Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-30
| loosely wrapped in a bit of newspaper and

loosely wrapped in a bit of newspaper and
thrust into his greatcoat pocket
And now to escape. But at memory OF
his recent experiences In the streets OF
New York he shuddered. No. He must
get back to Long Island. There might be
midnight or 1 O'Clock train. He could creep
unseen into the house. Maud would have
gone to bed and he would have the whole
night to himself. Best touch none Of the
glorious drug till then; SO thus to get its
fullest charm. The joy Of an epicure swept
over him in anticipation. 1t would not do
to taste it until safe at home. He needed
all his wits just now. He must not befog
them.
Then came thrill of disappointment.
sanctuary of his own room? How could
Once more his gaze rested on the purse.
1t was all so absurdly easy.
Il suppose" he thought with impersonal
calm, II suppose this is about the lowest
depths to which a white man can fall
He extracted a IS bill from the little
reticule. then started for the door On
the threshold he turned back With
quick gesture he ripped the two costly
black pearl studs from his shirt front,
dropped them into the purse, closed it and
noiselessly slipped out of the dispensary
and SO to the street
Cochran and Maud had spent the longest,
dreariest evening either. had known.
They had speedily ascertained that Thurso
was indeed out of the house. Maud had
the village, but this Cochran had vetoed.
He will come back he said quietly. His
hope and faith were still strong. Yet, at
the very moment of apparent victory, this
setback for the time almost unnerved him.
AS for Maud, her struggle to fight back
the bitter tears of humiliation precluded
all speech. And thus for hours they sat 81
lent comfortless distract
Midnight was long passed when a faint
click at the front door brought Cochran
to his feet.
Maud rose with him, and they went cut
into the hall. In the corner near the door
was standing ThurSo, the rain dripping
from him. just taking off his coat with in
finite precaution, as if not to be over
heard
why. Thurso," said Maud. what have
you been doing? Where have you been?"
He looked from one to the other, and
spoke in a voice that did not sound
natural
II have been out-on business he said,
Maud looked at Cochran. All thought
of the gale. and whatever else it was that
had been troubling him, had passed from
him: His eyes We're aight, his face was
Yes, and what else?" he said. There's
packet in your coat; 1 can see it,
Maud made one exclamation of dismay.
"Oh. Thurso!' she exclaimed.
Thurso's hand frightened on it.
Yes, l can't help it," he said. Besides,
1 am much better. am 1 not? 1 must break
myself OF 1t by degrees.
Then he turned to Cochran
"Ah, do let me have it just this once"
he cried. I've been without it week.
swear to you it shall be a fortnight before
l take it again. Don't send me to sleep
this time
Lets have a look at the bottle"
cunning look came into Thursos face.
"Oh, think not" he said. You might
forget to give it me back. Look here, I'm
going to take it. Im-Tm awfully grateful
to you for all you've done, but this once
you shant stop me-
Il never stopped you before" said Coch-
ran. And"
He shut his eyes for moment, and when
he opened them again they were full of Sc
rene confidence.
he said. But you opium eaters are so
stingy with your stuff You never treat
another fellow And l want some of that
Let's have a jolly good drink together.
Haven't you got enough for us both?"
Thurso gave little cackle of delight His
eyes, too, like Cochran'S, were very bright,
but they were bright with thirst. His
mouth. too watered that he could hard
ly swallow quick enough to keep the saliva
down.
why of course" he said II don't know
what you mean by it, but III do anything
If you'll let me take it and not stop me-"
I've often wanted the opportunity to take
it. Why, I've got quite a craving already"
Maud was looking from one to the other,
utterly puzzled.
Mr.. Cochran, what are you going to
do?" she said. Are you mad?"
He smiled at her
Il am only going to do just that which