All kinds of bottles were fascinating to Nickie.
Mahdi faltered.

Nickie was very partial to square gin, and although the Missing Link had a proper sense of duty, the inner man was weak.
"Helup vourseluf, Sharlie," said Schmitz.
Nickie helped himself.

He helped himself liberally.

Schmitz fell on Mahdi's neck, and embraced him freely.

"Mein goot friend," he gurgled, "I like you.