So friendly was the mayor’s greeting that the Camera Chap thought, at first, that his honor could not be aware of the identity of his visitor. Surely the head of Oldham’s government could have no reason for feeling kindly disposed toward the chap who had given that government such a severe jolt.
Great, then, was Hawley’s amazement when Mayor Henkle, after beaming beatifically upon him, turned to Chief Hodgins and said pleasantly:
“So this is the young man whose snapshots in this morning’s Bulletin have created such a stir in town?”
The chief of police scowled. “Yes, this is the—er—this is the young man.” He had intended to end the sentence differently, but a warning glance from his honor caused him to modify his words.
Mayor Henkle leaned forward in his chair, and extended[Pg 47] 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.”