"And these really are the young gentlemen whom I seek?" asked the Spaniard. "Pardon me, I do not in the least doubt your word," he added with a formal bow, "but it seems so strange." "We are the moving picture boys," answered Blake with a smile, wondering what the letter could contain, and, wondering more than ever, why a missive from the Film Theatrical Company should be brought by this unusual stranger. "Then this is for you," went on Mr. Alcando. "And to think that they saved my life!" he murmured. "Shall I read it, Joe?" asked Blake, for the Spaniard extended the letter to him. "Sure. Go ahead. I'll listen." Blake took the folded sheet from the envelope, and his first glance was at the signature. "It's from Mr. Hadley!" he exclaimed. "What's up?" asked Joe, quickly. Blake was reading in a mumbling tone, hardly distinguishable. "Dear boys. This will introduce--um--um--um--who is desirous of learning the business of taking moving pictures. He comes to me well recommended--um--um" (more mumbles). "I wish you would do all you can for him--um--and when you go to Panama--" That was as far as Blake read. Then he cried out: "I say, Joe, look here! I can't make head nor tail of this!" "What is it?" asked his chum, looking over; his shoulder at the letter the Spaniard had so strangely brought to them. "Why, Mr. Hadley speaks of us going to Panama. That's the first we've had an inkling to that effect. What in the world does he mean?" "I hope I have not brought you bad news in a prospective trip to where the great canal will unite the two oceans," spoke the Spaniard in his formal manner. "Well, I don't know as you'd call it _bad_ news," said Blake, slowly. "We've gotten sort of used to being sent to the ends of the earth on short notice, but what gets me--excuse me for putting it that way--what surprises me is that this is the first Mr. Hadley has mentioned Panama to us." "Is that so?" asked Mr. Alcando. "Why, I understood that you knew all about his plans." "No one knows _all_ about Hadley's plans," said Joe in a low voice. "He makes plans as he goes along and changes them in his sleep. But this one about Panama is sure a new one to us." "That's right," chimed in Blake. "We were speaking of the big ditch shortly before the runaway came past," went on Blake, "but that was only a coincidence, of course. We had no idea of going there, and I can't yet understand what Mr. Hadley refers to when he says we may take you there with us, to show you some of the inside workings of making moving pictures." "Did you read the letter all the way through?" Joe asked. "No, but--" "Perhaps I can explain," interrupted the Spaniard. "If you will kindly allow me. I came to New York with an express purpose in view. That purpose has now suffered--but no matter. I must not speak of that!" and there seemed to be a return of his queer, tragic manner.