“We are to be the general managers,” returned Patsy.  “We must select the subjects, or plots, for the pictures, and order them made under our direction.  Then we must see that all of our theatres present them in a proper manner, and we must invite children to come and see the shows.  I guess that’s all.”

“That will be enough to keep us busy, I’m sure,” said Beth.  “But we will gladly undertake it, and I am sure we shall prove good managers, as soon as we get acquainted with the details of the business.”

“It will give us the sort of employment we like,” Patsy assured them.  “Our first duty will be to plan these theatres for children, and make them as cosy and comfortable as possible, regardless of expense.  Ajo will pay the bills, and when all the buildings are ready we will set to work in earnest.”

So, when A. Jones appeared he was told that the girls would gladly accept his proposition.  The young man seemed greatly pleased by this verdict.  He appeared to be much better and stronger to-day and he entered eagerly into a discussion of the plans in detail.  Together they made a list of a string of twenty theatres, to be built in towns reaching from Santa Barbara on the north to San Diego in the south.  The film factory was to be located in the San Fernando Valley, just north of Hollywood.

This consumed the entire forenoon, and after lunch they met a prominent real estate man whom Jones had summoned to the hotel.  This gentleman was given a copy of the list of locations and instructed to purchase in each town the best site that could be secured for a motion picture theatre.  This big order made the real estate man open his eyes in surprise.

“Do you wish me to secure options, or to purchase the land outright?” he asked.

“Be sure of your locations and then close the deals at once,” replied Jones.  “We do not wish to waste time in useless dickering, and a location in the heart of each town, perhaps on the main street, is more important than the price.  You will, of course, protect me from robbery to the best of your ability; but buy, even if the price is exorbitant.  I will this afternoon place a hundred thousand dollars to your credit in the bank, with which to make advance payments, and when you notify me how much more is required I will forward my checks at once.”

“That is satisfactory, sir.  I will do the best I can to guard your interests,” said the man.

When he had gone the girls accompanied Ajo in a motorcar to Los Angeles, to consult an architect.  They visited several offices before the boy, who seemed to estimate men at a glance, found one that satisfied him.  The girls explained with care to the architect their idea of a luxurious picture theatre for children, and when he had grasped their conception, which he did with enthusiasm, he suggested several improvements on their immature plans and promised to have complete drawings ready to submit to them in a few days.