But my client was pouring out a stiff helping from the decanter, which he still held in his hand. Then he approached the Celebrity.
“Don't let it worry you, old man,” said he, with intense earnestness. “Don't let it worry you. You're my guest, and I'll see you safe out of it, or bust.”
“Fenelon,” said Mrs. Cooke, gravely, “do you realize what you are saying?”
“You're a clever one, Allen,” my client continued, and he backed away the better to look him over; “you had nerve to stay as long as you did.”
The Celebrity laughed confidently.
“Cooke,” he replied, “I appreciate your generosity,—I really do. I know no offence is meant. The mistake is, in fact, most pardonable.”
In Mr. Cooke amazement and admiration were clamoring for utterance.
“Damn me,” he sputtered, “if you're not the coolest embezzler I ever saw.”
The Celebrity laughed again. Then he surveyed the circle.
“My friends,” he said, “this is certainly a most amazing coincidence; one which, I assure you, surprises me no less than it does you. You have no doubt remarked that I have my peculiarities. We all have.