Mayor Henkle leaned forward in his chair, and extended a huge hand, the back of which was as hairy as a gorilla’s paw, toward the Camera Chap. “Mr. Hawley, let me congratulate you upon that achievement,” he said. “Those pictures are great--simply immense.” “Glad you liked them, Mr. Mayor,” said Hawley, as he grasped the outstretched hand. To himself he said: “Now, I wonder what the deuce can be the meaning of this taffy?” The Camera Chap was not the only person whose curiosity was aroused by the Honorable Martin Henkle’s demeanor. Chief Hodgins’ eyes opened wide with wonder as he heard his boss congratulating the author of those snapshots. Hodgins knew that the mayor, though a gruff, bullying type of man, could be as smooth and urbane as a courtier when it suited his purpose to be so; but the chief was at a loss to imagine what the mayor’s purpose could be in the present instance. It looked as if his curiosity would have to go unsatisfied, however, for he was not permitted to hear the rest of the conversation. “I guess we won’t detain you any longer, chief,” said the mayor, waving his hand toward the door. “I realize that your time is valuable; besides, Mr. Hawley and I wish to have a little confidential chat together.” Hodgins saluted stiffly, and started to withdraw, but as he neared the doorway he thought of something which caused him to hesitate. “Aren’t you going--don’t you wish me to take charge of this--er--young man when you get through with him?” he inquired anxiously. “Certainly not,” replied his honor indignantly. “Mr. Hawley is not a prisoner. He is here as my guest. When this interview is over, he will be free to depart, and I’ll make it hot for anybody that interferes with him. I thought that I had thoroughly impressed that fact upon your mind, chief.” “Now, I wonder what the deuce can be the meaning of this?” said the Camera Chap to himself once more. “It certainly sounds too good to be true.” “Yes, Mr. Hawley, those pictures in this morning’s _Bulletin_ were a remarkably clever piece of work,” Mayor Henkle declared, as the door closed behind the chief of police. “As soon as I saw them I made up my mind that I was going to send for the man who took them, and tell him what I thought of them. I can appreciate pluck and skill, Mr. Hawley, even when they are directed against myself. The fact that those snapshots of yours are somewhat of a black eye to my administration, doesn’t prevent me from being glad to shake hands with you.” “You are certainly broad-minded, Mr. Mayor,” the Camera Chap said politely. “Well, yes; I guess I am,” the Honorable Martin Henkle admitted. “A man has got to be broad-minded, I guess, in order to get along in public life. By the way, Mr. Hawley, how long do you intend to honor us with your presence in Oldham?” “I can’t say exactly,” the Camera Chap answered, somewhat astonished at the abruptness of the question. “It all depends.” “Depends upon what?” the mayor inquired eagerly.