“Yes,” said Allan; “you have to sit on a tripod, focus a camera over your left shoulder, and recite the eiko-hydro developer backwards at the same time.”

“Or treat?” asked Dobbs.

“Or treat to a bottle of developer.”

“I’ll risk it,” said Dobbs, “if you’ll let me in.”

Mr. Thornton came up and recognized the detective. “Good afternoon, Mr. Dobbs; looking for the owner of a camera?”

“No,” returned Dobbs; “I’ve found him. This is mine, and I want to join your club if you’ll let me.”

“The more the merrier, Mr. Dobbs. You must join us to-day, anyhow. They are not fitting out the detective force with cameras, are they?”

“Not yet. There is no business about this. I am playing truant to-day.”

“I dare say you deserve a holiday,” said Mr. Thornton.

“Well, I’ve been tied down awfully close to that Bain case. Glad it’s over.” Dobbs turned to Allan. “You remember the Ghost?”