“The farmhouse is the property of a Union sympathizer, and you eat all the more heartily on that account.  He has two daughters—­they are Birdie Lee and Miss Shay,” he added in an aside to the moving picture boys.  “Two members of your company—­yes, I’m speaking to you Confederates, so pay attention—­two members of your company make love to the two daughters, much to their dislike.  In the midst of the merry-making and the love scenes the Union soldiers are reported to be coming.  You Johnnie Rebs get out and the fight begins.

“And let me tell you if it isn’t a better fight this time than any you’ve put up before, you can pack your duds and get back to New York.  You’ve missed your vocation, take it from me, if you don’t do better than you have!  Now, then, Union soldiers, what I said to the enemy applies to you.  Fight as though you meant it.  Now, one more rehearsal and I’m going to start you on the real thing.”

Under the direction of the assistants of Mr. Ringold, while Mr. Hadley looked on critically, the Confederates took their positions in and about the old house.  They rehearsed the merry-making scenes and Miss Lee and Miss Shay took the parts of the daughters of the Union sympathizer.  The two girls, being actresses of some experience, did very well, and the extra people evidently improved, for Mr. Hadley nodded as if satisfied.

“Now, then, Unionists, move up!” he called.  “March along the road as if you didn’t care whether you met Stonewall Jackson and his men or not.  Get a reckless air about you!  That’s better.  Now, then, some action!  Lively, boys!”

This part, too, went better; and after a little more rehearsal the producer called to Blake and Joe.

“Go to it, boys!  Get the best results you can from this mimic battle.  Maybe you’ll soon be where it’s hotter than this!”

“What does he mean?” asked Joe, as he picked up his camera and took his position where he could film the scenes at the farmhouse.

“I don’t know,” answered Blake, who was to take pictures of the marching Unionists.  “Maybe there are more stunts for us to do in Earthquake Land.”

“If there are I’m not going!  I’d rather do undersea stuff than be around volcanoes.”

“So would I. But we’ll talk about that later.  Say, that looks better!” and he motioned to the so-styled Confederates, who did seem to be putting more life into their work.

“Yes,” agreed Joe.  “I guess when it comes to shooting, and all that, there’ll be action enough even for Mr. Hadley.”

A little later the mimic battle scene was in full swing.  Hundreds of blank cartridges were fired, smoke bombs filled the air with their dense vapor, and in the distance bursting shells tore up the earth, far enough removed from the positions of the men to preclude any danger.

The Unionists closed in around the farmhouse.  Close-up scenes were made, showing Birdie Lee and Miss Shay fighting off their Confederate admirers.