CHAPTER PAGE I Looking for Business 1 II The Motor Boat 9 III Short of Funds 18 IV An Old Friend 28 V The Bird House 38 VI A Friend in Need 48 VII Business Boys 57 VIII Kidnapped 66 IX Pep in Clover 75 X The Press Agent 87 XI Crossed Wires 96 XII Business Rivals 104 XIII All Ready! 112 XIV “The Great Unknown” 119 XV The Speaking Picture 126 XVI A Grand Success 133 XVII Boastful Peter 141 XVIII The Great Film 149 XIX Getting Along 157 XX A Rich Find 165 XXI The Tin Box 174 XXII A Big Reward 185 XXIII The Broken Sign 193 XXIV The Great Storm 201 XXV Conclusion 209 THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS AT SEASIDE PARK CHAPTER I—LOOKING FOR BUSINESS “Boys, this is just the spot we are looking for!” “Yes, I am sure a good photo playhouse on this boardwalk would pay.” It was Frank Durham who made the first declaration and his chum and young partner, Randy Powell, who echoed it. Both looked like lads in business earnestly looking for something they wanted, and determined to find it. Then the third member of the little group glanced where his companions were gazing. He was Pepperill Smith, and he burst forth in his enthusiastic way: “The very thing!” The three chums had arrived at Seaside Park only that morning. Their home was at Fairlands, one hundred and fifty miles west. Everything was new to them and there was certainly enough variety, excitement and commotion to satisfy any lively lad. They had, however, come for something else than pleasure. They had a distinct purpose in view, and Frank’s remarks brought it up. Seaside Park was a very popular ocean resort. It was a trim little town with a normal population of less than three thousand souls. In the summer season, however, it provided for over ten times that number. A substantial boardwalk fronted the beach where people bathed, lined with stores, booths, and curio and souvenir tents. There were several restaurants for the convenience of those who had run down from the big cities to take a day’s enjoyment and did not care to stay at the pretentious hotels.