Frank was still up reading, Mr. Strapp and Professor Barrington were going over some business papers. All hands looked up in startled wonderment as their young friend fairly burst into the room.
“Oh, Frank!” almost shouted the breathless Randy—“I’ve got it!”
“Got what?” inquired the professor, lifting his astonished eyes to the excited lad.
“The great film—and there it is!” and Randy placed the parcel before him. A satisfied smile passed over the face of Mr. Hank Strapp of Montana. He grasped the hand of his young partner in a grip that made Randy wince.
“Great, boy!” was all he said. “I’d be proud to be your father!”
It was a gala night at the Standard. The decks had been cleared for action; the occasion heralded all over the city. The great film was to be produced.
All the motion picture chums were present. Pep and Vic had returned from their adventurous quest of the camels, more in love with the beautiful playhouse than ever. The sale of the camels was under negotiation and it looked as though Vic Belton in a few days would have a tidy sum to share with his faithful old friend, Bill Purvis.
The New Idea was completely off the books. There was no doubt that Slavin had planned to flee to Europe with the stolen film. He had disappeared, and his partner closed up the playhouse with a broken head and an empty pocket.
Mr. Randall was in the audience and the boy Jim was an usher. The handsome reception entrance was crowded with waiting throngs, for the “full house” signs had been put up half an hour previous.