“By the way, what has become of Henkle?” the Camera Chap inquired hastily.
“He has retired to private life—says he’s had enough of politics. I shall never forget, old man, what you have done for——”
“And the Gales? Are they still running the Chronicle? I understand they escaped being indicted for that bomb conspiracy.”
“Yes,” Carroll answered. “Henkle used all the influence he could wield to save them, and managed to get them whitewashed. Of course, for Melba’s sake, I was mighty glad to have it turn out that way. But they’re not running the Chronicle any more. Old Gale found himself so unpopular as a result of that explosion affair that as soon as he was able to leave the hospital he sold his paper at a ridiculously low figure; sold his house, too, and left town for good.”
“And did his son go with him?”
“Yes. I understand, though, that he’s trying to get back his old job on the New York Daily News, so possibly you’ll have the pleasure of seeing him again before long. But I say, Frank, I’ve come all the way from Oldham to tell you how much I appreciate——”
“And how about my old friend Chief Hodgins?” the Camera Chap relentlessly interrupted. “I saw in the Bulletin that you fired him from the force as soon as you were sworn in. What is he doing now?”
Carroll laughed. “He has gone into the hotel business. He’s bought an inn on Main Street, not far from police headquarters. He’s got a big sign in the lobby, just before the clerk’s desk, and it says: ‘No cameras allowed on these premises!’”
THE END.[Pg 50]