"Then there's sure to be an accident," predicted the grouchy actor. "I think you may count me out of this play, Mr. Pertell. I have had enough of water stuff."
"Well, you're due to have a bit more," observed Mr. Pertell, drily. "For you fall overboard from one of the boats, at the conclusion of the race."
"I fall overboard!" was the startled exclamation.
"Yes, and Mr. Bunn dives in after you. You are both good swimmers—you remember you told me so."
The use of the dock of the St. Augustine Power Boat Club had been loaned for the making of the moving picture, and next day, with such of his company as were to go in the boats, Mr. Pertell went to the float. Others of the players took their places on the wall of the fort.
Two cameras were to be used, Russ working one to show the start and finish of the race, and Pop Snooks the other, to depict the action of the players not in the boats.
The motor boats were powerful and handsome craft. The skippers of each were at the wheel as the players took their places, and each boat carried a blackened and greasy mechanician, as looking after high-powered motors was no simple matter.
"Well, are we all ready?" asked the manager, as he assigned the players to their places.
"All ready, sir," answered Mr. DeVere.
Alice was in one boat, well up in front beside the captain-owner, while Ruth occupied a similar position in the other craft.