Dacent Smith lifted his eyebrows; a twinkle of humour was detectable in his expression.
"What happened?"
"She was quite deceived, sir!"
"A piquant situation," smiled Dacent Smith.
"Very!" answered John, seriously.
"You see how quickly you find yourself in deep waters, my friend." Dacent Smith was looking at him with an expression of raillery in his keen eyes. Nevertheless he was saying inwardly: "I like you, Manton; you are a man after my own heart. There is a good deal of humour, as well as courage and intelligence, hidden behind that good-looking face of yours."
"Now, Manton," he said, "tell me about Manwitz. Are you in touch with him again?"
"I have his address, sir, and an invitation to go to him whenever I wish—that is, whenever the cocaine habit seizes me violently."
"I see," remarked the elder man. "Whenever the craving is violently upon you, you go to Manwitz and he supplies your want?"
John nodded.