The feature of the evening was the most beautiful floral film he had ever seen. It was labelled “The Century Plant.” Professor Barrington had held high hopes as to the attractive qualities of this unusual film and had not been disappointed.
It appeared that a convention of horticulturists from all over the East was being held in Boston. The professor knew its officers. His suggestions and influence had resulted in a viva voce resolution on the part of the convention to go and see the famous film in a body.
By eight o’clock nearly three hundred of the delegates and their wives filled one entire section of the big auditorium. Then there filed in over one hundred students from Harvard University and Wellesley College.
“You could fairly smell the perfume!” declared Mr. Strapp.
It was no wonder, therefore, that Pep reflected that he was missing a great thing in leaving Boston on the proposed mission. He was, however, loyal to Vic. They had become great friends, and to Pep more particularly Vic betrayed his deep anxiety to learn the fate of the stolen “ships of the desert.”
The day after Pep’s stirring adventures at the New Idea he and Vic had related their details to Frank. The latter was fully convinced that Pep had made an important discovery. Frank at once telegraphed to the special agent who was trying to find the stolen animals to go to Brinton and see what he could find out. As a matter of fact the man had discovered nothing and Frank had called him in and paid him off.
Frank handed Pep a roll of bank notes as he returned from the office of the playhouse.
“Mr. Strapp thinks you and Vic had better try your luck on this proposition,” he advised his eager chum. “Don’t let money stand in the way of accomplishing something.”
“Oh, we’re going to find those camels,” declared the optimistic Pep. “I’d better go to the hotel and get Vic and start for Brinton on the first evening train.”
“All right,” nodded Frank. “I’ll go with you as far as the hotel.”