He soon found that it was of little use to attire himself in the "height of fashion," and gradually became more sensible in his adornment. On the trip Russ managed to get a series of films showing different scenes, and at one lonely railroad station, where they had to wait several hours for a connecting train, a little scene was improvised that later was worked into a play. The few "natives" around the place were much excited at some of the things the players did, and when Paul "saved" Mr. Towne from being run down by a freight train that came along, one grizzled old man was so worked up, thinking it all real, that he wanted to run for a doctor, when Mr. Towne pretended to be hurt. "An' they do that fer money?" this native inquired, when the matter had been explained to him. "That's what they do," said Russ, who was putting away his camera. "Wa'al, all I've got to say is if that's what they call work--I'd rather do nothin'," was the caustic comment. "And that's what he jinerally does," spoke another native, in a low voice. "He's never worked, an' I guess he never will." "It would be pretty hard to get a _moving_ picture of _him_, then," laughed Russ. Finally the train, which had been delayed by a slight accident, came along, and the weary players got aboard. In due season they reached Sycamore, a little village near the shores of Lake Kissimmee. Accommodations had been arranged for in advance, and soon the company was getting settled in the new quarters. "This is some different from St Augustine," complained Miss Pennington, who roomed with her friend Miss Dixon. "I should say so. I'd go back to New York, if I could." "So would I. But I guess we'll have to stay, my dear. Hand me the powder; will you? My face is a wreck from the cinders and dust." "So's mine." And together they "beautified." Ruth and Alice were among the first to go down to the parlor to await the ringing of the dinner gong. They strolled up to the desk, to ask the clerk if there was any mail for them, since word had been left at the hotel in St. Augustine to forward any letters. "Oh, you are with the moving picture company; aren't you?" the clerk asked, as he gave them each a letter. They were from acquaintances they had made at the hotel. "Yes, we're with the 'movies,'" admitted Alice. "Going to make all your pictures around here?" "Not all. We are booked to go into the interior, I believe. Pleasant prospect; isn't it?" she asked with a frank laugh. "Well, no, I wouldn't say it was," answered the clerk, and he spoke as though Alice had meant to be serious. "In fact, if I were you I wouldn't try to go into the interior around here." "Why not?" asked Ruth. "Because it was from here the two girls started out into the wilds to gather rare flowers, and they have not since been heard from!" CHAPTER XIII OUT IN THE BOAT