Janet Hardy in Radio City. Wheeler Ruthe S.
can imagine there might have been a fight over this ranch in the early days,” she said.
“There was,” grinned Curt, “but it wasn’t nearly as big a one as we’re putting into the picture.”
Janet’s hardest scene for the day was over and Helen was in only one or two minor shots so they passed part of the afternoon packing up their things in preparation for the departure the next afternoon.
It was nearly dinner time when a dust covered car rolled into the valley and approached the ranchhouse.
Janet and Helen, sitting on the front steps, watched it with interest which deepened as they saw an Iowa license plate on the front of the car.
“That almost looks like home,” said Helen. “Why, the number’s from our home county. Maybe it’s someone we know.”
But the sun was flashing off the windshield, effectively shielding the passengers in the car.
The 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 we could get in one of the scenes tomorrow?” she asked Janet. “Surely you or Helen could get the director to use us just a little bit.”
Janet was dubious. It was the last day at the ranch and there would be much to be done. Billy Fenstow would be in no mood for trifles such as working friends into scenes.
“If it wasn’t the last day I think it could be arranged,” put in Helen, “but I’d hate to ask Mr. Fenstow to do it under the circumstances.”
Margie pouted visibly and Cora, always arrogant, flared up.
“Oh, of course you won’t. Just because your father’s a director and they have to put you in pictures you won’t say a good word for anyone else. How do we know you’re even in this company?”
“You’ll have to take our word for it until you see the picture on the screen,” retorted Helen.
Janet could understand the tremendous desire of Cora and Margie to appear in a scene. It was the most natural thing in the world and she felt just a little sorry for them.
“I’ll speak to Mr. Fenstow in the morning,” she promised. “If he’s in a good mood he may find a spot for you, but if he’s grouchy he’ll probably order you away from the place.”
“How do you know when he’s grouchy?” asked Margie.
“You don’t until after you’ve asked him,” replied Janet, with a thin smile.
Cora and Margie exhibited a tremendous curiosity, asking questions about everything and from almost everyone, Cora especially plaguing Curt Newsom, until the tall cowboy star finally found an excuse to escape from her constant barrage.
It was late when they went to bed and Janet and Helen, sleeping in a narrow, single bed, did not rest well. They were awake at dawn, both of them feeling tired and worn.
Cora and Margie, imbued with the excitement of actually being with a movie company, appeared as vivacious as ever.
At breakfast Billy Fenstow outlined plans for the final day’s shooting.
“We’ve got one more scene to take in the village,” he explained. “It’s a shot of a group of townspeople watching the arrival of Curt and the rustlers he has captured.”
Impetuous Cora Dean broke in.
“May Margie and I get in the crowd scene?” she asked eagerly.
A frown appeared on Billy Fenstow’s usually bland face, for he disliked greatly being interrupted when he was outlining his plans to his company.
“We’ll see about it later,” he said curtly, and continued with his explanation.
After breakfast Cora faced Janet.
“Too bad you couldn’t have said a good word for us with your director,” she flared.
“There wasn’t a real good chance,” replied Janet. “I warned you last night not to bother him if he wasn’t in a good mood.”
“But how was I to know?” complained Cora.
“Well, you do now,” said Janet, and it was hard to keep from smiling. But she could realize how much it would mean to Cora and Margie and it would be mean of her not to help them just a little so later she spoke to “Skeets” Irwin, the assistant director, and “Skeets” promised to get Cora and Margie into the crowd scene.
Janet and Helen were in the same scene and they changed into their costumes, Janet into a dusty riding habit and Helen into a gingham dress and the apron that was her badge as a waitress in the village’s one restaurant.
The girls rode down to the village, Cora and Margie following in their own car. “Skeets” had provided them with appropriate costumes and they were so excited they could hardly talk.
Billy Fenstow was back giving instructions to the riders who were to sweep down into the village while “Skeets” handled the scene at the village.
“Don’t stand around like a bunch of wooden Indians,” said the assistant director. “Show some interest when those horsemen come over the hills. I want plenty of action in this scene.”
“Keep close to us,” Janet advised Cora and Margie. “All you have to do is look excited.”
“That’s going to be easy,” smiled Margie.