their search.

"I wish I could get a moving picture of this; but I can't," sighed Russ,
as the motor boat started off in the twilight. Soon it became so dark
that the searchlight was set aglow, and this gave a fine illumination.

But Uncle Joshua, which the negro said was his only name, seemed to need
no light. In and out among the creeks, rivers, and bayous he directed
Russ to steer, until finally, making a turn in a stream, there burst out
on the eager eyes of the refugees the lights of the steamer.

"_Magnolia_ ahoy!"

"Here we are!"

"Oh, Daddy, Daddy!"

"On board the _Magnolia_!"

Such joyful shouts as there were, and such joyful answers!

And then--but I leave you to imagine the scene aboard the steamer when
the lost ones stepped out of the motor launch. Mr. DeVere, who was in a
state of collapse through fear for his daughters, nearly fainted from
joy, but he soon was himself again. And as for Tommy and Nellie, it is a
wonder their grandmother was able to stand all the hugging and kissing
they gave her.

As for the other members of the picture company, they rejoiced to the
extent of tears, and even Mr. Sneed whistled cheerfully.

Mabel and Helen Madison were really in need of food and rest, for they
had fared worse than our friends, having been lost so long, and suffering
so from exposure. They were put to bed, and ordered to rest, the
assurance being given that early in the morning the start would be made
for their home in Sycamore.

And then such a talking time as there was! It was almost morning before
anyone thought of bed.

"And all the while we were only a comparatively short distance from
here," said Russ, when everything had been explained. But the dense woods
and the winding waterways were as effective a barrier as many miles would
have been.

"It's lucky Uncle Joshua came along," commented Alice, and there was no
dissent from this.

"I declare, we seem to be getting into more and more strenuous
adventures, the more moving picture business we do," said Ruth. "But I
think this is about the end."

"Indeed it isn't!" declared Mr. Pertell. "I don't want to crowd you too
much, but I have an idea for some new moving pictures, and I'd like to
keep this whole company together."

"Where this time?" Alice asked.

"Out West," was the answer. "I am planning a big drama, to be called
'East and West,' and I think it will be our best effort."

"Out West," said Ruth, softly. "I wonder what will h