Carl Switzer was the German comedian, and was a first-rate actor in his line. His jollity proved an offset to the gloom of Mr. Sneed. Pop Snooks, the efficient property man, has already been mentioned. His work was easier when the company was on the road, as there the natural scenery was depended on to a great extent. Pearl Pennington and Laura Dixon were former vaudeville actresses who had gone into the "movies." Some said it was because they failed to longer draw on the stage. Whether or not this was so, it was certain that the two had very large ideas of their own abilities. They cared little for Ruth and Alice, and the latter had few interests in common with Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon. Paul Ardite has been mentioned. With the exception of Mr. Towne the players had been associated together for some time. But, just at present Mr. Towne was "disassociated" from the others. "Oh, can you see him?" cried Ruth, as she clung to Alice. "I--I can't bear to look!" "Of course I can see him!" Alice returned. "He's trying to swim. Oh, he has grabbed the life ring!" "That will keep him up," spoke Paul. "Are they lowering the boat?" "There she goes!" cried Russ. "Ha! I've got an idea. I'll film this, and Mr. Pertell may be able to use it in some drama." He hurried to where he had set down the small moving picture camera, and while the boat was being lowered by the sailors Russ got views of that. Then he moved closer to the rail, and took more views as the small craft was sent away under the force of the sturdy arms of the rowers. "This will be great!" Russ cried. "Oh, but it seems so cold-blooded!" murmured Ruth. "To take a picture of a drowning man." "I don't think he is drowning," Paul observed. "He has the ring, and that will keep him up until the boat reaches him. They are almost to him, and he seems able to swim well." "That's good," declared Alice. She had not turned her head away as had her sister. In fact, in spite of being two years younger than Ruth, Alice often showed more spirit. She was of an impulsive nature, and Mr. DeVere used to say she was very like her dead mother. Ruth was tall and fair, and of a romantic nature. Alice was more practical. "There! They've got him!" cried Paul, as the boat came up to the actor in the water. "That's good!" sighed Ruth. "Oh, I was _so_ alarmed. I think I will go below, Alice, when they bring him on deck." "You don't need to," said her sister. "He's probably all right, except that his fine clothes are spoiled." "That's so!" chuckled Russ, who was industriously grinding away at the handle of the camera. CHAPTER III A DISQUIETING ITEM "Man the falls!" This order was given by one of the officers as the boat containing the rescued actor came close to the ship's side. The sailors stood ready to hoist the boat to the davits again, when the tackle blocks should have been made fast by the hooks to the ring bolts at bow and stern.