the long strip of film moving behind the lens with a whirring sound, and
registering views of the pantomime of the actors and actresses at the
rate of sixteen a second.

The above was done several times a day in the New York studio of the
Comet Film Company, which was engaged in making moving pictures.

The play went on through the various acts. Only part of it was being
"filmed" now--the interior scenes. Later, others would be taken outdoors.

"Time out--hold your positions!" suddenly exclaimed the operator. "Film's
broken. I've got to mend it."

Everyone came to a standstill at that. In a few seconds the damage was
repaired, and the play went on. It was, in the main, a "parlor" drama,
and there were to be only a few outdoor scenes.

"That will do for the present," said Mr. Pertell. "You may all take a
rest now. This will be our last New York play for some time--that is,
after we get the outdoor scenes for this."

"Where are we going next?" asked the elderly actor before mentioned. He
spoke in very hoarse voice, and it was evident that he had some throat
affection. In fact, it was the ailment which had forced him to give up
acting in the "legitimate," and take to the "movies."

"We are going to Florida--the land of the palms!" announced the manager.
"You know I spoke of tentative plans for a drama down there when we were
in the backwoods. Now I have everything arranged, and we will leave on a
steamer for St. Augustine one week from to-day."