Nor did his actions or words exhibit any motive other than ordinary good-fellowship.

He was well dressed, easy of manner, with an exceptionally intelligent face, blue eyes meeting West's gaze frankly, a carefully trimmed moustache, with white teeth good humouredly showing when he smiled, and threads of grey in his hair.

His very appearance invited confidence and comradeship, while his outspoken words increased this impression.
"Excuse my butting in," he explained genially.

"But it's damn dull around here tonight.

Nobody to talk with but a couple o' bums.