I'm a spot. But that isn't the real reason. It's because I'm
always Johnny on the Spot when anything is happening. If it's a
big boxing exhibition, I'm there. If it's a coronation, I'm
there, or some of my men are. If it's a Durbar in India, you'll
find Spotty on the spot. That's me. If there's going to be a
building blown up with dynamite--I'm on hand; or some of my men.
If there's a fire I get there as soon as the engines do--if it's
a big one. Always on the spot--that's me--James Period--Spotty
for short. Do you get me?" and he drew a long breath and looked
at Tom, his head on one side.

"I understand that you are--"

"In the moving picture business," interrupted Mr. Period, who
never seemed to let Tom finish a sentence. "I'm the biggest
moving picture man in the world--not in size, but in business. I
make all the best films. You've seen some of 'em I guess. Every
one of 'em has my picture on the end of the film. Shows up great.
Advertising scheme--get me?"

"Yes," replied Tom, as he recalled that he had seen some of the
films in question, and good ones they were too. "I see your
point, but--"

"You want to know why I come to you; don't you?" again
interrupted "Spotty," with a laugh. "Well, I'll tell you. I need
you in my business. I want you to invent a new kind of moving
picture camera. A small light one--worked by electricity--a
regular wizard camera. I want you to take it up in an airship
with you, and then go to all sorts of wild and strange countries,