"Is that an oil well?" asked Alice, pointing to the tall, wooden structure.
"That's the derrick, by which the drill is worked—yes, Miss," the brakeman said. "They bore down through the sand and rock until they think they're close to the oil. Then they blow out what rock and earth remains, with nitro-glycerine. The well may be a 'spouter,' or they may have to pump. Can't tell until after they fire the shot. I guess she's going off!" he added quickly. "Look at 'em run!"
"I've got my idea!" exclaimed Mr. Pertell. "We'll have a film of boring for oil. That will fit in well with my big drama. Get the company together, Pop," he said to the property man. "And, Russ, get ready to film the shooting of the oil well."
CHAPTER IX
THE RIVALS
Though there was a rush of spectators away from the oil well it appeared to be a false alarm, for nothing happened, and Mr. Pertell, who was afraid the well would "spout" before he could get his company of players on the scene, was relieved when he heard one of the workmen call:
"False alarm. She isn't going off yet."
"Now hurry and get around the well," urged the manager. "I want some of you grouped near it when the oil spouts up."
"Won't it be dangerous?" asked Mr. Sneed. "I don't want to be blown up by nitro-glycerine."