The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1916-12-22

which had fallen beside Adele and was
looking at the white powder
Almost pure cocaine remarked the
young surgeon, testing it. The hydro
chloride, large crystals. highest quality.
Usually it is adul,erated. Was she in
the habit of taking it this way?'
Constance said nothing. She had seen
Muller make up the packet--specially.
now she recalled. Instead OF the adul-
terated dope he had given Adele the
purest kind Why? Was there some Sc
cret he wished to lock in her breast
forevcr2
Mechanically the pulmotor pumped.
Would 1t save her?
Constance was living over what she
had already seen through the detecta-
scope Suddenly. she thought of the
strange letter and Of the money
She hurried into the drug store. Mul-
Ter had already been taken away but
before the officer left in charge could
interfere she picked up the carbon sheet
on which the letter had been copied.
turned it over and held it eagerly to the
light
She read in amazement II was a
confession In il Muller admitted 20
DR.. Moreland Price that he was the
head of a sort of dope trust, that he had
messengers out, like Sleighbells, that he
had often put dope in the prescriptions
sent him by the doctor. and had re-
peatcdly violated the law and refilled
such prescriptions. On its face it was
complete and convincing.
Yet it did not satisfy Constance. She
could not believe that Adele had com
mitted suicide Adele must possess some
secret What was it'
Isis there any changer" she asked
anxiously of the young surgeon now
engrossed in his work.
For answer he merely nodded to the
apparently motionless form on the bed
and for a moment stopped the pulmo-
tor
The mechanical movement of the
body ceased. But in its place was a
light trcmor abou, the lips and mouth.
Adele moved--was family gasping for
breath
Adele" cried Constance softly in
her ear. Adele"
Something, perhaps a far-away an.
swer OF recognition, seemed TO flicker
over her face. The doctor redoubled
his efforts.
"Adcle-do you know me-" whispered
Constance again.
Yes" came back family at last.
There's something-wrong with it,
They--they----"
How" What do you mean1" urged
Constance. Tell me, Adele"
The girl moved uneasiy. The doctor
administered stimulant and she
vaguely opened her eyes. began TO talk
hazily, dreamily. Constance bent over
to catch the faint words which would
have been lost 10 the others.
"rhey-are going to-GouDie eros,
the health department" she murmured.
as il to herself, then. gathering strength
as she went on: MULLER and Sleigh.
bells will be arrested and take the pe,-
atty, They have been caught with the
goods, anyhow. II has all been ar
ranged so that the detective will get his
case, Money--will be paid to both Of
them, to Muller and the detective, to
swing the case and protect him. lie
made me do it. saw the detectives
even danced with him, and he agred 10
do it oh, would do any,hing-I am
his willing tool when ! have the stuff.
But-,his timc-it was" She ram
bled off inooherently
Who made you do itp Who told
you| prompted Constance. "For whom
would you do anythng?"
Adele moaned and clutched Con.
stances hand convulsively. Constance
did not pause to consider the ethics OF
questioning half-unconscious girl Her
only idea was to ge, al the truth
Who was III" she reiterated.
Adele turned weakly
"Dr, Price" she murmured as Con.
stance bent her car to catch even the
taintest sound, "He told me--all abou,
it-lat night-in the carr"
Instantly Constance understood.
Adele was the only one outside who
held the secret, who could upset the
carefully planned frame up ,ha, wa, 10
protect the real head Of the dope trust,
who had paid literally to protect his
own wretched skin.
She rose quickly and wheeled abou,
suddenly on Drummond.
you will convict DR.. Price also"
she said in low tone. "The girl must
not be dragged down, too, You will
leave her alone. and both you and Mr.
Muller will hand over tina, money 10
her for her cure Of the habit"
Drummond started forward anQrily.
but fell back As Constance added in =
N-..~. A..a tfxN