"Oh, no, not at all!" returned Joe, cordially. He had taken quite
a liking to the chap, and anticipated pleasure in his company.
Usually when he and Blake went off on moving picture excursions
they had some members of the Film Theatrical Company with them, or
they met friends on the way, or at their destination. But neither
C.C. Piper, nor any of the other actors were going to the Canal,
so Blake and Joe would have had to go alone had it not been for
the advent of Mr. Alcando.

"We're very glad to have you with us," added Blake. "How soon can
you be ready to go?"

"Whenever you are. I can leave to-day, if necessary."

"There isn't any necessity for such a rush as that," Blake said,
with a laugh. "We'll finish out our week's vacation, and then go
to New York. Our cameras will need overhauling after the hard
service they got in the flood, and we'll have to stay in New York
about a week to get things in shape. So we'll probably start for
the Canal in about two weeks."

"That will suit me excellently. I shall be all ready for you,"
said the Spaniard.

"Then I'll write to Mr. Hadley to expect us," Blake added.

The boys left Mr. Alcando straightening out his papers, and
started back through the town to the farm.

"What made you act so funny, Blake, when you picked up that piece