into their confidence.
When it was known that Ruth Fielding had actually written one scenario for
a film, which had been accepted, paid for, and would be produced,
naturally the enthusiasm over the idea of having a reproduction of school
life at Briarwood filmed, became much greater than it might otherwise have
been. As a whole, the girls of Briarwood Hall were in a mood to work
together for the fund.

"No misunderstandings," said Jennie Stone, firmly. "We don't want to make
the sort of mistake the rural constable did when he came along by the
riverside and saw a face floating on the water. 'Come out o' that!' he
says. 'You know there ain't no bathing allowed around here.' And the face
in the water answered: 'Excuse me, officer; I'm not bathing--I'm only
drowning!'

"We've all got to pull together," the plump girl continued, very much in
earnest. "No hanging back--no squabbling over little things. If Ruth
Fielding can write a picture play we must all do our prettiest in acting
in it. Why! I'd play understudy to a baby elephant in a circus for the
sake of helping build the new dormitory."

Already Mrs. Tellingham and the doctor had been informed by the girls'
executive committee of the sums both actually raised by the girls, and
promised, toward the dormitory fund. It had warranted the good lady's
signing contracts for the removal of the wreckage of the burned building,
at least. The way would soon be cleared for beginning work on a new
structure.

Offers of money came pouring in from the parents interested in the success
of Briarwood Hall; and some of the checks already received by Mrs.
Tellingham were for substantial sums. But this proposal of Ruth's for all
the girls to help in the increase of the fund, pleased Mrs. Tellingham
more than anything else.

She read Ruth's brief sketch of the plot she had originated for the school
play, and approved it. "The Heart of a Schoolgirl" was forthwith put into
shape to show Mr. Hammond when he came to Lumberton, that event being
expected daily.

About this time the girls of Briarwood Hall were so excited and interested
over the moving picture idea that they scarcely had time for their studies
and usual work.

CHAPTER XIV

AT MRS. SADOC SMITH'S

Mrs Tellingham, wise in the ways of girls, had foreseen the excitement and
disturbance in the placid current of Briarwood life, and made plans
following the fire to counteract the evil influences of just this
disturbance