this case."

"I'm glad to hear it. Who is he?"

"The man who has been arrested in this restaurant murder case."

"John Jones?"

"That is the name he has given to the police."

"But isn't that his right name?"

"I--I don't know," stammered the visitor.

"He must be a very particular friend of yours, since you don't know what
his name is!"

"I never saw him in my life."

"Look here, Mr.--"

"Hammond is my name."

"Well, Mr. Hammond, your statements don't hang together. You began by
saying that this man was your friend."

"I didn't mean that exactly, but I sympathize with him. It must be
terrible to be arrested for such a crime and to find the evidence
growing stronger in spite of your innocence."