"No, they might even try, on the sly, to film the action of our players when we're going through some scene."
"Whew!" whistled Russ. "If they do that you could have them arrested."
"Well, be on the watch—that's all."
None of the other members of the company had seen the spy, and Russ and the manager said nothing about him. The train pulled out of the station, and thus the Western trip was begun.
Mr. Pertell planned to stop off with his company at several places and make films along the way. This was in accord with his idea of showing a big drama indicating the development of this country from East to West. The rush of the gold seekers, and the advance of the farmers to take up Government claims, were to be depicted, along with many other scenes.
One stop was made in the coal mining regions of Pennsylvania, near Scranton, and there some fine films were obtained. In one scene Ruth and Alice were shown in the interior of a mine, with the black coal all about them. Powerful electric lights gave the necessary illumination.
"I'd like to get a scene showing an explosion," said Russ, as they left the coal regions.
"Why, Russ Dalwood!" cried Ruth. "I'm surprised at you!"
"Oh, I don't mean by accident," he replied, quickly. "In fact, a little one would do. And I don't want one to happen on my account. But if there's going to be an accident I wish I could be on hand to film it."
"Oh, that's different," said Ruth, with a smile. "But I'm glad there is no accident."