"I am a friend of Mr. Collins," returned Fanwell. "I won't permit a friend of mine to be dragged to prison this way."
"Be careful—you are interfering with an officer of the law," cautioned Britz.
"If you arrest him you might as well arrest me too," said Fanwell. "But you won't keep us behind the bars long. I'm from the West, but thank goodness! I have unlimited credit here. I know where to obtain bail—in any amount."
"The charge against this man is murder in the first degree," Britz retorted. "The crime is not bailable."
The information seemed to stagger Fanwell. He bestowed a compassionate glance on the bewildered Collins, then executed a despairing gesture as if he meant to convey that the situation had passed out of his hands.
"Collins, I believe you're innocent. Why don't you speak and clear yourself?" urged Fanwell.
Coming, as it seemingly did, from a disinterested friend, the advice struck Collins with peculiar force. He wavered, and, to encourage his growing desire to talk, Britz withdrew the handcuffs.
"Let me think it over," he pleaded. "Perhaps I may change my mind—and tell you everything."
"Better follow your friend's advice," urged Britz. "He has no self-interest to serve. If you wait to consult with others, they'll only advise you in a way that will best serve their interests, not yours. Don't you think I'm right?" Britz asked Fanwell.
"Yes," came the quick reply.