“Then you’ll do. Why, this is big luck. Hi, Dollinger, start up the machines. It’s wasting time waiting for Banks any longer.”
Dave got into the smaller automobile after the traps lying about had been packed into it. The others boarded the larger and more elegant machine. They went a roundabout way to strike a traversed road, and in about an hour came to the stream again.
It was where an old abandoned mill stood. Mr. Alden gave Dave one of the acts of the “Scenario”, as he called it. He explained to Dave what he was to do.
“Put on this suit,” directed the manager, selecting some clothing from a big box. “Better wear a wig and whiskers, so you’ll look more like a man. These moccasins will fit your feet. Now, you understand, when the villain pushes the heroine into the mill stream, you are to act your part. Just follow the cues in your typewritten screed there.”
“All right,” reported Dave promptly, “I think I know what you wish me to do.”
It was like watching a play, the various scenes that were enacted inside and outside of the old mill, all forming part of a very interesting story. As it neared its end, Dave took a fishing rod, as directed, and seated himself on the bank of the stream a few yards from the mill.
At the sound of a whistle he glanced at the mill, arose, dropped his fishing pole, tore off his coat, and took a plunge into the water, throwing his arms up in the air and floating down the swiftly rolling stream. The heroine came floating into view.
She splashed around and seemed about to sink as Dave reached her. He caught her, swam for the shore, and both went off to change their dripping attire.
“You did that very well,” said Mr. Alden in a kindly tone, coming up to Dave some minutes later. “You can keep those moccasins if you like,” he went on. “And here’s your pay for helping us.”
The speaker handed Dave a dollar bill. There had been considerable of a fascination to the little business part Dave had played. He would not have been sorry if Mr. Alden had offered him continued employment. The latter forgot him in a moment, however, bustling about and directing the others, who piled into the big automobile.