shoulder at the oncoming storm.
+
+The two girls joined their father and the others. Pop Snooks, the
+property man, who could make almost anything from a brick wall to a
+king's palace, on short notice, was called into the consultation.
+
+"I'm sure they're going to do something!" Alice exclaimed, as she
+noticed Mr. Pertell beckon Captain Brisco to him. And when the girls
+reached the group they learned what was afoot.
+
+"Why yes, you'd have time for some pictures before the storm gets here,"
+Captain Brisco was saying. "It's evidently going to be slow in
+breaking."
+
+"And it wouldn't be too rough for the motorboat?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"Oh, no. She's built dory fashion, and bigger waves than these wouldn't
+swamp her. It's a question though, if your man is game."
+
+"Oh, don't worry about me!" exclaimed Russ Dalwood. "I'll make pictures
+as long as the light will hold good. How is the boat? Is she all ready
+to start?"
+
+"All ready to put into the water," the captain assured him. "She has
+been that way since we reached this locality. What do you say?" he asked
+the manager. "Shall we lower away?"
+
+"I think so," was the answer from Mr. Pertell. "I want to get some views
+of the schooner sailing off before the storm. It will be a sort of
+introduction to the shipwreck that is to come later."
+
+"All right!" exclaimed Russ. "That suits me. I'll get the camera and
+films ready. I'll need a helper."
+
+"Oh, of course," agreed the manager. "You can't manage the boat and the
+engine and work the camera too. Grinding away at the film will keep you
+busy, especially as the water's a bit rough."
+
+"A _bit_ rough!" exclaimed Russ with a smile. "I like the way you say
+it. But the rougher it is the better effect we'll get on the film. I'll
+be ready when you are, Captain Brisco."
+
+"All right, I'll have the boat over at once," and the commander gave the
+necessary orders for lowering the _Ajax_ over the side. This had been
+provided for when she was cradled, so there was little delay at this
+task.
+
+"Are we to do any 'stunts,' while Russ is taking pictures?" asked Alice
+of the manager.
+
+"No, you are just to stand around on deck, and look a bit anxious. You
+are supposed to be an old-time passenger packet you know, on a long
+voyage, and you are running away from the storm. We don't want many feet
+of this film--just enough to indicate what is to come. The real
+shipwreck--that is the imitation of it--will come later, when this
+storm blows over. Get on the side where the motorboat will be," the
+manager directed, "and line up along the rail."
+
+While Russ was "loading" his camera, Ruth and Alice watched the sailors
+getting the _Ajax_ ready. The engine had been tested, and seemed to work
+well. Jack Jepson came along with a small keg of water, and a bundle
+done up in a piece of sail cloth.
+
+"What's that for?" asked Alice.
+
+"Provisions and water," answered the old sailor.
+
+"But they're only going to be away a few minutes," the girl objected.
+"They won't want anything to eat or drink."
+
+"It's a rule of th' sea," said old Jack, "never to put a boat over the
+side without provisioning and watering her. You never can tell what will
+happen on th' ocean. I've seen boats put out just for a little row
+around, and a fog would come up, and they'd be away nearly a week. And
+when they didn't have any water or food aboard--well, Miss, them's not
+nice things to talk about to ladies," he said simply. And Alice
+understood.
+
+The storm seemed to be holding off, at least for a time. Far away the
+dark mass of the British steamer could be seen. The _Ajax_ was soon
+ready, and lowered to the heaving water.
+
+"Mr. Sneed, you get in and help Russ," ordered Mr. Pertell. "You know
+something about motor-boats, don't you?"
+
+"A little, yes. But I--er--I don't like to get in one when a storm is
+coming up."
+
+"Nonsense!" the manager ejaculated. "There's no danger! You are going
+only a short distance away from the schooner, to get some views of her
+as she rides the waves. It will make a good film, the coming storm, and
+the waters rising and falling. Get aboard, Mr. Sneed, and do whatever
+Russ wants you to. He'll be busy with the camera so you will have to
+steer, and run the engine. The last won't bother you though, for it has
+a self-starter on and a gear clutch. You'll be in no danger."
+
+Mr. Sneed did not seem anxious to go. However, orders were orders, and
+members of the company, even Mr. Wellington Bunn, thought twice before
+refusing Mr. Pertell. So, when Russ came up with his cameras, bringing
+two in case of emergency, Mr. Sneed was already in the boat, which was
+rising and falling at the foot of the accommodation ladder over the side
+of the schooner.
+
+"All aboard!" sang out Russ gaily, as he prepared to descend, his
+cameras having been lowered to Mr. Sneed by a rope. "Look pleasant,
+girls, you're going to have your pictures took," and he laughed.
+
+There was an ominous hush in the air now. The moaning of the wind seemed
+to have died down, at least for the time being, but the waves were
+higher, the swells were long, and did not break much.
+
+It was lighter, also, though the light was of a sickly yellowish cast.
+However, it would serve for a few pictures.
+
+"Let her go, Pepper!" called Russ to his actor-helper and the motor
+whirred, as the _Ajax_ started away from the side of the schooner. Russ,
+setting his camera up on the platform made for it in the bow, began
+grinding at the crank, taking many views of the pitching, tossing
+schooner as it rose and fell on the bosom of the heaving ocean.
+
+"I don't like this!" exclaimed Mr. Sneed, when a dash of spray wet him,
+as he sat at the wheel. "I wish I hadn't come. I'm sure something will
+happen!"
+
+"Something sure _will_, if you don't keep her headed up into the seas,"
+declared Russ. "We'll be swamped, that's what will happen. Steady now.
+I'm getting some good ones," and he worked away at the camera, while the
+schooner sailed farther and farther away. Russ wanted to give the idea
+of distance on the film.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+DISABLED
+
+
+"How much longer you going to be?" asked Mr. Pepper Sneed, as he saw
+Russ change slightly the position of the camera.
+
+"Oh, not much longer now," was the answer. "I have about all they'll
+want, I guess. This is only a sort of 'cut-in' effect, anyhow--a
+preliminary to the grand performance that is to come later. Poor old
+_Mary Ellen_, we'll soon see the last of her, I expect."
+
+"Burr-r-r!" exclaimed Mr. Sneed as he shifted his helm. "Don't talk that
+way. It sounds rather prophetic, you know, seeing the last of the ship,
+and all that, you know."
+
+"Well, I meant that they're going to sink her. You knew that, didn't
+you?"
+
+"Oh, yes, worse luck! I'm to be one of the last to jump over the side, I
+believe. I don't like it."
+
+"Well, it won't be for long," Russ said. "It will be all over in a few
+minutes--I mean the shipwreck proper, though there'll be a lot of
+rescue scenes, and then the castaways on an island, and all that sort of
+thing. Put me over a little more to the left, Pepper. I can get a fine
+view that way, with the light shining on the passengers at the rail."
+
+He clicked away at the camera crank, and then exclaimed:
+
+"No, no! I said to the left. You're putting me to the right."
+
+"Oh, so I am. I was watching that storm. I don't like the looks of
+things, Russ. I believe we're going to be in for it sooner than they
+thought."
+
+"It does look as though it were going to burst," Russ agreed, as he
+looked up from the "finder" of his machine long enough to take a glimpse
+at the weather. "Mr. Pertell said he'd signal us with a flag when he
+thought we had enough, but I don't see anything of a signal, do you?"
+
+"No," answered the gloomy actor, who had not been needed in the present
+scenes. "And I wish I _could_ see it. It's getting too rough out here
+for me, even if we have a good boat," and he adjusted the gasoline feed
+to give a little more power to the engine.
+
+"Well, it's getting almost too dark to get any more pictures, anyhow,"
+Russ declared. "We sure are in for a blow. It's coming up fast too.
+We'd better get back to the ship without waiting for a signal. They may
+have hoisted one, that we didn't see."
+
+"That's it, I think!" cried the other. "Say, where is the schooner,
+anyhow?"
+
+Russ, who was taking the tripod from his camera looked up quickly.
+
+"Why, can't you see her?" asked the young operator.
+
+"No, and I don't believe you can, either, nor can your camera find her.
+She's disappeared!"
+
+"Disappeared? Nonsense!" Russ cried. "It's just that the sea mist has
+come up and hidden her. It will blow away in a moment. Say, but it is
+getting rough!"
+
+Well might he say that, for he could hardly keep his footing on the
+platform where he had stood to make the views. He came down into the
+half-covered cabin which formed the forward part of the _Ajax_.
+
+"Well, where is the schooner, if you can see her?" growled Pepper Sneed.
+"Steer for her if you can sight her--I can't!"
+
+He seemed morose and angry. Perhaps it was just fear. Russ did not stop
+to determine that point. The operator took the steering wheel, first
+standing up to get an idea of his course.
+
+"Say, it _is_ getting dark!" he cried. "Well, we'll have to go it blind.
+We'll pick up the schooner in a minute or two, I expect. She ought to be
+right over there," and he pointed.
+
+"Where?" asked Mr. Sneed.
+
+"There," said Russ again.
+
+"Humph! You're away off!" declared his companion. "The last I saw her,
+and I was headed right for her, she was over there," and he indicated a
+direction differing from that Russ had shown by at least forty-five
+degrees.
+
+"I wish they'd show a light!" Russ murmured as he tried to peer through
+the mist and the gathering darkness. "Why don't they show a light? We
+could see that!"
+
+"Maybe they don't know we're lost," suggested Pepper Sneed.
+
+"Lost!" cried Russ. "We're not lost! We'll be up to them in a minute or
+so, but I do wish they'd show a light."
+
+The motorboat _Ajax_ was chugging over the heaving water at good speed,
+but as far as the eyes of either of her occupants could see, she might
+have been driving straight into the utter desolation of a vast ocean,
+for not an object was in sight.
+
+The wind had again taken up that nerve-racking moaning and groaning
+sound, as of an unseen giant in distress, and the spray from the crests
+of the waves blew in the faces of the two young men, as they crouched
+down behind the shelter of the half-cabin.
+
+It seemed as though the storm had begun, had halted in its purpose, or
+had gone off momentarily in some other direction, and was now headed
+back, to sweep destruction down on those aboard the _Mary Ellen_, and
+the two in the motorboat.
+
+But where was the _Mary Ellen_?
+
+That was a question Russ and Mr. Sneed asked of themselves over and over
+again as they drove into the very teeth of the storm. They had to head
+into it, as in the small boat no other course would have been safe.
+Fortunately the _Ajax_ was built dory-fashion, with high bow and stern,
+after the pattern of the skiffs in which the fishermen of the New
+Foundland banks go out in heavy weather.
+
+"What are you going to do?" asked Mr. Sneed, as Russ increased the speed
+of the engine, so that the small craft fairly tore up the inclined hills
+of green waters, which the waves represented, and slid down them with
+sickening speed on the other slope.
+
+"I'm going to keep on until I find her--find the schooner," Russ said,
+grimly. "That's all we can do. But I can't understand why they don't
+show a light."
+
+"Maybe they're having troubles of their own," suggested the actor.
+
+"Well, they could shout, so as to let us know where to steer," Russ went
+on, rather provoked.
+
+"We could do that ourselves," Pepper Sneed said.
+
+"Do what?" asked Russ, hardly conscious of what he was saying, for just
+then a heavy wave threatened to swamp the dory, and it required skillful
+handling to keep her from being swamped.
+
+"We could yell," suggested Mr. Sneed. "Come on, give 'em a call!"
+
+Russ agreed to this, and, standing up, so their voices would carry
+better, and bracing themselves against the tumbling, swaying motion of
+the craft, they sent out a cry for aid--and yet not so much a cry for
+aid, as they were not yet in distress, but a cry for direction.
+
+"If I could only see where to steer," Russ exclaimed, when they had
+paused in their yelling, well-nigh exhausted, "it wouldn't be so bad!
+But I can't see a thing. It's getting darker every minute. I never saw
+such a funny storm."
+
+"It's coming up all right," declared the actor. "Going to blow great
+guns soon."
+
+"It's blowing them now," said Russ, grimly, as he clung to the wheel.
+"I can hardly keep her on the course."
+
+"What's the use of steering a course when you don't know whether it's
+right or not?" asked the actor.
+
+"Well, I'm not going to give up," Russ said, grimly. "I think I'm headed
+for the schooner, though I ought to have fetched her sooner than this,
+at the speed we're going."
+
+"Perhaps she's blowing away from us," suggested Mr. Sneed.
+
+"That's it!" Russ cried. "Why didn't I think of that before? She's
+running away from us. She can't help it, though, for she must scud
+before this storm. We've got to increase our speed to catch up to her.
+The wind and our engine ought to be more than a match for her sails
+alone. I'll put on more speed."
+
+The wind was now a howling gale.
+
+Suddenly, as they drove on, the motor seemed to increase its speed.
+
+"What's that?" asked Mr. Sneed. "I thought you had her running at her
+limit."
+
+"So did I," Russ answered, bending over the machinery. Then he cried:
+"She's racing! We've lost our propeller! We're disabled in this storm!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+IN THE VORTEX
+
+
+"Haven't we looked distressed long enough?"
+
+"I'm going below. I can't bear to watch that storm!"
+
+The speakers were Alice and Ruth DeVere respectively, and they were
+leaning over the rail of the _Mary Ellen_, peering off into the swirl of
+driving mists, and across the heaving waters toward where the motorboat
+had been last seen.
+
+"Yes, I think Russ has enough pictures," Mr. Pertell said in answer to
+the remark of Alice. "I think you all looked sufficiently distressful.
+If the scenes of the shipwreck itself go as well as the first part of
+the drama has gone, we'll have a fine film."
+
+"Then may I go below?" asked Ruth. "I don't like the looks of the
+weather."
+
+"It does seem as though we'd get the storm after all," her father
+remarked.
+
+"Go below, by all means," assented the manager. "We have done enough for
+today, and I'll signal Russ to come in, if he hasn't already started to
+do so. My, but this wind is blowing a regular gale!"
+
+Others than Ruth found it uncomfortable on deck, and there was a general
+movement toward the cabins which had been fitted up with considerable
+comfort, even if the craft was an old one.
+
+But just then, when there was a partial calm before another burst of
+fury on the part of the storm, something occurred that threw the ship
+into a flurry of excitement for a time. The sailors were making some
+changes in the craft's canvas, when suddenly the throat and peak
+halyards of the mainsail either parted, or, coming loose from the
+cleats, came down on the run. The effect was to lower the sail so
+quickly, and in such a fashion, with the wind blowing hard against it,
+that there was a crash, a banging and booming of the canvas, and the
+boom and gaff. The first mate, who was standing near the mast, was
+knocked down, narrowly escaping going overboard.
+
+"Oh, what has happened?" cried Ruth.
+
+"Be still!" commanded Alice, clutching her sister by the arm. "Yelling
+isn't going to do any good. We're not hurt."
+
+They were standing near a companionway, well out of reach of the falling
+sail.
+
+"Oh, we're sinking! We're sinking!" screamed Miss Dixon.
+
+"And the sharks! The terrible sharks in the water!" hysterically added
+her friend.
+
+The other ladies of the party were very much frightened, naturally, not
+only by the accident to the sail, but by the screams of the two former
+vaudeville actresses.
+
+"Lively now, men!" called Jack Jepson, who happened to be nearest the
+confusion of tangled ropes and sail. "Get him below. He doesn't seem to
+be much hurt."
+
+He pointed to the motionless body of the first mate. A quick examination
+showed that the man was badly stunned, but that seemed to be the extent
+of his injuries, as far as could be told.
+
+"Up with her now! Up with her!" the second mate cried, as he gave orders
+for hoisting the sail again, for the schooner was not under proper
+control with the main canvas down, and a storm coming up rapidly. The
+sail had been reefed, so the gaff had not fallen as far as otherwise
+would have been the case.
+
+"What's the matter?" shouted Captain Brisco who came up from his cabin
+with Hen Lacomb. The two were seldom apart of late. A glance served to
+tell the commander what had happened. He saw that Jack Jepson had
+matters well in hand, and though Alice guessed that Captain Brisco had
+no love for his second mate, the commander knew seamanship when he saw
+it.
+
+"Lively now!" he cried. "That's the idea! We'll run before the gale
+now."
+
+"But the motorboat!" cried Ruth, who had conquered her desire to flee to
+the cabin, and hide her eyes and ears from such nerve-racking sights and
+sounds. "Where is the _Ajax_--and Mr. Sneed--and--Russ?" she faltered.
+
+"They'll probably be coming in now," the captain said, but he did not
+take the trouble to look around and see. "We can't wait for them in this
+wind," he went on.
+
+"But we _must_ wait for him!" Ruth cried, getting excited. "We can't go
+off and leave them in that motorboat, on the ocean, in a storm! We must
+wait!" She started toward Captain Brisco, with her hands held out
+appealingly.
+
+Alice was wildly looking around for a sight of the smaller craft. She
+had seen it just before the sail fell, but now there was nothing about
+the schooner but a bare waste of waters.
+
+She knew enough about the technical side of moving pictures to realize
+that for some time, it had been too dark to take any film. Russ must
+have known that, too, and would have started back for the schooner. But
+if he had, where was he now?
+
+Alice asked herself that question as she looked around.
+
+"You must wait for him!" cried Ruth.
+
+"Who? What's this?" demanded Mr. Pertell, for he had been hurrying to
+and fro, making sure none of the members of his company had been injured
+in the slight accident.
+
+"Russ hasn't come back," volunteered Alice, who almost always spoke
+ahead of her sister.
+
+"He's out there!" Ruth found voice to say, "and Captain Brisco isn't
+going to wait for him."
+
+"You can't hold a ship still on the ocean, and a storm coming up!" the
+commander cried, as though to justify himself. "We've got to run for it.
+It would be madness now to lay to."
+
+"But we can't desert Russ and Mr. Sneed!" cried the manager. "I thought
+he was coming in. What shall we do? We must do something! I shouldn't
+have asked him to risk it!"
+
+The schooner was rapidly forging ahead, even under reefed sails, so
+powerful was the wind.
+
+"We could work around," said Jack Jepson, who had come up on deck after
+seeing the first mate comfortably bestowed in his berth. "We could work
+around and----"
+
+"Who's in charge of this ship; you or me?" snapped Captain Brisco.
+
+"You are, of course," was the quiet answer.
+
+"Well then, have the goodness to keep still and let me manage matters.
+I'm giving orders--not you!"
+
+Poor Jack slunk back, smarting under the undeserved rebuke.
+
+"I don't care who is in command!" cried Mr. Pertell. "This is my ship
+and you're under my orders, Captain Brisco. I order you to pick up that
+motorboat!"
+
+"And I tell you we can't do it! They've got to come to us, we can't go
+to them. They're not dependent on the wind as we are. They can travel
+any direction they like, and they'll have to head for us."
+
+"But we must make some effort to find them!" cried the manager. "It
+would be wicked--criminal not to."
+
+"Look here!" cried Captain Brisco. "You are the owner of this schooner,
+it is true, and as such you are my superior, but the law gives me
+supreme command of this craft at sea, unless I'm dead, or otherwise
+deposed. And I tell you I won't risk all these lives by trying to beat
+back in the teeth of this wind, to pick up a motorboat. It would be
+worse than criminal--worse than wicked to do it. It would endanger all
+on board!"
+
+There was some logic in that. Even Mr. Pertell, exercised as he was by
+the threatened danger to Russ, could appreciate that.
+
+"But we must do something," the manager repeated.
+
+"I'm doing all I can," Captain Brisco replied. "I'll shorten sail down
+to the minimum; that will keep us before the wind, and out of the trough
+of the sea! More I can't do. We must depend on them to pick us up. They
+ought to be able to do it. You told me Dalwood could manage a boat."
+
+"So he can--but--"
+
+There was ominous meaning in the broken-off sentence.
+
+"Well, we'll do the best we can," concluded Captain Brisco. "They will
+have to take chances, as we're doing."
+
+He went forward to give some orders.
+
+Those aboard the schooner peered anxiously over the storm swept waters
+for a sight of the motor craft, but they saw nothing. They shouted and
+called, but only the wind howled back at them.
+
+Then, with a suddenness that was appalling, they seemed to be flung into
+the midst of a hurricane. The wind lashed the sea to fury, and the _Mary
+Ellen_ spun around like some gigantic top.
+
+"We're in the vortex!" cried Jack Jepson. "We're in the vortex of a
+cyclone! All hands look to themselves!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+WRECKED
+
+
+Confusion on board a ship in a storm may be real confusion and riot, or
+it may only seem so to those not used to the sea. Often what is a
+hopelessly tangled mass of sails, ropes, spars and gears to the
+landsman, is as clear to a sailor as a skein of yarn is to an
+experienced knitter, who can ply her needles in the dark.
+
+It was so on the _Mary Ellen_ when the storm, that had been so long
+threatening, and half-performing, broke in all its fury.
+
+There was a tangle of ropes, a banging and slamming of canvas, which,
+stretched taut and to its utmost, was as stiff as a board. There was a
+rattling of blocks and the creaking of the boom-crotches against the
+masts. The squeak of the gaffs higher up added to the din.
+
+The shouting of Captain Brisco, and the answering calls of his men did
+not lessen the confusion.
+
+"Lower away! Lower away!" the commander cried, ordering even the already
+doubly-reefed sails gotten down, so the powerful wind would have less
+resistance. Even with the small area of canvas shown, the craft was
+being heeled over until the scuppers--or the holes by which water runs
+off the deck--dipped under the waves, and there was plenty of sea
+aboard.
+
+"Set that storm jib!" came the next order, when the main sails had been
+furled, and that was no easy task with the sharp pitching and tossing of
+the schooner. Not a very seamanlike job was made of it, but there was no
+time for the finer touches. The sails were just clewed up to prevent
+them from blowing away, until more time could be devoted to them.
+
+The storm jib, which is the sail furthest front on a vessel, unless it
+be a flying jib, was set to give her enough way so she would respond to
+the helm, for it was necessary to keep the craft before the wind, and
+head on to the seas--that is, the big waves must be cut and broken by
+the sharp prow, or bow, for had they come at the schooner sideways, she
+would have been swamped instantly.
+
+Even the small area of the storm jib was hardly necessary. The _Mary
+Ellen_, in that blow, would have scudded along fairly well "under bare
+poles," that is with no sails set at all. Even Captain Brisco had his
+doubts about the storm jib resisting. It might pull away from the
+holding ropes at any moment. But its loss would do no harm, for it would
+only be blown out to sea, and there were enough spare sails.
+
+So, as I have said, order came out of confusion, but even the order was
+somewhat confused, at least to the members of the moving picture
+company. They had been ordered below, and had managed, somehow, to get
+there, though more than one received bumps and bruises on the pitching,
+tossing companionway.
+
+"Oh, what an awful storm!" complained Miss Dixon, when they were huddled
+in the cabin.
+
+"Isn't it awful--terrible!" agreed her companion. "I am frightened to
+death. We may sink at any minute."
+
+"Oh, not so much danger of that in a wooden ship," said Paul
+consolingly. He wished the two former vaudeville actresses would try to
+have a little courage.
+
+"I am so frightened," murmured Miss Pennington. "I wish Captain Brisco
+would come down here."
+
+"What for?" asked Alice, hardly able to keep the contempt out of her
+voice.
+
+"So he could tell us if we are in any danger, and what we ought to do,"
+was the selfish answer. "He _must_ save us!"
+
+"He's trying to save the ship!" said Alice, "and you two ought to be
+ashamed of yourselves at a time like this. Think of poor Russ and Mr.
+Sneed out in that motorboat all alone!"
+
+"Oh, but they--they're men," faltered Miss Dixon.
+
+"Then why don't you try to be women!" snapped Alice.
+
+"Hush, my dear," said her sister gently.
+
+"I can't!" was the answer. "When I think of poor Russ----"
+
+"I'm going to put on a life preserver," exclaimed Miss Pennington,
+favoring Alice with a frosty stare.
+
+"Perhaps that would be a good plan for us, my dears," said Mr. DeVere to
+his daughters. "It can do no harm, at all events."
+
+"No," admitted Alice. "But we appear to be all right--for the time
+being, at least."
+
+It seemed quieter up on deck now, for the sailors had ceased rushing
+about adjusting the canvas, though there was still plenty of noise.
+There was the rattle and bang of blocks, the whipping about of ends of
+ropes, the slap, now and then, of the storm jib, as it was whipped back
+and forth. Now and then a heavy sea would fall on deck with a crash.
+
+At such times the _Mary Ellen_, stout as she was, would tremble from
+stem to stern, and those in the cabin would shiver and look at one
+another apprehensively.
+
+"Come on, Laura," called Miss Pennington to her companion. "Let's take
+all the precautions we can. We'll put on life preservers. But oh, I
+daren't think of being in the water with all those sharks."
+
+"Don't talk that way!" said Paul in a sharp whisper, as he saw Ruth
+shrink back at the word "shark."
+
+Miss Pennington did not deign to answer, but she and her friend were
+soon struggling with the straps of a life preserver. At this moment
+Captain Brisco came down into the cabin.
+
+"What does this mean?" he asked, and his voice was stern.
+
+"We--we are getting ready for an--an emergency," faltered Miss
+Pennington.
+
+"Well, there won't be any emergency--at least not for a while," the
+commander said grimly "We are doing very well. If you want to be
+uncomfortable do so, and put on those cork jackets. But there is no need
+of it. I'll give you plenty of warning if the ship is likely to founder,
+and we'll lower the boats."
+
+"Is there any real danger, Captain?" asked Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Well, of course there always is, in a storm at sea. But we are in no
+more danger than hundreds of others. This is a wooden ship, and it will
+be a long time sinking, even if it gets to that point, which is far off.
+We haven't leaked a drop yet, and we're running before the storm nicely.
+You need have no fears."
+
+"That's what I thought!" exclaimed Alice, with a look at the two former
+stage actresses.
+
+"Humph!" sniffed Miss Dixon. "Any one would think you were a sailor."
+
+"She's a good deal better 'n some," said Jack Jepson coming into the
+cabin then to report something to Captain Brisco.
+
+"Then you would not advise us to put on life preservers?" asked Mr.
+DeVere.
+
+"Not now, at least," the captain replied. "I have done everything
+possible, and the only thing now is to run before the storm. We are in
+good shape. The _Mary Ellen_ is a better craft than I gave her credit
+for being. The only thing to do is to wait, and hope for the best."
+
+"Have you plenty of lifeboats?" the old actor wanted to know.
+
+"Yes, enough for all hands. They are provisioned and watered, and are
+staunch craft. My men have orders to stand by in case of any real
+danger, and put the small boats over. But we will stick to the ship
+until the last, though that is not saying, mind you, that we will have
+to desert her."
+
+"Oh! I couldn't think of going in one of those small boats!" cried Miss
+Dixon. "They are so low in the water. I should faint every time I looked
+over the side."
+
+"Well if she looked once, and fainted and stayed so, it would be a good
+thing for all hands," murmured Paul Ardite.
+
+"Oh, don't say that," Alice reproached him.
+
+"That's how I feel about her," he answered.
+
+"What can be done about picking up the motorboat?" asked Mr. DeVere.
+They all looked anxiously toward Captain Brisco.
+
+"I have a man on the lookout," answered the commander. "It may seem to
+some of you heartless to go away and leave her."
+
+"It was," murmured gentle Ruth. But she only whispered the words. There
+were tears in her eyes.
+
+"But I could do nothing else," resumed Captain Brisco. "As I told you, a
+vessel can't remain stationary on the sea. We had to move on before the
+gale. And, as I also said, the motorboat has a better chance of going
+where she wants to than have we, who must depend on our sails. I have no
+doubt but that the two in the _Ajax_ are safe."
+
+But if Captain Brisco, or any of those then huddled in the cabin of the
+_Mary Ellen_, could have seen Russ and Mr. Sneed just then they would
+not have envied them.
+
+With the racing of the engine, indicating to Russ that the propeller had
+dropped off into the sea, he at once shut off the power. Without the
+resistance of the screw the machine would soon have racked itself to
+pieces.
+
+"Well, what's to be done?" asked Mr. Sneed.
+
+"That's the way to talk," was the response. "We've got to do something,
+that's sure."
+
+The storm which at that moment was enveloping the _Mary Ellen_ was, at
+the same time, buffeting about the smaller motorboat. When she lost
+headway by the stopping of her engine she no longer took the seas head,
+or bow, on. She fell into the trough, and was in imminent danger of
+being swamped.
+
+"We've got to bring her up, the first thing we do," Russ decided. "What
+we need is a drag anchor. That will bring her head on to the waves, and
+we can ride them better until help comes."
+
+"Will help ever come?" asked the actor, despondently.
+
+"Of course it will. Or else we'll find the schooner, or they us!"
+responded Russ.
+
+While he was talking, he was looking about for something to use as a
+drag anchor.
+
+"That will do!" Russ decided as he saw a heavy wooden box. "I'll use
+that." Quickly he tied a rope to it, and tossed the box out.
+
+"This is better!" exclaimed Russ. "Now let's take an account of stock,
+and see what else we can do. We may be here for some time."
+
+"We can't live very long in this awful weather!" groaned, rather than
+spoke, Mr. Sneed.
+
+"Oh, don't give up so easily," said Russ.
+
+But when the storm grew worse, and the tiny craft was buffeted about,
+shipping considerable water, even stout-hearted Russ was not as hopeful
+as he had been. He had stowed the camera in a safe place, and put the
+films in a water-tight box well forward. Then the only thing to do was
+to wait. In vain he scanned the sea through the storm for a sight of the
+schooner. He could catch no glimpse of her.
+
+Meanwhile the lookout on the _Mary Ellen_ was eagerly watching for any
+signs of the _Ajax_, but he had even less chance of seeing her than Russ
+and Mr. Sneed did of sighting the larger vessel.
+
+The storm was constantly growing worse. As old Jack had said, the
+schooner had actually been caught in the very vortex of it, but the
+whirling motion, imparted by the meeting of two different wind
+currents, had been the saving of the craft. She had been shunted to the
+outer edge, as a cork, going around in a whirlpool, is sometimes tossed
+to safety by the very violence of the motion.
+
+Then she had scudded before the gale.
+
+All that night they scudded before the storm, not knowing where they
+were, and when morning came there was a wild and tumultuous waste of
+waters all about them. Alice ventured up on deck, against the advice of
+her father and sister.
+
+She saw Jack Jepson and some sailors amidships. They seemed to be in
+earnest consultation. Alice drew near them, intending to ask if there
+were any news.
+
+As she came near the mainmast, there was a sudden veer to the craft, a
+snapping, splintering sound, and the mast, with its gear of sail, boom
+and gaff crashed over the side, smashing the stout bulwarks.
+
+"Look out, gal!" hoarsely cried Old Jack, and he snatched Alice back
+only just in time, for the mast splintered down right in front of her.
+
+With the crash and splintering of the wood, and the breaking of the side
+of the schooner, there arose the cry of:
+
+"We're wrecked! We're wrecked!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+"MUTINY!"
+
+
+Jack Jepson's first thought was to get Alice to a place of safety.
+
+"You shouldn't have come up!" he shouted in her ear, as he fairly
+carried her along the sloping deck. He had to shout to be heard above
+the roar of the wind, the pounding of the broken mast against the side
+of the schooner, and the swish of the salt water whipped into spray by
+the powerful gale.
+
+Jack set Alice down at the head of the companionway, and indicated by
+gestures, rather than words, that she was to go below. As she descended
+the sloping stairs, holding to the rope rail to prevent stumbling, she
+saw Captain Brisco spring forward. Whatever else he was, the commander
+did not shrink from any emergency.
+
+"Cut away that mast!" he cried. "She'll have us stove in if we don't cut
+her loose!"
+
+"Aye, aye, sir!" answered Jack.
+
+He and several other sailors had seized axes as soon as the result of
+the crash was seen, and now sprang to the broken bulwarks, over which
+the mainmast lay, the jagged end of it in the water, pounding against
+the side of the schooner at every roll, and threatening to punch a hole
+in her as a battering ram punctures a wall.
+
+"Strike hard, men!" called Jack, and the sound of their axes followed.
+Ropes were severed with a blow, but the wire shrouds were tougher, and
+it was not until several minutes had passed that the mast, with its
+tangle of sails and ropes, was chopped free to float away on the crest
+of a billow.
+
+"Get up the mizzen storm sail!" ordered Captain Brisco. "She's falling
+off!"
+
+The schooner was indeed in danger of wallowing in the trough of the big
+waves.
+
+Pausing only for a moment, the sailors who had labored so valiantly at
+cutting loose the broken mast, sprang to get more sail on the craft. She
+was deprived of the reefed, or shortened, one that had been on the stick
+which was now overboard, and the jib was not enough to hold her head to
+the waves.
+
+"What is it? Oh what is it?" gasped Miss Pennington as Alice fell,
+rather than walked down the companionway into the cabin.
+
+"Are we sinking?" demanded Miss Dixon.
+
+"Not at all!" answered Alice, catching her breath, and, with a shake of
+her head freeing her face from the salty spray that had drenched her.
+"It isn't anything at all."
+
+She determined to make light of it, even though her own heart was
+beating like a hammer at the thought of her narrow escape from possible
+death.
+
+Alice really did not know whether there was any danger or not from the
+fall of the mast. She had often read of such things happening, and she
+remembered that the masts were always "cut away." So she supposed, as
+long as this was being done, that the proper course was being followed.
+
+"There's no danger at all," she said, speaking more calmly now.
+
+"No danger!" cried Miss Pennington. "Listen to that!"
+
+It was the noise of sailors on deck chopping away the mast-gear.
+
+"Oh, one of those upright sticks, that they hang the sails on, fell
+over. Not enough glue on it, I guess," said Alice, calmly.
+
+"Not enough glue!" gasped Paul. "Well, I never--"
+
+"Can't you take a joke?" Alice whispered to him, as she saw that her
+minimizing of the accident was having its effect.
+
+"Oh, yes, of course!" Paul exclaimed. "Not enough glue on it--Oh yes!"
+and he had to turn away to keep from smiling at the idea of a
+mast,--that is the most firmly set of anything on a ship, (being indeed
+almost an integral part of it)--the idea of that being stayed with glue
+was enough to make almost anyone smile, even in the midst of danger.
+
+The sounds on the deck gradually became more quiet. The danger seemed to
+be over for the time being. The moving picture actors and actresses
+crowded around Alice to hear her story of the accident. She carefully
+avoided mentioning her own peril, but she resolved to properly thank old
+Jack later. Just now Alice did not want her father to worry. His throat
+was troubling him, because of the amount of salt spray in the air.
+
+On deck Captain Brisco and Jack Jepson took charge of matters until the
+wreckage had been cleared away. And a lot of wreckage there was. The
+_Mary Ellen_ looked little like the trim, schooner that had left New
+York a few weeks before.
+
+Jack Jepson stepped close to the stump of the mainmast. He gave one look
+at it, and uttered a single word.
+
+"Rotten!" he exclaimed.
+
+"What's that?" cried Captain Brisco sharply.
+
+"Rotten!" repeated the mate. "That mast had dry rot to the very core.
+Only the varnish held her together."
+
+"What's that to you?" cried the captain in angry tones. "You keep your
+opinions to yourself! When I want 'em, I'll ask for 'em! Now get below
+and see if we're taking in any water."
+
+"Very well, sir," was the answer, but Jack gave the captain a queer
+look.
+
+He found some water coming in, but not more, he thought, than the pumps
+could take care of, so he reported the matter only to Captain Brisco.
+
+"That's good," the commander said, seemingly well pleased. "I guess they
+can have their fake shipwreck after all, if the weather clears."
+
+As the day advanced, the storm lulled slightly, but it was still rough.
+Those of the moving picture company who ventured up on deck went below
+again with white, scared faces at the sight of the wreckage of the
+mainmast. For it did look doleful.
+
+"This shipwreck comes pretty near being real," said Mr. Pertell. "If we
+could only photograph it now, it would make a fine film."
+
+"Can't you?" asked Alice.
+
+"Yes, I suppose I could make some views."
+
+A few hundred feet of film were exposed by one of the operators, but the
+pretended shipwreck would need to be taken from a small boat, and the
+sea was too rough to admit of that.
+
+Then the storm, that had given them a brief respite, began again, worse
+than before. The schooner was tossed about like a toy, and the
+mizzenmast was sprung so that no sail could be rigged on it.
+
+Then when a great wave struck the craft, washing over her from stem to
+stern, the work of the ocean and the storm elements seemed completed.
+The _Mary Ellen_ staggered under the blow like some living thing, and
+she did not rise to it as buoyantly as she had before.
+
+Jack Jepson came rushing up from below.
+
+"We're leaking fast!" he cried. "We'd better take to the boats, Captain
+Brisco! The pumps won't work!"
+
+"The boats! Nonsense!" the captain cried. "We'll ride it out here. The
+schooner is all right!"
+
+"I tell you she's sinking!" yelled Jack. "We must take to the boats."
+
+"What? Do you dare give orders in my face!" stormed Captain Brisco.
+"This is mutiny, sir! This is mutiny! I'll put you in irons!" and with
+raised fist he started toward the old sailor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+HELP AT LAST
+
+
+Jack Jepson was a brave man. He proved it then by standing unflinchingly
+in front of the angry captain, when shrinking back might have meant a
+blow that would have brought about a general fight. Seeing him standing
+there fearlessly, made Captain Brisco pause. And that gave the others
+time for action.
+
+"What does this mean?" cried Mr. Pertell.
+
+"He is trying to start a mutiny as he did once before!" fairly yelled
+Captain Brisco.
+
+"I never started a mutiny before, and I'm not trying to do so now!"
+retorted Jack, and he seemed to have lost much of his timid simplicity.
+"I tell you the ship is sinking, and we had best take to the boats while
+there is time."
+
+"And I tell you that you are wrong!" snarled Captain Brisco. "I order
+you below!"
+
+"And I won't go, until I have told these people what is going on here!"
+retorted Jack Jepson.
+
+"If that isn't mutiny, I'd like to know what is," cried the captain.
+
+"Well, if that's mutiny, then I'm glad to be a mutineer!" shouted the
+old salt, "and any court in the land would uphold me, for I am trying to
+save lives, and you're trying to throw 'em away."
+
+"Throw 'em away! What do you mean?"
+
+"You know what I mean," replied Jack, and there was significance in his
+voice. "I won't say anything about putting to sea in a ship that wasn't
+fit--with masts that were nothin' but dry rot, and with pumps that only
+half work at best. And I won't say anything about your plot--there isn't
+time now. But I will say----"
+
+"A plot!" cried Alice, who, with Ruth, stood near her father.
+
+"Yes, a plot, Miss!" Jack Jepson cried. "I'll tell you about it later.
+But now we've got to do something. The water's comin' in fast, and if we
+can't stop it, we'll have to take to the boats."
+
+"Look here!" stormed Captain Brisco, and his voice was almost in keeping
+with the howl of the gale all about them, and almost as raucous as the
+salty spray that flew over everything. "Look here! Who is captain of
+this ship?"
+
+"You are," replied Jack quietly enough. He looked the angry man full in
+the eye, and the half-raised fist of the commander fell again.
+
+"Then if I'm captain, I'm going to be obeyed!" came next. "I order you
+below, Jepson. You're no longer mate of this craft. You're deposed! Hen
+Lacomb, I hereby appoint you first mate until my regular one recovers,
+and you, Hankinson, you're second mate. Lively now. Jepson, go below,
+and if he makes any more trouble, Hen, clap him in irons," he added
+significantly.
+
+For a moment there was silence following this announcement--that is, as
+much quiet as the storm permitted. Then Alice cried out:
+
+"Father, won't you say something! Mr. Pertell, you're not going to
+permit this, are you? I'm sure Jack Jepson is honest and that he is
+faithfully warning us. Don't let him be put down this way. Ask him what
+he means by a plot!"
+
+"Oh, Alice!" protested her sister. "At a time like this--when we may all
+be drowned!"
+
+"We'll all be drowned worse, maybe, if Jack's advice isn't taken. What
+is it?" she asked, appealing to the old sailor. "What is the plot you
+spoke of?"
+
+"Ask him?" cried the old salt, pointing an accusing finger at the
+captain. "Ask him, and if he doesn't tell you, I will. Talk about a
+mutiny! It wouldn't be half as bad as his plot for getting possession of
+this vessel."
+
+"What's that!" cried Captain Brisco, starting forward. "You dare accuse
+me----"
+
+"Yes, you and Hen Lacomb!" cried Jack, who seemed to have acquired a new
+boldness. "I charge you with plotting to make a fizzle of the shipwreck
+these picture people planned. You were going to pretend the vessel was
+sinking, before the time set for the pictures, and you were going to get
+them to abandon the schooner. Then you and Lacomb were going to come
+back to the ship later, take her to some secret port, fit her out again
+and use her for your own purposes.
+
+"That's the plot! That's what I overheard you and Lacomb plannin', and
+when you suspected I knew, you thought I'd be better off in the sea.
+That's how I happened to go overboard. I was thrown! That's what I
+charge you with. Deny it if ye dare!" and he pointed an accusing finger
+at the two men. "You threw me overboard, Hen Lacomb! And Captain Brisco
+planned to have you do it!"
+
+Captain Brisco appeared to struggle with some emotion. His face went red
+and white by turns. He seemed unable to speak. But at last he choked
+out:
+
+"What! You dare say that to me. You accuse me----!"
+
+"Yes, and I have the proof!" cried Jack. "Here's the agreement you made
+Lacomb sign. You were afraid to trust to him unless he made a promise
+in writing, and here it is. I found it in the secret compartment in your
+cabin. Your cabin that used to be mine in the old _Mary Ellen_. That's
+how I made sure this ship was the old one I used to serve on, made over.
+I found this agreement! It's the proof of what I say. Deny it if you
+can."
+
+"Why--why--" stammered the captain. "Do you dare--" but it seemed he
+could not get any farther. He glanced at Hen Lacomb who stood near him.
+A meaning look passed between the two men, and Hen started edging around
+toward Jack Jepson.
+
+"Father! Mr. Pertell!" cried Alice. "Let us have this settled! Jack has
+made charges. They may be true or they may not be. But our lives surely
+are in danger if this vessel is sinking."
+
+"And I say she isn't sinking! She's as sound as a bell below the water
+line!" cried the captain.
+
+"And I say she has a hole stove in her, an' unless it's stopped we'll be
+at the bottom in a few hours!" cried Jack. "The mast knocked a hole in
+her and she's takin' water fast. The pumps are no good, but they can be
+fixed with a little work on 'em."
+
+"Keep still!" the captain shouted. "You're under arrest as a mutineer."
+
+"No he isn't!" exclaimed Mr. Pertell. "This is my vessel. I'm the chief
+owner of it, and I here and now depose you as captain, Mr. Brisco, and
+appoint Jack Jepson in your place!"
+
+There was a gasp of baffled rage from the former commander.
+
+"Jack, take charge," said Mr. Pertell. "Select as mates whoever you
+want. We'll go into this matter of the plot later. Just now we must save
+the ship if we can. Everything must give way to that. Do you accept?"
+
+"What! Him captain?" cried Hen Lacomb, who was edging nearer and nearer
+to Jack all this while.
+
+"Why not?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"He doesn't know how to navigate. He'll run us aground."
+
+"I wish he _would_ run us on der ground!" murmured Mr. Switzer. "I haf
+hat enough of der ocean. Der ground is goot enough for me."
+
+"I can navigate!" cried Jack. "I hold a master's certificate, though
+I've only filled mates' berths of late."
+
+"I--I refuse to serve under him," stormed Captain Brisco. "And when we
+reach port, I shall lay this matter before the authorities. You can't
+depose a captain this way!"
+
+"Can't I?" asked Mr. Pertell coolly. "I rather think I can. I looked up
+the law on the rights of owners before I started on this voyage. Jack
+Jepson is captain."
+
+"And I refuse to serve under him."
+
+"Very well. Then you can either work your passage, or pay for your
+passage, I don't care which. But I'm going to save this ship, and the
+lives of those aboard her, if I can."
+
+There was a sudden little scuffle near Jack Jepson, and Hen Lacomb went
+sprawling on the deck.
+
+"No you don't!" drawled Mr. Switzer in his most German comedian voice.
+"I think you haf fallen. Dit you hurt yourself?" he asked of the
+prostrate Hen.
+
+The latter, with a growl, got to his feet, an angry look on his face.
+
+"What happened?" asked Mr. Pertell.
+
+"Oh, noddings dit happen," was the reply. "It iss only vat might haf
+happenet. He vas getting so close by Jack dot Jack might fall ofer board
+again, und ve don't vant to lose our new captain so soon yet," explained
+Mr. Switzer cheerfully.
+
+He thus made light of the affair, but later it came out that Hen Lacomb
+had evidently had the intention of at least trying to pitch Jack
+overboard, as the easiest solution of the trouble of Captain Brisco and
+his crony.
+
+"This is enough!" cried Mr. Pertell. "Jack, you're captain. Do what you
+like to insure the safety of us and the ship. Captain Brisco is no
+longer in command of this vessel," the manager went on to a wondering
+group of sailors. "I call for three cheers for Captain Jack Jepson!"
+
+They were given with a will, for evidently Jack was a favorite, and the
+deposed captain was not. The latter slunk below followed by Hen Lacomb.
+
+"We've got to try to stop that leak first of all!" said Jack, as he
+carefully put in his pocket the paper he had claimed was an agreement
+between Brisco and his crony. "I appoint Jim West as first mate and
+Frank Snyder as second!" the new captain went on. "Come below, you two,
+and we'll see what we can do. We've got to mend the pumps. Keep her
+about as she is," he ordered the steersman.
+
+"Aye, aye, sir!" was the respectful answer. Jack was already developing
+new qualities as a commander.
+
+"This is a distressing state of affairs," said Mr. DeVere.
+
+"Not as bad as it might be," Mr. Pertell answered. "There is a chance
+for us now. I never dreamed that Brisco was such a scoundrel."
+
+"Oh, I'm so glad Captain Jack is in charge!" cried Alice. "And I'm so
+glad he found out about the plot. Maybe this will help to clear him of
+the other unjust charge," she went on.
+
+"Perhaps," agreed Ruth. "But oh, Alice! If we should sink!"
+
+"Nonsense! We're not going to sink!"
+
+And so it proved--at least the _Mary Ellen_ was not doomed to go to the
+bottom at once. The storm still raged with seemingly unabated violence,
+but the sailors, under the direction of Captain Jepson, got a heavy
+piece of canvas over the worst leak, and then the repaired pumps kept
+the water in the hold down to a normal level.
+
+The failure of the pumps to work, until Jack and the men fixed them was
+due to criminal negligence on the part of Brisco. He put to sea with
+this necessary part of a ship in poor condition, not thinking they would
+be needed.
+
+Brisco was a desperate man, and so was Lacomb. They had been involved in
+more than one shady transaction, and though both may have been aboard
+with Jack, during the mutiny, they successfully covered their tracks.
+
+Brisco and Lacomb sulked below, and, for the time being, no effort was
+made to bring them up and set them to work, though every hand was
+needed. Some of the members of the film company turned in and helped. It
+was thought better not to incite a fight.
+
+So the _Mary Ellen_ lurched on through the storm, a mere semblance of
+the gallant craft she had appeared to be on leaving port. And those
+aboard labored desperately to keep her afloat.
+
+"Talk about a shipwreck!" gasped Mr. Pertell, as a wave drenched him,
+"this is the most realistic I ever saw. If I could only picture this!"
+
+But it was impossible. How the planned drama of the sea would end, no
+one could tell.
+
+"And oh! to think of poor Russ and Mr. Sneed out in this--if they _are_
+still out in it," murmured Alice, as she and Ruth clung to one another
+in their cabin.
+
+"The _Ajax_ may have survived," Ruth said, hopefully.
+
+And indeed, at that moment, the motorboat was making the best of the bad
+weather.
+
+The sea anchor which Russ had rigged provided the necessary drag and
+steerage way, and the boat's head was kept to the waves. Her high bow,
+and covered fore-part, enabled her to ride seas that would have swamped
+another craft of like size. And her dory-build added to her safety. The
+bank fishermen know well how to shape a boat to meet heavy seas.
+
+"Well, we seem to be doing fairly well," said Russ, as he and his
+companion settled down in the shelter, to nibble at a bit of hard tack
+and drink some of the water Jack had put on board.
+
+"Yes, I suppose it might be worse," agreed Mr. Sneed. And that, for him,
+was saying a great deal.
+
+So the _Ajax_ drifted on, as the _Mary Ellen_ was driving, before the
+gale, the occupants of neither craft knowing aught of the others. And
+the storm still raged.
+
+After a while Russ, for want of something better to do, began looking
+over the motor. Presently he discovered something that made him shout
+for joy.
+
+"What is it?" asked his companion. "Do you see the schooner?"
+
+"No, but I can make this boat run. Look, the propeller hasn't dropped
+off at all! The set screws of the sleeve have become loose and the
+propeller shaft didn't turn, that was all."
+
+If any of you know anything about motor-boats, you know that the shaft
+which passes through the stuffing box, and to which shaft the propeller
+is fastened, is joined to the shaft of the engine by a coupling, or
+sleeve. If you take two lead pencils, and thrust an end of each into
+each end of a hollow, brass pencil holder, you will get an idea of what
+I mean. One pencil will represent the shaft to which the propeller is
+fastened, and the other the engine shaft. The brass holder is the
+coupling, or sleeve. In order that the shafts will be held rigidly
+together, turning at the same time, set screws in the sleeve are tightly
+turned down on the shaft, binding both in the sleeve.
+
+It was the set screws on the propeller shaft that had loosed, allowing
+the sleeve to slip uselessly around, that had caused all the trouble.
+With a wrench Russ tightened the screws. He tested them, and, finding
+them firm, started the engine. A moment later the _Ajax_ was moving over
+the waves under her own power.
+
+"Hurray!" cried Mr. Sneed. "This is great!"
+
+"And we don't need this any longer," Russ said, hauling in the drag
+anchor. Then, able to mount the waves, the motorboat was in much better
+condition for fighting the storm.
+
+On and on she rushed. Hour after hour passed, but the gale showed no
+signs of abating. The two young men were weary and disheartened, when,
+as there came a little rift in the clouds Russ, who stood up to look
+about, gave a yell.
+
+"What is it now?" asked Mr. Sneed. "More trouble?"
+
+"No!" cried Russ. "I see a steamer. Help at last! I'm going straight for
+her!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A SIGNAL OF DISTRESS
+
+
+Russ had been running the motor at moderate speed, for he did not know
+just how long the supply of gasoline would last, and he did not know as
+yet what might be before him and his companion in distress. But the
+sight of the steamer gave him hope, and he turned on full speed.
+
+The _Ajax_ was a powerful craft, though even a mighty steamer would not
+have found it easy to make headway in that sea and in that gale. The
+motor craft responded gallantly, and shot up on the crest of each wave,
+sliding down the opposite side as though she were going to investigate
+the uttermost depths of Father Neptune's caverns.
+
+"Steamer! I don't see any steamer!" exclaimed Mr. Sneed, as he looked in
+the direction toward which the face of Russ was turned.
+
+"You will when we both come on top of a wave at the same time," was the
+answer. "You see we lie so low in the water she can't see us, and we
+can't glimpse her until we're both on a crest together. She's off to the
+east there. Watch and you'll see her. Look now!"
+
+At that moment the _Ajax_ rose on a mighty wave, which lifted her high
+toward the sky, in which were now rifted clouds. Mr. Sneed glanced to
+where Russ pointed, and saw the long, black hull of a steamer, from
+whose stacks belched forth clouds of smoke, showing that her engines
+were being driven at top speed to overcome the storm.
+
+"There she is!" cried Russ. "Now if we can only reach her, we'll be all
+right, and we can help the others."
+
+"The others," murmured the actor.
+
+"Yes, those on the _Mary Ellen_. She must be in trouble in this storm,
+for she isn't built for this sort of thing. It's a wonder she lasted as
+long as she did."
+
+"Maybe she's at the bottom now," suggested Mr. Sneed.
+
+"Cheerful, aren't you?" remarked Russ. "I thought you'd given that sort
+of thing up."
+
+"I meant to. I really did. I'm sorry!" the other exclaimed, contritely
+enough. Really he was a different sort of Mr. Sneed from the "human
+grouch" who often made matters so unpleasant for members of the Comet
+Film Company. Since he and Russ had so nearly faced death, Mr. Sneed
+was much braver and more cheerful.
+
+"I think she'll keep afloat for some time," Russ went on, "as she is all
+wood, you know. She may be pretty well battered, though."
+
+If he could only have seen the hapless _Mary Ellen_ then, he would have
+believed her quite battered indeed. For another rotten mast had fallen.
+
+"Do you mean you're going to ask those on the steamer to look for the
+schooner," asked Mr. Sneed.
+
+"That's what I'm going to do, if we can get to her," Russ said. "It's
+going to be nip and tuck, for she's going fast and she won't see us, as
+we're so low in the water. She's not heading in our direction, either,
+but I'll go after her on a long slant, and maybe I can reach her, or get
+near enough to make her see us. This is a pretty fast boat."
+
+They were speeding over the waves, now down in a hollow, and again on
+the crest. Sometimes they would lose sight of the steamer altogether,
+and again they would catch a fleeting glimpse of her. And, when they
+did, she seemed farther off than ever.
+
+"Oh, we'll never reach her!" said Mr. Sneed, despondently enough.
+"She'll never give us any aid."
+
+"There you go!" cried Russ. "I thought you'd given up that sort of
+thing!"
+
+"Well, I didn't mean just that," the actor said. "Perhaps we will make
+her see us after all."
+
+"That's better!" exclaimed Russ. "We'll get her--or crack a cylinder!"
+and he tried to get a few more revolutions out of the fly wheel.
+
+In spite of their brave front, Russ and his companion were sufficiently
+miserable. Their boat constantly shipped water, and they had to use the
+hand force pump, which, fortunately, was in the craft. A pump was
+connected with the cylinder cooling apparatus, designed to free the
+cockpit of bilge water, but the pump would not work.
+
+Russ and Mr. Sneed were wet through, for the cabin could not be entirely
+closed against the spray. And they had nothing to eat except cold
+victuals. There was a gasoline stove aboard, but there was nothing to
+cook, for only an emergency ration had been put in the craft, and that
+was more because of a whim on the part of Jack Jepson, than because he
+really thought it would be needed.
+
+But more than once as they drank of the water, and nibbled the hard
+biscuits, or crackers, in the water-tight box, Russ and his companion
+blessed the forethought of honest Jack Jepson--I beg his pardon,
+Captain Jepson it was now, though neither Russ nor Mr. Sneed knew that.
+
+"I think I'll hoist a signal," said the actor, as they drove on, now
+seeing the steamer, and again losing her.
+
+"Good idea," Russ agreed, as he busied himself with an oil can.
+
+Mr. Sneed managed to lash an oar upright, and on it he fastened a bit of
+canvas. It stood out straight, like a board, so strong was the wind that
+whipped it.
+
+"I hope they see that," commented the actor.
+
+"I hope so, too," added Russ. "It doesn't do any good to yell, for the
+wind is blowing from them to us."
+
+More than once, as they urged their craft on a long slant toward the
+steamer, they almost gave up hope. But it sprang up again, and finally,
+as a break in the clouds let out a little rift of light, someone on the
+watch aboard the steamer saw the fluttering signal.
+
+"She's seen us! She's seen us!" cried Russ in delight.
+
+"How can you tell?" demanded his companion.
+
+"She whistled. I saw the steam. You'll hear the blast in a second."
+
+And they did. Light travels faster than sound. They saw the steam from
+the powerful whistle before they heard the hoarse blast; even as one
+sees the flash of a gun before hearing the report.
+
+The steamer changed her course, and came on toward the motorboat.
+
+"Suppose it's the English one, that wants to capture poor Jack,"
+suggested Mr. Sneed.
+
+"That doesn't make any difference," Russ said. "She'll save us, and then
+look for the schooner. We can take up Jack's case later."
+
+It did not prove to be the English steamer. Instead it was a powerful
+fruiter, hailing from New York, and Russ and Mr. Sneed were soon aboard,
+the _Ajax_ being hoisted to her deck. Then she resumed her course, but
+it was a different one.
+
+For, on the earnest plea of Russ and Mr. Sneed, the steamer's captain
+consented to turn back and search for the _Mary Ellen_.
+
+"I don't know as I'll find her," he said, "but we can't let all those
+poor souls perish."
+
+So the search began. It lasted three days, during which the storm nearly
+blew itself out. And on the morning of the fourth day, when the sullen
+sea was trying to calm itself, and when the wind had died down to a
+moderate gale, the lookout of the _Sirius_ called out:
+
+"Sail ho!"
+
+"Where away?" came the demand.
+
+"Dead ahead. She's a schooner, low in the water, and she's flying a
+signal of distress!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+CLEAR SKIES
+
+
+Instantly there was commotion and excitement on board the _Sirius_, for
+Russ and Mr. Sneed had told their story of the starting out to make a
+pictured shipwreck, which shipwreck had evidently, now, become real.
+
+"That's the _Mary Ellen_, I'm sure of it!" Russ cried as he caught a
+glimpse of the sighted schooner. "But what has happened to her?"
+
+"Masts are gone, and she's sinking," one of the steamer's officers told
+him. "I guess we can't get to her any too quickly."
+
+And it was high time a rescue was made, for Captain Jepson, and Mr.
+Pertell had decided to take to the boats with all on board.
+
+The _Mary Ellen_ _was_ sinking; there was no doubt of that. All that
+could be done had been done, but to no avail.
+
+But hope revived when the steamer was sighted.
+
+A little later, the _Sirius_ stood by. And high time, too. As a last
+resort, when it was found that the repaired pumps could not keep the
+water down in the hold, so big was the leak, the signal of distress had
+been hoisted. And, after many anxious hours, it had been thus
+providentially answered.
+
+Then a thought came to Mr. Pertell. The weather had cleared. The
+schooner would keep afloat a few hours more. Why not make the pictures
+of the shipwreck now? It would be his only chance. True, they would not
+be just as planned, but they would be better than losing all the efforts
+that had been made.
+
+There was a brief talk with the captain of the _Sirius_. He consented to
+stand by until the sea drama, quickly revised, was acted out--at least,
+until shipwreck scenes were portrayed.
+
+It was rather an exciting time, the passengers dropping overboard from
+the sinking schooner, and being rescued in boats. Russ, on board the
+_Ajax_, which was again put into the sea, worked the camera. The _Mary
+Ellen_ made a more realistic wreck than had been hoped for. Former
+Captain Brisco and Hen Lacomb, alone, refused to take any part in the
+drama.
+
+At last the final film was run off, the last rescue was made by the
+motor craft and small boats, and all, passengers and crew, from the
+sinking schooner, were taken aboard the _Sirius_.
+
+"There she goes!" said Alice softly, as, with a final lurch, and a
+blowing up of her decks, from the compressed air under them, the old
+craft, bow first went beneath the waves. Russ took the final pictures.
+
+"Game to the last!" said Captain Jepson. "She went down bow on, to show
+she wasn't afraid of Davy Jones! That's the last of her, and the last of
+Brisco's schemes to get her for his own use."
+
+"Tell me about that now," suggested Mr. Pertell. "I have time to listen
+now, for we aren't trying to save a sinking ship."
+
+They were all now safely aboard the steamer, which had resumed her
+course. The moving pictures had all been taken, save some that needed a
+shore background, and these could be done later.
+
+"Did Brisco really plot to get the _Mary Ellen_?" asked the manager.
+
+"He did," said Jack Jepson. "I'll tell you the whole story." And he did.
+Briefly it was this:
+
+On his first trip to the schooner, Jack had recognized Brisco as an
+unscrupulous man who had been engaged in several shady ship
+transactions. But Brisco denied his identity, and Jack pretended to have
+been mistaken, in order to throw him off his guard. Brisco was also,
+Jack said, one of the mutineers of the _Halcyon_, but the plotter
+denied this, and Jack admitted he may have been mistaken.
+
+Then came the advent of Hen Lacomb, whom Jepson recognized as a fellow
+plotter with Brisco. The evil men knew him, too, after a bit, but they
+counted on the charge of mutiny hanging over him to make him keep quiet,
+and not reveal their plot.
+
+Brisco and Lacomb plotted to get the schooner for themselves. They were
+not really going to endanger the lives of the passengers or crew, but
+their game was to only pretend to sink the ship, and to raise such an
+alarm that she would be hastily abandoned. Then they would come back to
+her later, salvage her, and use her for their own ends.
+
+Jack Jepson had overheard this plot, and, as he had said, found the
+incriminating document signed by Lacomb. This was hidden in a secret
+compartment in what had formerly been his bunk, when the schooner was
+the _Halcyon_.
+
+When Brisco and Lacomb discovered that Jepson knew their secret, they
+tried to get rid of him, by a seeming accident. But Fate interfered with
+their plans, and the storm made a big change. Then came the deposing of
+Captain Brisco, and the rest of the story is known to my readers.
+
+"Well, Jack Jepson--or, Captain Jepson, though you haven't now command
+of any ship," said Mr. Pertell, "we owe much to you."
+
+"It's nothin' at all," Jack said, modestly enough. "When I saw this
+steamer, though, I thought it was that Britisher coming back for me."
+
+"It's a shame that the charge of mutiny should hang over you!" exclaimed
+Alice. "I think it should be wiped out."
+
+"I wish it could be," Jack said with a sigh.
+
+A steward, a little later, came to where the rescued ones were talking
+together--Brisco and Lacomb having gone off by themselves--and the
+steward said the steamer's captain wanted to talk to the schooner's
+commander.
+
+"There he is," said Mr. Pertell, pointing to Jack Jepson. "That's our
+new captain."
+
+The steward looked. A queer change came over his face.
+
+"Jack!" he cried. "Is it really you? I've looked all over the world for
+you!"
+
+"Tom Buttle!" cried Jepson, leaping to his feet. "My old shipmate. Say,
+if anyone knows, you do, that I never had a thing to do with that mutiny
+on the _Halcyon_. Don't you know I didn't?"
+
+"Of course I do!" the steward cried. "I can prove you were as innocent
+as a babe, and I know others who can, too."
+
+"What's this--more of the mystery?" asked Alice.
+
+"It's the end of it, I hope," said Jack solemnly. "Tell 'em, Tom!"
+
+"There isn't much to tell," the steward said. "I was a shipmate with
+Jack on the _Halcyon_ or the _Mary Ellen_, in the old days. He's
+probably told you of the mutiny. I was hurt in it, and lay unconscious
+when they arrested him for it. I didn't recover until he had been put in
+jail, and when I tried to give my evidence, I could get no one to listen
+to me. Then I heard Jack had escaped and I rested easy. I never knew the
+charge was hanging over him all this while.
+
+"I've been all over the world since, sailing in different vessels, and
+in every port I'd inquire of Jack from those who knew him. But I never
+found him until now. Clear him--of course I can clear him of the unjust
+charge!"
+
+"Thank Heaven for that!" said Jack Jepson.
+
+"Everything is cleared up!" cried Alice gaily. "Even the sky--see how
+blue it is!"
+
+In due time Jack's innocence was proved before the English courts, and
+the charge against him wiped out. He was then free to come and go as he
+pleased. But the mystery of the disappearance of Captain Watson, of the
+_Halcyon_, or old _Mary Ellen_, and his companion, Mike Tullane, was
+never solved.
+
+The _Mary Ellen_, all that was left of the reconstructed _Halcyon_, was,
+of course, a total wreck. Brisco's plan failed. Nothing was done to him,
+as it would have been difficult to prove a case against him.
+
+Arrangements were made for taking the needed land scenes of the sea
+drama, and when this was done, the whole company returned to New York.
+
+"Well, Alice," remarked Ruth one day, as they were on their way up the
+coast in a steamer, "did you have enough of sea-life this trip?"
+
+"I certainly did," was the answer. "No more shipwrecks for me!"
+
+"Same here!" put in Russ. "It's taking too many chances!"
+
+"Oh, you'd do it over again--or something like it--and so would you
+girls, if you knew a good film would come of it," predicted Paul Ardite,
+with a laugh.
+
+And here we will say good-bye to the Moving Picture Girls.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOVING PICTURE GIRLS AT SEA***
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