"They didn't have time to do a thing!" exclaimed the young inventor, enthusiastically. "Thanks to you girls."
"Oh, we didn't do anything," said Ruth, modestly.
"I think you did!" cried Russ, looking at her admiringly.
"It was all Alice!" she said.
"'Twas you who thought of the most practical plans!" insisted the younger girl. "Oh, Russ! I'm so glad!"
"And so am I," said Ruth, softly.
"Well, I must say, for two girls who haven't been much in public life, you two are coming on," said Mr. DeVere, in his hoarse tones. "But I am glad of it!"
The prompt action of Alice and Ruth, enabling Russ to recover his invention, worked against the plans of the plotters. They were easily convicted of fraud, and sent to prison. As for the invention of Russ, he soon perfected it, and put it out on royalty. Many moving picture machine men agreed to use it on their projectors, and to pay him a sum each year for the privilege. So Russ was assured of a goodly income for some time.
"Well," said Ruth the next morning, as she and Alice arose late after their evening of excitement, "now that is over, the next matter to be considered is: What are we going to do from now on?"