Page:Moving Picture Boys on the Coast.djvu/116

106 "Then I serve notice here and now that I resign. I'm tired of being an actor. I'm going into the coal business," and he stopped making odd faces in the glass, practicing some facial contortions for a new clown act, and began to dress as though to go out.

"Hold on, C. C.; what's the matter?" asked Mr. Ringold.

"Plenty! If you think I'm going to run the risk of being burned to death you've got another guess coming. I'm through."

"Why, C. C.," spoke the theatrical manager, with a laugh; "there's no danger."

"Not in going into a burning building, even if it is only a fisherman's shanty! No danger!"

"No. Listen. You go in before the building is afire. The blaze is started from the outside by your enemy, and with some red fire, which makes a lot of smoke, we can show on the screen some pictures that will look like a real fire. Then out you rush, before the flames have had a chance to spread, and after you and the lady are safe, the fire gains great headway, and the cottage burns to the ground. But the pictures are being taken all the while, and it will show up great! There's not a bit of danger."

"Not that way," said Miss Lee. "I'm willing to do my part, Mr. Ringold."