you will be one of the fire-fighters in the bucket brigade. You'll help pass the buckets of water along to put out the fire."
"What? I become a country fireman?" demanded the tall-hatted actor.
"Certainly."
"I refuse! I will take no such part. I cannot lower myself to it."
"Very well," said Mr. Pertell, calmly. "You may resign, but you know what it means—no more engagements."
"Oh, give me the screed," returned the actor, petulantly. "I'll do it!"
Preparations for the rural play went on apace. The barn-burning scene was only one of many, though it was the climax. Rehearsals began and Russ and Mr. Pertell decided on the barn incidents, and the place where the roof was to be cut.
A carpenter had been engaged to do this properly, so that it would not show in the moving picture that the roof had been fixed in advance.
In order to have the big play a success Mr. Pertell allowed the players to rehearse leisurely and at considerable length. There was plenty of rest for all. On one afternoon Paul and Russ, when there was nothing to do, paid another visit to the cabin in the woods, to see if there were any signs of the mysterious man. But he was not
