“Dignity my eye!” growled Hodgins, refusing to find any comfort in this reflection. “I wanted that impudent loafer in jail--I’d almost give my right hand to be able to put him there--and this is a terrible disappointment. Honest, young feller, it’s enough to make a man feel discouraged.” Then it was that Gale had an inspiration. Taking Hawley’s camera from the table, he hurried out of the studio, signaling to Hodgins to follow him. When they reached the sidewalk, Gale explained his plan, and the chief slapped him on the back approvingly. “You’re all right, young feller,” he declared warmly. “I see you’ve got nerve as well as brains. Under ordinary circumstances, of course, I don’t approve of frame-ups. Honesty’s the best policy--that’s my motto. But these ain’t ordinary circumstances. That’ darned Camera Chap is a menace to society. It would be a real calamity to have him at large. Consequently it is my duty to the public to keep him behind bars; and when duty calls upon Bill Hodgins, he don’t stop at nothin’. So go ahead, young feller, and carry out this idea of yours.” Gale’s plan, it is perhaps unnecessary to explain, was to manufacture the evidence necessary to convict the Camera Chap. With this object in view, he visited a dealer in photographic supplies and had Hawley’s camera loaded with film. Then he proceeded to the city hall and took a snapshot of that edifice, taking care to stand in exactly the same spot which the Camera Chap had occupied. When the film was developed, Hodgins and Gale had taken their prisoner to court, both of them highly elated by the thought of the surprise they were going to spring on Hawley. As soon as the film was offered in evidence, the Camera Chap guessed at once what had been done; but he realized that it would be futile to try to make the judge believe that he was the victim of a frame-up. He foresaw that his story would be received with derision, and he looked upon himself as lost. Judge Wall glanced at the negative which Hodgins had handed to him, and smiled approvingly at that official. “I must compliment you, chief, upon the thoroughness with which you have prepared this case,” he said. “The evidence which you have offered leaves no possible doubt in the court’s mind as to the guilt of the defendant.” Then his face grew stern as he turned to the Camera Chap. In his most impressive tone he proceeded to deliver a little speech to that young man. His honor greatly prided himself upon his ability as an orator, and he had no intention of missing this rare opportunity to display eloquence before an audience which included the mayor and several of the prominent officials of the city government. Besides, he saw two reporters--one from the _Chronicle_ and one from the _Bulletin_--busily making notes, and he realized that his words were about to be handed down to posterity.