All this time Russ had continued to get pictures of the novel scene, and Paul, as the Kerosene King, went through the act that had been improvised for him, the others of the company doing their share. "This will make a novel film," said Mr. Pertell in satisfied tones. "I hope you got it all, Russ." "Every bit. I think the views showing the oil spouting up will be first rate." "But what are you using two cameras for?" asked Mr. DeVere. "Two cameras?" repeated Mr. Pertell, questioningly. "Yes, there's a man over there with another machine," and he pointed to a little hill, not far off, where stood a man working away at the handle of a machine similar to the one Russ was using. And this camera was pointed directly at the oil well and at the Comet players. "What does that mean?" cried Mr. Pertell. "I didn't order two films made, and besides----" "That isn't one of our men!" interrupted Russ, as he sprang away from his camera. "Who is it?" Mr. Pertell wanted to know. "It's one of our rivals. Someone from the International concern!" cried Russ. "They've followed us to steal some more of our ideas!" "You're right!" shouted Mr. Pertell. "This will have to stop!" Together he and Russ, followed by Paul, made a dash in the direction of the rival photographer. But the latter saw them coming, and hastily picking up his machine he ran toward a clump of woods not far off. And by the time his pursuers reached there he was not to be found, though they searched about for some time. CHAPTER X THE CYCLONE "All aboard!" called the conductor of the way train that had been held up to allow the shooting of the oil well. "All board!" "Come," summoned Mr. Pertell to his moving picture players. "We'll get along now. That stop was a lucky one for us." The train could now proceed, all danger from the delayed charge in the well being over. Just what had caused it to "hang fire" was never learned. But the shooting of the well was a success, and as the train pulled out, Paul having gotten rid of his borrowed clothes, the workmen were seen hurrying about, taking care of the valuable flow of petroleum. "What do you make of the action of that International man?" asked Russ, as he took a seat beside the manager. "I don't know what to make of those fellows," was the answer. "They must be following us pretty closely; but I don't see how they knew we were going to film the oil well." "They didn't know it," decided Russ. "They've had a spy on our trail, following us; that's how it was done. You know we saw that fellow Wilson looking at the destination marked on the baggage checks. He probably sent word to the concern and they started out a camera man to follow us. It would have to be someone we hadn't seen before, so of course Wilson himself would not do, though I understand he can operate a machine fairly well."