CHAPTER VII
MOVIE STUNTS
Jennie Stone slept in Ruth’s bed that night because, having been parted since they were both in France, they had a great deal to say to each other—thus proving true one of Tom Cameron’s statements regarding women.
Jennie was just as sympathetic—and as sleepy—as she could be and she “oh, dear, me’d” and yawned alternately all through the tale of the lost scenario and notebooks, appreciating fully how Ruth felt about it, but unable to smother the expression of her desire for sleep.
“Maybe we ought not to have come on this automobile trip,” said Jennie. “If the thief just did it to be mean and is somebody who lives around the Red Mill, perhaps you might have discovered something by mingling with the neighbors.”
“Oh! Tom did all that,” sighed Ruth. “And without avail. He searched the neighborhood thoroughly, although he is confident that a tramp carried it off. And that seems reasonable. I am almost sure, Heavy, that my scenario will appear under the trademark of some other producing manager than Mr. Hammond.”
“Oh! How mean!”
“Well, a thief is almost the meanest person there is in the world, don’t you think so? Except a backbiter. And anybody mean enough to steal my scenario must be mean enough to try to make use of it.”
“Oh, dear! Ow-oo-ooo! Scuse me, Ruth. Yes, I guess you are right. But can’t you stop the production of the picture?”
“How can I do that?”