Russ got a number of fine nature films, but the real work of making dramas would not take place for another day or two.  Meals were served aboard, though once or twice, when a long stop had to be made for the cutting of fuel, a shore party was made up.

Then they would take their luncheon with them, seek out some little palm-shaded glade, and there feast and make merry.  Ruth and Alice, with Paul and Russ, always enjoyed these trips.

“I think this will about suit us,” said Mr. Pertell, one evening, as the Magnolia made a turn in the stream, and came to a place where another sluggish river joined it.  “This is the spot spoken of by Jed, and the surrounding country will give us just the scenery we want, I think.  We will tie up here for the night, and you and I will make an examination to-morrow, Russ.”

“All right, sir.  It looks like a good location to me.”

It was so warm that supper really was almost a waste of effort on the part of the cook that evening, for few ate much.  Then came a comfortable time spent on the deck, while the night wind cooled the day-heated air.

“Oh, isn’t this positively stifling!” complained Miss Pennington as she dropped into a chair beside Ruth.  “How do you ever stand it?  I’ve bathed my face in cologne, and done everything I can think of to cool off.”

“Perhaps if you didn’t do so much you would keep cooler,” Ruth suggested with a smile.  “And really that is a very warm gown you have on.”

“I know it, but it’s so becoming to me—­at least, I flatter myself it is,” and she glanced in the direction of Mr. Towne, who as usual was attired “to the limit,” as Russ said.

Ruth and Alice, in cool muslins or lawns, were quite in contrast to the rather overdressed former vaudeville actresses.

“I can lend you a kimono,” offered Alice.

“No, thank you!” replied Miss Pennington.  “I believe in a certain refinement in dress, even if we are in the wilds of Florida.”

“I believe in being comfortable,” retorted Alice.

Miss Dixon came up on deck, redolent of a highly perfumed talcum powder.

“It seems to keep away the mosquitoes,” she murmured in explanation, though no one had said anything, even if Russ did sniff rather ostentatiously.

“I should think it would attract them,” chuckled Paul.

“Oh, indeed!” said Miss Dixon, and changed her mind about taking a seat near him.

Returning from a little exploring party next day Russ and Mr. Pertell reported the locality to be just what was wanted.

“We start work to-morrow,” said the manager.  “And I want everyone to do his or her best, for this will bring our Florida stay to a close.”

“And what next?” asked Mr. DeVere.

“I haven’t made up my mind yet.  But there will be plenty of other pictures to make.”

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