It didn’t take him long to make a selection from the large variety of toys displayed on the counter and shelves. Then, with his purchase in his hand, he was just about to leave the store, when, apparently, a sudden thought came to him.
“By the way, you sell cameras here, don’t you?” he inquired.
“Yes, sir—at the rear of the store,” the saleswoman replied.
Hawley stepped up to the photographic counter and purchased a small film camera.
“Wrap it up in good, strong paper, please,” he requested the salesman. “I want to conceal the fact that I’m carrying a camera.”
“Haven’t taken out your license yet, eh?” said the salesman, with a smile.
“No, not yet,” the Camera Chap replied.
“Well, why not drop into police headquarters right now and attend to it? Then you won’t have to be afraid of getting into trouble. It’ll only take you a couple of minutes.”
But Hawley did not drop into police headquarters, al[Pg 46]though he passed right by that building on his way to the city hall.
Chief Hodgins happened to be standing in the doorway as the Camera Chap passed. He was engaged in conversation with the younger Gale.