they saved my life!" he murmured.

"Shall I read it, Joe?" asked Blake, for the Spaniard extended the
letter to him.

"Sure. Go ahead. I'll listen."

Blake took the folded sheet from the envelope, and his first
glance was at the signature.

"It's from Mr. Hadley!" he exclaimed.

"What's up?" asked Joe, quickly.

Blake was reading in a mumbling tone, hardly distinguishable.

"Dear boys. This will introduce--um--um--um--who is desirous of
learning the business of taking moving pictures. He comes to me
well recommended--um--um" (more mumbles). "I wish you would do all
you can for him--um--and when you go to Panama--"

That was as far as Blake read. Then he cried out:

"I say, Joe, look here! I can't make head nor tail of this!"

"What is it?" asked his chum, looking over; his shoulder at the
letter the Spaniard had so strangely brought to them.

"Why, Mr. Hadley speaks of us going to Panama. That's the first
we've had an inkling to that effect. What in the world does he