"No, I am only a very tired man who has come in out of the wet to rest and smoke," he answered, with a dry smile, "but if it will add to your comfort and improve your hospitality in any way, you can send your waiter back here and I will order something to eat." The stout man laid his hand confidently on Felix's shoulder.

"That's all right, pard--I ain't worryin', and don't you.

There's nothin' doin', and I'm a-givin' it to you straight." Felix nodded in dismissal, rested his elbows on the table, and again puffed away at his brierwood.

Being mistaken for a central office detective might or might not be of assistance.

At present, he would let matters stand.
As he smoked on, the room, which had been almost entirely empty of customers, began filling up.