“Putting the case that way makes it all the more remarkable,” observed Maud.  “A big, experienced, important man, cowed by a mere boy.  When Goldstein first met this callow, sallow youth, he trembled before him.  When the boy enters the office of the great film company he dictates to the manager, who meekly obeys him.  Remember, too, that A. Jones, by his interference, has caused a direct loss to the company, which Goldstein will have to explain, as best he may, in his weekly report to the New York office.  A more astonishing state of affairs could not be imagined, Aunt Jane!”

“The puzzle will solve itself presently,” said the lady.  “Abnormal conditions seldom last long.”

Maud passed the day in bed, quietly reading a book.  Her injury was really slight and with rest it mended rapidly.  Patsy and Beth came in to see her and in the conversation that ensued the girls were told of the latest mystery surrounding A. Jones.

“It is surely queer!” admitted Miss Doyle, impressed and thoughtful.  “Uncle John and Arthur were saying this noon, at lunch, that Ajo was a helpless sort of individual and easily influenced by others—­as witness his caving in to me when I opposed his doctor’s treatment.  Arthur thinks he has come to this country to squander what little money his father left him and that his public career outside the limits of his little island will be brief.  Yet according to your story the boy is no weakling but has power and knows how to use it.”

“He surely laid down the law to Goldstein,” said Maud.

“He is very young,” remarked Beth, ignoring the fact that she was herself no older, “and perhaps that is why we attach so much importance to his actions.  A grown-up man is seldom astonishing, however eccentric he may prove to be.  In a boy we expect only boyishness, and young Jones has interested us because he is unique.”

After a little the conversation drifted to motion pictures, for both Patsy and Beth were eager to learn all about the business details of film making, which Maud, by reason of her months of experience, was able to explain to them in a comprehensive manner.  Flo came home toward evening, but had little more to tell them, as the day had passed very quietly at the “studio.”  Jones had remained closeted with the manager for a full hour, and it was remarked that after he had gone away Goldstein was somewhat subdued and performed his duties less aggressively than usual.

Maud’s visitors now left her to dress for dinner, at which meal she was able to rejoin them, walking with a slight limp but otherwise recovered from her accident.  To their surprise, young Jones appeared as they were entering the dining room and begged for a seat at their table.  Uncle John at once ordered another place laid at the big round table, which accommodated the company of nine very nicely.

Ajo sat between Patsy and Maud and although he selected his dishes with some care he partook of all the courses from soup to dessert.