Quite an elaborate drama was to be filmed and the "full strength of the company," as Paul laughingly said, was required. Even little Tommy and Nellie were to used in some of the scenes.
"Isn't it wild and desolate in here?" remarked Ruth, with a little shudder as they penetrated deeper and deeper into the forest, for Mr. Pertell wanted a certain background.
"It is lonesome," agreed Alice. "Whenever I get to a place like this I think of those two missing girls."
"So do I! Isn't it too bad about them? I wonder if they can have been found by this time?"
"Let us hope so," said Alice, in a low voice.
It took some little time to arrange for making this new film, and in the first scenes neither Ruth nor Alice were required. They wandered off to one side, remaining within call, however.
"There's an orchid!" exclaimed Alice, as she pointed to a beautiful bloom, clinging to a tree. Seemingly it drew its nourishment from the air alone.
"How beautiful!" remarked Ruth. "I wonder if we could get it?"
"I can climb the tree," declared her sister. "I have on an old skirt. I'll get it."
She did, after some little difficulty, and as she was bringing it to Ruth, Alice looked through an opening between the trees, and exclaimed: