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

“Yes, and I hope she doesn’t get too much that way,” said Ruth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“This is more fun than acting,” remarked Alice, as she reached for another chicken sandwich.

There was more to do after the meal, and when what food remained had been packed up for a luncheon later in the afternoon, they entered the boat again, and started still farther up stream.

The last film had been made and as the shadows were lengthening the start back was made.

“My, it’s getting dark very quickly, and it’s only three o’clock,” said Paul, as he looked at his watch.

“Going to rain, I guess,” said Russ.  And rain it did a little later, the drops coming down with tropical violence.

“Oughtn’t we to be at the steamer by this time?” asked Mrs. Maguire, when they could hardly see.

“Well, maybe we had,” agreed Paul.