"I'll say there is. This is a juicy contract and two other chains would
like to get it on their networks. Believe me, there is some intense
rivalry in getting big contracts like this. Why the Acme and the Sky
High chains would be willing to pay a large sum just to see us fizzle
the rehearsal Saturday night."

Janet was silent for a time. She had sensed the tension in the studio
without knowing exactly what was behind it. Now she knew what was wrong.

Jim Hill was speaking again.

"Both of you girls are from the original film company on the coast,
aren't you?" he asked.

Helen nodded in agreement.

"Then perhaps you would have some suggestions that might help me out of
this tangle," suggested the continuity writer.

"Mr. Adolphi suggested that several days ago and I worked one whole
afternoon on it, but someone stole the manuscript I had finished out of
my room," explained Janet.

Jim whistled softly to himself.

"So that's how it stands." Janet and Helen weren't sure whether he was
talking to them or to himself.

The continuity writer pushed back his chair and stared at them
appraisingly.

"I wish you'd help me and I'll promise that your script won't be stolen
from your hotel room. What do you say?"

Janet looked at Helen, and her companion nodded approvingly. The
decision was easy to make for Jim was likeable and both of the girls
wanted the broadcast to be a success.

"All right, we'll do it," said Janet.

"You mean you'll do it," Helen corrected her. "I'm not good as a writer
and you can fairly make a typewriter talk. I'll just hang around and
give you whatever advice I can and try not to be a nuisance."

"Say, that's great," said the continuity writer. "When can you begin?"

"As soon as we are through rehearsing this afternoon," promised Janet.

"How long will it take?"

"I don't know," she confessed. "Radio continuity is something new for
me. I'll simply do the rough stuff and you'll have to smooth it over."

"Then suppose you come to my office as soon as you're through and you
can work right on into the evening. Helen and I will see that you are
well supplied with coffee, sandwiches and whatever you want in the way
of eats."

"I'll be there," promised Janet. "Now we've got to get back to the
studio."

At rehearsal that afternoon neither their director nor Rachel Nesbit
were in a good mood and Rachel made it obvious that despite Curt's
explanation she still blamed Janet and Helen for bein