From the later talk of the professor, Frank was satisfied that the operating end of the proposition was no dream. The rarity, nature and variety of some of the films his companion described quite enthralled the young leader of the motion picture chums.
He was neither uneasy nor alarmed as to the enmity and plotting of Slavin and his cohorts. Every inch of the way in his former progress in the movies line Frank had been called upon to fight for his rights. Keen wit and straightforward action had heretofore scored success for him. He was now ready for a new battle, if occasion demanded it.
Frank had every reason for believing that his enemies would be on the alert to spy on their movements. They had been baffled in getting hold of the precious satchel; but a knowledge of the ideas of Professor Barrington was theirs. Outwitting a business rival by getting ahead of him in securing some desirable lease was a favorite line of tactics for Slavin. He was notorious for this kind of scheming, generally seeking to block the plans of the people he was after, relying on their paying a big bonus to buy him out.
Frank was about his business shortly after luncheon. The satchel had not arrived, and the professor was so anxious about it that he decided to remain at the hotel until it came. Frank was glad of this. He had been put in possession of all the facts about the leases by his new friend and had calculated the risk of Slavin or his emissaries shadowing them. Alone, he knew he could more easily evade his rivals than if the slow-going, blundering professor were in his company.
“I’ll give the big double store fair play,” Frank decided; “but it isn’t exactly what we want.” As he approached the place and looked it over from the outside and took in its entire environment, he was less in favor of the location than ever.
However, he entered the place and inquired for a Mr. Page. This was the person with whom the professor had been negotiating. Frank introduced himself.
“I had not heard from Professor Barrington as I expected, and I began to think he had given up considering us,” said Mr. Page. “In fact, I felt warranted in looking out for a new tenant. I have not definitely found one, but several business firms are figuring on the lease. You know that the verbal option I gave to the professor expired yesterday.”
“I did not know it,” replied Frank, in some surprise. “The professor must have got confused in his dates, for he supposes the choice is open for him for some days to come.”
“Well, it must be a free chance for everybody if you do not decide quickly,” announced Mr. Page in a business-like way. “Will you look around the place?”
This Frank did and his inspection was a thorough one. His past experience was a great guide to him. A good deal was at stake, Frank realized. He was able to picture just how the place would look when transformed. He was also able to calculate the cost, the opportunities for improvement, and the conveniences as to light, heat, ventilation, exits and seating capacity.