t's only
tomorrow night!" gasped Janet.

Chapter Seventeen

HELLO, NEW YORK

They were so busy until after dinner that night that Janet had no time
to scan the evening paper. When she picked up the _Times_ it was with
pleasant surprise for in the middle of the front page was a story by
Pete Benda, reviewing "Water Hole" and describing the roles Janet and
Helen played.

"Miss Hardy gave a most pleasing portrayal in the role of the heroine,"
Pete had written, "and a good many local people will enjoy this picture
to the utmost. It is far above the average western."

Near the end was a line. "Cora Dean and Margie Blake, local girls who
were also in the picture, may be seen in a crowd scene at the village."
Janet smiled as she thought of the humiliation that Cora would feel.
Well, it had been a mean trick of Cora's to write Pete Benda that she
and Margie had leading roles.

Helen's father made complete plans for their trip to New York for the
Ace company was paying all expenses as well as salaries to Janet and
Helen while they were in the east.

Both Janet and Helen packed the new dresses Roddy had sent them in the
large bags which they were taking with them. There might be little
actual opportunity to wear them, but they wanted to be prepared.

Their train for Chicago left at ten o'clock and they arrived at the
station in ample time, Janet's father conveying them there. He had
reserved a drawing room for them and they felt elated over that.

The _Chicago Limited_ was on time to the minute, the puffing locomotive
drawing its long string of Pullmans to an easy stop. The girls had
drawing room A in car fifty-seven. The porter took their bags as they
turned to say good-bye to their parents.

"Got plenty of money?" Janet's father asked in a whisper.

"Plenty, Dad. And I'll get paid while I'm in New York."

But he slipped her a small, black book that resembled a check book.

"Put this in your purse. It will come in handy if you have an
emergency," he said.

Calls of "Bo-o-oard," rang along the train. Final good-byes were said
and the girls stepped into the vestibule of their car. The train started
easily and they waved to their parents. Then they were out of the train
shed, picking up speed rapidly for the remainder of the night run to
Chicago.

They retired to their drawing-room, finished in restful tones of rose
and gray, and slipped into pajamas. Both being tired, they went to bed
at once, Janet in