"Very well, Mr. Gibson," he said obligingly. "Do your stuff."
John was startled to hear Hatch call Gibson by name. Nothing had been said that even hinted of the commissioner's identity. The search warrant was handed Gibson.
"Do you want me to read this?" he asked.
"Don't trouble yourself," replied Hatch. "All I ask is that you don't tear things to pieces in here. Mrs. Hatch is with me and I don't want her to be bothered."
"All right, boys, be quick about it," ordered Gibson, sending the officers to search the house, "and don't disturb Mrs. Hatch unless it's necessary."
As the private detectives and deputies left them, Benton stepped forward with a request that Gibson and Hatch pose for a photograph.
"You brought them with you, eh, Gibson?" said Hatch. Then to the photographer he added: "I'll accommodate you under one consideration."
"Say it," requested Benton.
"That you leave Mrs. Hatch out of this," said "Big Jim."