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CHAPTER XXIII THE BROKEN SIGN “ It blew big guns last night, fellows,” observed Randy Powell. “Yes, it has been working up to a storm for several days,” said Ben Jolly, casting a weather eye through t...

CHAPTER XXII A BIG REWARD Pep burst in upon his friends filled to the brim with excitement. His impetuous nature anticipated a great welcome as he felt that he had done a big thing. As he crossed the ...

CHAPTER XXI THE TIN BOX Pep was a quick thinker. He could not tell how it was, but the minute his eyes lighted on the two strangers he somehow associated them with the group from whom he had anticipat...

CHAPTER XX A RICH FIND As the lights came on again the man who had spoken to Vincent moved forward so as to intercept the two end men on the second row of seats. One of them, who had arisen the moment...

CHAPTER XIX GETTING ALONG “ Who’s the enemy, Mr. Vincent?” inquired Frank, quickly. “Peter Carrington.” “Pooh!” derided Randy. “That doesn’t sound so dangerous,” declared Pep, lightly. “Tell us about ...

CHAPTER XVIII THE GREAT FILM “ Durham , I feel that we’ve just got to get that film,” spoke Ben Jolly. He held in his hand a special letter from the National Film Exchange, and the lively piano player...

CHAPTER XVII BOASTFUL PETER “ Somebody at the door, Pep.” “All right, I’ll attend to them.” Jolly was rearranging the chairs after sweeping out the playhouse and Pep was dusting, when there came a sum...

CHAPTER XVI A GRAND SUCCESS A deep hush pervaded the audience. The people were spellbound. Even Pep, standing against the side wall, felt a thrill pass through him. So natural and fitting had been the...

CHAPTER XV THE SPEAKING PICTURE Pep was “on pins and needles” over the mysterious remark of Ben Jolly as to “The Great Unknown.” His friend was good natured about the matter, but parried all further q...

CHAPTER XIV “THE GREAT UNKNOWN” Pep Smith was up before the birds that memorable opening day. Pep had gone through a like experience when the Wonderland motion picture show was started at his home tow...

CHAPTER XIII ALL READY! The man in advance happened to cross a wet streak on the walk just as Frank and his friends observed him. This was caused by the overflow of a combination drinking fountain and...

CHAPTER XII BUSINESS RIVALS “ Put the brake on, Pep!” sang out Randy. “What’s the trouble now?” inquired Ben Jolly. “Someone trying to kidnap you again?” Frank, Randy and Jolly, on their way to see ab...

CHAPTER XI CROSSED WIRES “ Why , hello, Pep!” exclaimed Frank in joyful surprise, jumping up from the table and greeting the missing chum with a hearty handshake. “Hold on—go a little easy on that han...

CHAPTER X THE PRESS AGENT “ I hardly know how to thank you, Mr. Vincent,” spoke Frank Durham. “Don’t try to,” replied the ventriloquist, in his usual offhand way. Frank, practically a beginner in the ...

CHAPTER IX PEP IN CLOVER “ Kidnapped! ” repeated Randy, in a hollow tone. The furniture man nodded his head assentingly. He was big and fat and had evidently come in a hurry. He had been blunt, but co...

CHAPTER VIII KIDNAPPED “ If I had our old piano here,” said Ben Jolly, “there’s one tune I’d play for all it’s worth.” “What is that, Mr. Jolly?” inquired Frank Durham. “‘Home, Sweet Home.’” The staun...

CHAPTER VII BUSINESS BOYS “ I hope I did right, fellows,” said Frank. “You never do any other way,” declared Randy Powell loyally. “Exactly my sentiments,” echoed the impetuous Pep Smith. “You’ll say ...

CHAPTER VI A FRIEND IN NEED Frank Durham entered the ladies’ parlor of the hotel to see a stout, dressy woman arise, joined by a girlish companion. He recognized both at once. They were the persons he...

CHAPTER V THE BIRD HOUSE Ben Jolly it was, more sprightly, more jolly-looking than ever, for he waved his hand with a genial smile to the children staring down the side street after the whistler. The ...

CHAPTER IV AN OLD FRIEND It had grown nearly dusk while the three chums sat at the window of their room animatedly discussing their prospects. None of them had thought of lighting the gas and the nigh...