xclaimed
the actor.

CHAPTER XXI

IN THE STORM

"That's the way to drive!"

"Come on now!"

"Faster, if you can make the horses go!"

"Get all that in, Russ!"

It was a lively scene, for a spirited race in cutters was in progress
between Mr. Bunn and Mr. Sneed. It was taking place on the frozen
surface of the lake, and each actor had been instructed to do his best
to win. The race was a scene in the big snow drama, and it was being
filmed several days after the events narrated in the preceding chapter.

The thaw was over, there had been a spell of cold weather, and Deerfield
was icebound. The lake was a glittering expanse, and the ice on it was
thick enough to support a regiment.

"A little more to the left, Mr. Sneed!" called Russ, who was taking the
pictures. "I want to get a better side view."

"But if I go too far to the left I'm afraid I'll run into Mr. Bunn,"
objected the gloomy actor.

"No matter if you do--if you don't run into him too hard," cried Mr.
Pertell. "It will make it look more natural."

"If he runs into me--and does me any damage--I shall sue him and you
too!" declared Mr. Bunn. "This is a farcical idea, anyhow. You said I
might get a chance to do some Shakespearean work up here; but so far I
have done nothing."

"I'll see what I can do on that line next week," promised the manager.
"Go on with this race now. The idea is for you, Mr. Sneed, to be in
pursuit of Mr. Bunn. You must look as though you really wanted to catch
him. Put some spirit into your acting."

"It is too cold!" complained Mr. Sneed. "I would a great deal rather be
sitting beside the fire in the Lodge."

"No doubt," commented Mr. Pertell, drily. "But that won't make moving
pictures. Come on, now, start your horses again," for they had, so far,
been only rehearsing.

Finally Mr. Pertell was satisfied that the play would be done to his
satisfaction, and gave the word for Russ to start unreeling the film.

Away started the two cutters over the ice, and the two actors really
managed to put a little enthusiasm into their work. Then, as Russ called
to Mr. Sneed to edge over a little to the left, as he had done before,
at the rehearsal, the gloomy actor pulled too hard on one rein. His
horse swerved too much, and, the next instant, the cutter upset, and Mr.
Sneed was neatly deposited on the ice.

Fortunately he fell clear of the vehicle, and was not entangled in the
reins, so he was not hurt. The horse, an in