Ruth’s school and college friends, interested in the triumphs of their schoolmate and basking in reflected glory, continued to keep in touch with her even after the close association of school days was at an end. A group of them had come on to Cheslow to be present at the opening night of “Snow-blind,” one of Ruth’s recent pictures, which had proved a tremendous success.
It was Mr. Hammond, owner and director of the Alectrion Film Corporation, who had first given Ruth her chance and who had never afterward failed in kind encouragement and backing. Even when Ruth, realizing that she had unusual gifts not only in scenario writing but in directing as well, decided to break away from Mr. Hammond and organize her own company, the latter had backed her project whole-heartedly, evincing only sympathy and an inspiring belief in her ability.
Small wonder then that, upon receipt of this telegram from her old friend telling of his difficulties and soliciting her aid, Ruth found it practically impossible to refuse him.
In the volume directly preceding this, entitled, “Ruth Fielding at Golden Pass,” it was Mr. Hammond himself who had suggested that Ruth take the lead when her leading lady, at the instigation of Bloomberg, deserted the company at the last minute.
So now her question to Tom, asking for his advice, was more a matter of form than anything else. Since the latter had secretly invested a considerable amount of money in her new and struggling little business just when she was most desperately in need of help, gratitude had been added to an already warm feeling for Helen’s twin brother.
There had been an understanding between these two young people for some time. For Tom’s sturdy liking for the girl from the Red Mill had developed into something more ardent as Ruth grew to womanhood. But as Ruth grew, her ambition grew also. The temptation to determine just how far her talent would carry her in the motion picture business was too great for Ruth to resist. So while returning Tom’s affection, the girl put him off time and time again, pleading her career as an excuse.
Tom was very patient. He could appreciate Ruth’s enthusiasm, since he himself had become so vitally interested in pictures. He had as well, a sincere regard for the girl’s ability.
However, waiting is often very hard, and time and again it was only Ruth’s appreciation of his patience and forbearance that kept Tom from open revolt.
So now it was just another example of this same patience and forbearance when, in reply to Ruth’s question concerning Mr. Hammond, he said without hesitation:
“Of course you’ll have to go, Ruth. Under the circumstances you couldn’t do anything else.”