The Movie Boys at Seaside Park OR The Rival Photo Houses of the Boardwalk BY VICTOR APPLETON _Author of “The Movie Boys in the Jungle,” “The Movie Boys’ First Showhouse,” “The Movie Boys Under Fire,” etc._ [Illustration] GARDEN CITY NEW YORK GARDEN CITY PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC. 1926 THE FAMOUS MOVIE BOYS SERIES BY VICTOR APPLETON _See back of book for list of titles_ COPYRIGHT, 1913, 1926, BY GARDEN CITY PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC. THE MOVIE BOYS 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. The three friends had made for this part of the resort as soon as they had arrived. As they had strolled down the boardwalk Frank had studiously observed the general layout and the points where the pleasure-seekers most congregated. Randy was quite as much interested in peering in at the windows of the few buildings bearing “To Rent” signs. Pep made a deliberate stop wherever a show place attracted his attention. Now all three had halted in front of an unoccupied building and were looking it over critically. “I say, fellows,” observed Frank, “this is worth looking into.” “It’s certainly a fine location,” added Randy. “Just made for us,” piped the exuberant Pep. The building was frame and one story in height. It was of ample breadth, and as the brisk and busy Pep squinted down its side he declared it was over one hundred feet long. Randy went up to the chalked-over windows, while Frank took out a card and copied the name and address of the owner given on the rent sign.