e that certain small
slides, such as have been experienced, are followed--almost always
after the same lapse of time--by a much larger one. The larger one
is due soon, and I want you there when it comes.

"Now another matter. Some time after you get this you will be
visited by a Spanish gentleman named Vigues Alcando. He will have
a letter of introduction from me. He wants to learn the moving
picture business, and as he comes well recommended, and as both
Mr. Ringold and I are under obligations to people he represents,
we feel that we must grant his request.

"Of course if you feel that you can't stand him, after you see
him, and if you don't want to take him with you--yes, even if you
don't want to go to Panama at all, don't hesitate to say so. But I
would like very much to have you. Someone must go, for the films
from down there will be particularly valuable at this time, in
view of the coming opening of the Canal for the passage of
vessels. So if you don't want to go, someone else representing us
will have to make the trip.

"Now think the matter over well before you decide. I think you
will find Mr. Alcando a pleasant companion. He struck me as being
a gentleman, though his views on some things are the views of a
foreigner. But that does not matter.

"Of course, as usual, we will pay you boys well, and meet all
expenses. It is too bad to break in on your vacation again, as we
did to get the flood pictures, but the expected big slide, like
the flood, won't wait, and won't last very long. You have to be
'Johnnie on the Spot' to get the views. I will await your answer."

CHAPTER VI

SOMETHING QUEER

For a little while, after he had read to Joe the
letter from Mr. Hadley, Blake remained silent. Nor did his chum
speak. When he did open his lips it was to ask:

"Well, what do you think of it, Blake?"

Blake drew a long breath, and replied, questioningly:

"What do you think of it?"

"I asked you first!" laughed Joe. "No, but seriously, what do you
make of it all?"

"Make of it? You mean going to Panama?"

"Yes, and this chap Alcando. What do you think of him?"

Blake did not answer at once.

"Well?" asked Joe, rather impatiently.

"Did anything--that is, anything that fellow said--or did--strike
you as being--well, let's say--queer?" and Blake looked his chum
squarely in the face.

"Queer? Yes, I guess there did! Of course he was excited about the
runaway, and he did have a narrow escape,