BILBY AGAIN
The work of picture making that day went without a hitch. Mr. Hooley sent several men into the woods above the spot on the shore of the “Kingdom of Pipes,” as Helen insisted upon calling the island where the prologue of the picture was made, and they remained on watch there during the activities of the company below.
When the film was developed and run off in the projection room that evening it was pronounced by all—even by Mr. Hammond—as good in detail as the spoiled reel.
From that point the work went on briskly, for the weather remained perfect for picture taking. Ruth was busy; but she could give some time to enjoyment, too, especially in the evening; and that next evening when Chess Copley appeared in his own motor-boat, the Lauriette, she was glad to join a moonlight boating party which ventured as far as Alexandria Bay, where they had supper and danced at the pavilion, returning to the picture camp in the early hours of the morning.
Ruth was Chessleigh’s particular guest on this occasion, and Tom and Helen Cameron went in another launch.
The moonlight upon the islands and the passages of silvery water between them was most beautiful. And Ruth enjoyed herself immensely. That is, she found the occasion enjoyable until they got back to the bungalow and had bidden the Copleys and their party good night. Then the girl of the Red Mill found her roommate rather irritable. Helen pouted and was frankly cross when she spoke.
“I don’t see what you find so interesting in Chess Copley,” she observed, brushing her hair before the glass.
“He is nice I think,” replied Ruth placidly.
“And you just ignore Tommy-boy.”
“I could not very well refuse Chess when he invited me into his launch. I did not know you and Tom were going in the other boat.”