Hawley felt so sure that it would be useless for him to declare that the evidence against him had been manufactured, that he was about to shake his head in negation, when it occurred to him to ask to be allowed to examine the film negative which his honor still held in his hand.
Although the chance was slim, he was in hopes that he might be able to detect something on this exhibit which would enable him to prove that he had not taken the snapshot.
The court had no objection to the defendant’s examining the negative, and the strip of film was handed to the Camera Chap.
As he held it up to the light and scrutinized it in[Pg 42]tently, the gaze of Gale and Chief Hodgins was fixed searching upon his face. It was rather an anxious moment for them.
But sneers curled their lips as they observed the baffled expression which came to Hawley’s countenance. It was quite evident that he had found nothing which would enable him to prove that he was the victim of a frame-up.
The Camera Chap was just about to hand back the film to the court officer and prepare to take his medicine, when suddenly Hodgins and Gale saw him start violently. Then once more he held the negative up to the light, and, with sudden apprehension, they observed the grim look on his face give way to a broad grin.
“Your honor,” the Camera Chap cried excitedly, “you ask if I have anything to say before you pass sentence upon me. I have a few words to say now. I wish to point out to your honor that it was two p. m. when I was placed under arrest, and a quarter past two when I arrived at police headquarters and was locked in a cell. The police blotter will prove that.”
“The chief of police has testified as to the time of your arrest,” said the magistrate testily. “It was two p. m., as you say. But what has that to do with the case? I don’t see the significance of that fact.”
The Camera Chap’s grin broadened. “I think your honor will see the significance when I point out that this photograph was taken at three p. m., and, consequently, could not have been taken by me.”
“What nonsense is this?” his honor snapped. “It will do you no good to trifle with the court, young man.”