Had to drink alone every place I went." Mr.Fanwell greeted the newcomer cordially, bestowing on him a smile so ingratiating as to put Collins immediately at ease.
"You've probably read a bit about Collins in the papers lately," remarked Cooper.
"Not the Mr.Collins mentioned in connection with the Whitmore case ?" asked the detective innocently.
"Yes, that's me!" mumbled Collins.

Then, in a burst of drunken unconcern,--"And if you want to turn your back on me too, why, you and Tom may do so!" "Not at all, not at all!" Fanwell hastened to assure him.

"I'm glad to know you.

Won't you join us in a drink ?" The invitation seemed to mollify Collins.

He smiled foolishly and dropped into a chair.