“There is one other alternative, Mr. Hawley. An idea has just presented itself to me which seems to me a vast improvement on my original plan of forcing you to leave town. If you wish, you can remain in Oldham—without going to jail—and earn fifty dollars besides.”
“That sounds much more agreeable,” declared the Camera Chap laughingly. “What have I got to do to earn that alluring sum?[Pg 49]”
“Something very easy. You will merely have to make a short affidavit.”
“To what effect?”
“That those snapshots which the Bulletin published this morning were fakes.”
Hawley arched his eyebrows. “Fakes? I don’t quite get you, Mr. Mayor. How could those pictures be fakes?”
“I don’t know how they could be,” was the mayor’s reply. “I don’t understand much about photography. But I feel confident that an expert like yourself will be able to dope out an explanation which will sound convincing. I shall leave the details of the affidavit entirely to you.”
Hawley grinned. “I guess I get you now, Mr. Mayor. May I inquire what you intend to do with this affidavit, provided you get it?”
“I intend to publish it on the front page of to-morrow’s Bulletin.”
The start of surprise which the Camera Chap gave at this answer was genuine.