Judge Wall was a friend of Chief Hodgins and the other members of the political ring which the _Bulletin_ was fighting. He was willing to do a lot to accommodate these men, but he emphatically drew the line at sending an innocent man to jail. Therefore, when he had heard the Camera Chap’s story, he turned to Hodgins with a frown. “I am afraid I shall have to throw this case out of court, chief,” he said. “There are several things about it which I don’t understand; but, in view of these--ahem--surprising developments, I am convinced that there is not sufficient evidence to justify me in convicting this young man. The prisoner is discharged.” CHAPTER XIII. GUERRILLA WARFARE. “I suppose you are going to get after those fellows now and send them both to jail for conspiracy,” said Fred Carroll to Hawley, as he sat chatting in the _Bulletin_ office half an hour after the Camera Chap’s triumphant departure from the police court. “You’ve certainly a strong case against them.” “Oh, no! I shan’t bother,” Hawley replied. “I think their disappointment is punishment enough for them. I had the last laugh, and I’m quite satisfied. As far as I’m concerned, the case is closed. Of course, though, it’s possible that the magistrate may deem it his duty to take up the matter on his own hook.” “There’s not much chance of that,” said Carroll, with a laugh. “Wall and Hodgins are good friends. I guess the judge will be only too glad to let the matter drop, if you don’t press it. “And I’m mighty glad to hear you say you don’t intend to do so, old man,” the proprietor of the _Bulletin_ declared. “On Melba’s account, I mean. She hasn’t much use for her cousin; but still, she’d be greatly distressed, I guess, if he were sent to jail. She’s a very sensitive girl, and no doubt would feel the disgrace keenly.” “If I had any desire to prosecute those fellows--which I haven’t--that argument would be quite sufficient to stop me,” the Camera Chap declared. “I wouldn’t for worlds do anything to distress Miss Gale. She’s one of the nicest girls I’ve ever met. You are, indeed, to be congratulated, Fred.” “Who? Me?” exclaimed Carroll, making a clumsy attempt to appear bewildered. “What the dickens are you talking about, Frank?” Hawley laughed. “Say, do you think I’m blind? Don’t you suppose I got wise to the situation as soon as I saw you two together to-day? You might as well ’fess up, old scout.” “I suppose I might as well,” the other answered, grinning sheepishly. “Yes, Frank, you’ve hit it right--though how the deuce you guessed it, you infernal old wizard, I can’t imagine--Melba and I are secretly engaged. She’s the finest girl in the world, and----” “Why secretly engaged?” the Camera Chap broke in hastily. He had had experience with fellows in love before, and he knew that once they get to talking about the fair one’s charms it is mighty hard to get them to stop.