“We’re pretty well known already,” remarked Tom, modestly.
Now the boys began to ask a few questions themselves, and the lecturer, in the clear, resonant tones of one long accustomed to speak on the public platform, obliged. Rapidly he told them something about the various countries they had visited in quest of material for his work, ending up with the explanation that this year he had decided to make an exploration of Mexico, and on his way to that country study conditions along the Texas border.
“I think some of our people in the East would like to have visualized scenes and incidents connected with the work of the United States soldiers who are patrolling this section,” he said. “I expect also to get some pictures of a more stirring nature on the other side of the Rio.”
“What!” cried Cranny, his eyes opening wide with astonishment, “the scrappin’, you mean?”
“To be sure; why not? The lecturer and motion-picture photographer are attended by risks of many sorts. Our comfortably-seated audiences, while viewing pictures of lands taken in various quarters of the globe, and of wild and ferocious animals prowling about their native haunts, probably seldom realize the dangers and hardships which are encountered by the men who have traveled thousands of miles to get them.”
“They don’t indeed!” agreed George Parry.
“I shouldn’t care to tackle that job in Mexico,” commented Sam Randall, reflectively.
“Nor I, either,” confirmed Don.
“Count me out of such adventurous proceedings, too,” said Dave.
“And I’m right in for ’em!” exclaimed Cranny, so emphatically that the two men looked at him with a smile. “I say—are you goin’ across the Rio pretty soon?”