machine swung to a stop a few feet away and Janet and Helen, when
they saw the passengers, recognized them with mixed emotions.

Chapter Three

SURPRISE CALLERS

The newcomers were Cora Dean and Margie Blake, classmates from Clarion,
who had been Janet and Helen's chief rivals for almost every honor
during their last four years in school.

"What under the sun do you suppose they want here?" asked Helen under
her breath.

"We'll soon find out," retorted Janet, rising and advancing to greet
Cora and Margie.

Cora was dark like Helen, while Margie's hair was almost as golden
blonde as Janet's, the difference being that Margie used drug store
coloring, and Janet depended on the natural shade.

"Hello Cora, hello Margie. This is a surprise," said Janet as she
greeted them and Helen echoed the sentiment a minute later.

"We've been touring through the west. When we learned a company was
shooting a picture out here we came on over. We didn't know until we
stopped in the village that it was the company you're with." It was
Cora, her tongue as sharp as ever, making the explanation.

Margie was taking in everything and fairly gaping at the cowboys who in
their picturesque garb, were lounging nearby waiting for the gong to
call them to supper.

Billy Fenstow came by and Janet called to him, introducing Cora and
Margie.

"Have them stay for dinner and meet the company," said the director,
who, with the film on schedule, felt particularly hospitable.

"Oh, we'd love that," gurgled Cora. "We've always wanted to see a
picture being taken."

Billy Fenstow scratched his head.

"Well, we're all through for today, but if Janet and Helen could bunk
double and give you one of the beds in their room, you could stay over
and see the final shooting tomorrow."

"Why, that would be grand," put in Margie, "and I'm sure Janet and Helen
won't mind doubling up."

There was little Janet or Helen could say, except to agree, and they
helped Cora and Margie get their bags out of the car and escorted them
up to the room which they occupied.

At dinner that night they introduced the girls to all of the members of
the company who ate at the ranchhouse and Janet noted that Cora could
hardly keep her eyes off tall, handsome Curt Newsom. Curt was nice to
them, as he was to everybody, explaining carefully all of the questions
they asked.

That night Cora asked a question that had kept her on edge all evening.

"Do you suppose