Charlevoix county herald., 1914-11-28

it into sections. An acrid odor, OPP
pressive to the breathing of the I'M
initiated pervaded the atmosphere.
AS of custom, GaffOrd crossed the
room to a section far back in the cor
ner, where the wall angled, and sat
down upon the not overly clean can
vas # the couch He tossed his cap
behind him against the wall and jab-
bered a short word to the attendant
who had let him in.
The man turned and departed, to
return after bit with small tray,
on which was an opium pipe, a supply
of the gum, the yen gov or needle
upon which the opium is heated, and
a tiny lamp of flaming oil.
Depositing this on small stand
beside Gafford's bunk, he reiterated
beyond the swinging screen and was
lost to sight.
Gafford dug out bit Of gum from
the Jar, impaled ii on the yen gov,
and turned it slowly above the flaring
peanut oil. His eyes focused upon it
as he turned it. By and by it began
to exude a strange nutty flavor.
He examined it with increased at
tentiOn, decided that it was ready for
consumption, and took up the bamboo
pipe with its shallow metal bowl.
Placing the pill" over the central
opening of this he drew the tray
closer to his bunk, reclined upon his
side, and held the cooked gum to the
flame of the fairy lamp.
1t fumed acridly upon the air.
Once, twice, and again Gafford drew
its narcotic vapor into his lungs.
The opium gurgled and snapped in
the pipe. The man relaxed some
what. "h~ tense look of desire
lessened in his face, to give way to
sort of content. He stretched his
arms, yawned, and lay back on the
bunk for time. Presently he was
cooking more of the gum.
There are people who suppose
that a man smokes a pipe of the
gum and lapses into beatifc dreams.
The beginner may succumb to his
first pipeful, and the chances are
that his dreams will be anything but
pleasant.
On the other hand, the old smoker
takes his pleasure slowly and smokes
pipe after pipe before sleep claims
him. The intervals between his
ply steal, and moral relaxation,
wherein his subjective mind weaves
fancies untrammeled by any Volt
tional control. Such one will be
susceptible to sight and sound In a
gradually lessening ratio as uncon-
seriousness approaches.
1t is this state of blissful ire
spOnsibility which constitutes the
greatest pleasure Of the slaves OF
the drug Gafford reached it after
he had smoked his fourth pill. BY
that time, while perfectly conscious
of what might go on aroun him,
he had ceased to trouble his spirit
concerning things mundane. Honor
or dishonor, the words OF White
Kate, the opinion Of his fellow man,
mattered not at all.
A restful sense Of reserve-power
fired his veins. The hunger OF an
unsatislie' stomach ceased to gnaw.
Yet. because his senses were stimu-
lated for the time rather than OBJ
funded. he heard the rap on the
door.
There followed the shuttle Of the
attendant, paus, while he glanced
through the wicket. and the sound of
footballs CROSSING the room toward
the divan.
Without particular interest CAT
ford became aware BY hearing alone
that the newcomers had taken seats
upon the section Of the couch next
to his own. He heard them order
their Layout" Of the attendant,
heari the man depart and return,
without the slightest curiosity IS to
whom the new patrons might be.
He was too old an inmate of the
place to give heed or attention to
what one went or came.
Quite Unexpectedly his interest
received a flick. The footballs of
the attendant had disappeared be-
fore either of the new arrivals
spoke. ~hen it was a slightly &c
cented English which fell upon CAT
ford's ears.
And now. my honorable friend,
as We used TO say at dear old Har-
ward: Get it off your chest Also
permit me to suggest that you speak
English, as it is certain the attend
ant in this place will not understand
that tongue. While you talk you
may as well prepare me a bit of
gum"
But. excellency," said the other,
81 have said it all before. You
know
His companion chuckled. you
have a habit Of repetition, Yamata.
Doubtless you have acquired it in
your business. However, you said
you desired to talk with me-"
The other lowered his tone. at is
of war, honorable Oshitu, that
wish to speak"
"Oh," said Oshitu, "of war;"
Some of the recent laxness went
out of Gafford's body, and he stiff
fened. Years before he had heard
that same cynical drawl. A CULVER
shook him for an instant.
He closed his eyes and strained
his ears to hear. After a pause the
voice went on. THAT is sufficiently
cooked. Yamata, | believe. IL you
don't mind ] will smoke while you
talk"
There followed the gurgle of
pipe and the voice spoke again in
tor of amusement. "Well, honor
able snail-go Onv
Eve want war!" burst out his
companion.