sister had been overcome by the fumes. And, although the
smoke bombs were harmless as regards fire, the breathing of the
chemical fumes for any length of time might mean death.

Thus, as Ruth was about to stagger to her feet to go back into the murky
cloud to look for Alice, there came the director's orders to "hold that
pose!"

The show must go on! That meant it would not do to spoil the scene, ruin
the film, and necessitate a retake if, by any possibility, it could be
avoided.

"Stay where you are, Ruth! Stop the camera, Russ! Hold the pose--both of
you. We'll go on from there when we get Alice out!"

And Ruth, her heart torn with anguish, must remain. She was glad her
father was not present.

"Get in there and get the girl!" cried Pop Snooks who was busy lighting
more smoke bombs. "Get that girl, some of you fellows!" For he had
guessed in an instant what had happened. It was not the first time one
of the players had been overcome by the heavy fumes.

Into the cloud dashed some of the head property man's helpers. Russ and
Paul, who could leave their posts while the camera was not in motion,
also penetrated the murkiness.

Fortunately, Alice had been overcome when within a few feet of the clear
atmosphere, and it was the work of but an instant for Paul to carry her
outside, where she could breathe pure air.

"The poor dear!" cried Mrs. Maguire. "Here, give her this ammonia and
water."

"Don't come too close to her, Mrs. Maguire!" warned the director. "Your
black make-up will come off on her face, and it will show in the film."

The director had to think of all those things, though it might seem a
bit heartless.

"I'll be careful," promised the motherly old woman. "I'll be careful."

Alice sipped the aromatic spirits of ammonia, and felt better.

"Did I faint?" she asked. "How silly of me!"

"Are you all right?" asked Ruth, still in her place by the side of the
soldier, who was supposed to be unconscious.

"Yes, Ruth dear. I'm all right now. Oh, and did I leave you to carry him
all alone? I'm so sorry!"

"It was all right. I dragged him."

"Yes, the scene is all right," said Mr. Pertell. "Now, Alice, I don't
want to be heartless, but will you be ready to go on in this, or shall
we abandon it and make a retake?"

"Oh, I'll go on. Just a moment, and I'll be all right."

After a minute or two the plucky girl recovered from the effects of the
smoke, and, though she was weak and wan, managed to go th