“That’s so--my report is due; isn’t it? Why, I’ve arranged for everything. Boxed up and crated what there was in good shape, and expect they’ll arrive to-morrow or the next day.” “By rail, of course?” “Oh, yes. It’s a long distance, there’s a lot of bad roads and hills to climb, and freight was the only way. I left the chairs. It would cost as much to move them as they were worth.” “We had better stock up new as to the seating feature,” said Frank, “seeing that we need double what we had at Fairlands. Well, boys, now to show you what I have accomplished.” Frank had done so much that he held their fascinated attention unbroken for well nigh an hour. Jolly smiled and nodded his approval as Frank told in detail of his negotiations with the supply houses in the city. Pep’s eyes snapped with anticipation of the brilliant way in which the new Wonderland was going to open. “It looks all smooth sailing; doesn’t it now?” Randy submitted in his optimistic way. “How soon will we open?” pressed the eager Pep. “I should think we would be all ready within a week or ten days.” “Oh, pshaw! have to wait that long?” mourned Pep. “You want things right; don’t you?” asked Randy. “Oh, of course, of course,” responded Pep, “only every day counts. Before we know it someone else will break in and get all the cream off the proposition.” “No, no, friend Pep,” laughed Ben Jolly confidently. “We’ve got too good a start in the movies race at Seaside Park, and we’re bound to win.” CHAPTER XII BUSINESS RIVALS “Put the brake on, Pep!” sang out Randy. “What’s the trouble now?” inquired Ben Jolly. “Someone trying to kidnap you again?” Frank, Randy and Jolly, on their way to see about their goods at the freight house, had scattered precipitately as a bounding figure turned a street corner and almost crashed into them. “Glad I found you. Say, what did I tell you?” exclaimed the youthful sprinter. “You come with me and I’ll show you something that will open your eyes.” “Later, Pep,” said Frank. “We are on our way to arrange for carting the traps from Fairlands up to the playhouse.” “It won’t take a minute,” declared Pep. “It’s only a block or two away. Say, you’d better come. I’ll show you a sight that will set you thinking.” “All right, we’ll give you five minutes, Pep,” said Frank indulgently. “And don’t forget that I told you so!” “Told us what?” interrogated Randy. “You’ll find out in a minute.” Pep piloted the group in his usual impetuous was. Quite a busy boardwalk diverged from the main boardwalk thoroughfare, and some minor stores and restaurants of the cheaper class occupied the first block.