Between them, Ruth and Alice told about Dan Merley's claim, and the injustice of it. Russ was duly sympathetic.
"If I were your father I would pay no attention to his demand," the young moving picture operator said.
"But suppose he sues, as he threatened?" asked Ruth.
"Let him, and fight the case in court when it comes up. Merley may be only 'bluffing', to use a common expression."
"But it annoys daddy almost as much as if the case were real, you see," said Ruth. "Won't you sit down, Russ? Excuse our impoliteness, but really we've been quite upset."
"Thanks," he laughed as he took a chair. "You need cheering up. You come to the studio to-morrow and forget your troubles in a good laugh."
"Why?" asked Alice. "Ruth and I are not down for any parts to-morrow."
"No, but Mr. Switzer is going to do some comic stunts, and Mr. Bunn and Mr. Sneed are in them with him. There are to be some trick films, I believe."
"Then we'll go," decided Alice. "I think a laugh would do me good."
Gradually the little fright wore off, and when Mr. DeVere returned shortly afterward the girls were themselves again, under the happy influence of Russ.