The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-06-11
CONFESSION OF
 A COCAINE FIENI)
By MARY WEST"

pain. This was caused, I suppose, by the bad condition of my nerves I was eating but little, and this. of | course, made me less able to bear the strain under which I was suffer- | ing.
 In my anguish I flew to the nearest chemist, who made me up a lotion to rub on my gums. This seemed to ease the pain considerably, and I decided one morning after using the | whole of the bottle that I felt better and that. my spirits were a little brighter.
 But as the day wore on my de pression began to come back agarl, though I had no pain with my teeth, l at least only just a little twinge. wondered whether another bottle of of the lotion would affect a complete cure, so I visited the chemist again. Again after an application or two I noticed that my spirits seemed brighter- So I went to the shop again and asked the chemist if he could account for it.
 T daresay it's the effect of the CO., caine," said the chemist. There's little in the mixture. It's absorbed into your system, and it has that soothing effect on your nerves,
 'Oh, if it's so good for the nerves I'll have some of it by itself then. please!" I said eagerly. What is it -cocaine?"
 Bring me an order signed by a doctor and I'll sell you some; but not without
 I dare say he noticed something unusual In my manner; perhaps was a little wild or excited and that stopped him from providing me with the drug.
 Difficult to Procure It is only under the recent British Defence of the Realm Act that the sale of cocaine, sulphonal. and other drugs is forbidden until a. medically signed prescription is presented But even at the time of which I write no reputable chemist would supply it to any private person without medical authority.
 Still, had the greater part of tie bottle of lotion left and, though I had no tooth-ache now, I kept on apply ing it, and still had the same com fortable feeling.
 In the afternoon I went up to q fashionable club which I had been in the habit of attending one of those establishments called night clubs. but which serve luncheons and after noon teas, as well as dinners and suppers.
 And here, for the first time for sev- eral weeks, I met Mrs. Merryon, who exclaimed in surprise at my altered appearance. and I-stilI thinking she was the kind, good-natured woman I had always believed her to be told her of my feelings, and how I couldn't shake off the depression
 
 to her, I also told her of my ex- perience with the lotion and how I had been trying to buy cocaine.
 1 remembered afterwards how strangely she had looked at me when I mentioned the word cocaine. She told me at once that it would be quite impossible for me to obtain the drug at any chemists shop without a doc tors order. and that no doctor would prescribe the cocaine pure and simple for me or for anyone, in fact
 Look here,' said Mrs. Merryon leaning forward and speaking in a half whisper, If you'll swear you won't tell anybody I'll take you to a place where you can always get CO., caine. It'll be expensive, though Youll swear you won't tell?'
 "Oh, I swear I won't! Honor bright" I said, eagerly. Anything if I can only be cured"
 ''All right, come along then"
 We left the club and got into her motor-brough ghan1-she always seem- ed to have plenty of means did Mrs. Merryon-and were driven to a block of flats not far from Victoria Sta ton.
 It'll cost you a pound" she whis- pered to me as we stopped outside of of 10 Iat thatll be enough to last you for three days; but when once you've been in 'troduced to her you can always come and get it"
 Find a. Way.
 The door was opened by a smart maid, and we were shown into a really beautifully furnished drawing room and a tall, handsome woman with a straight nose and very keen eyes, came in to greet us after we had waited for a. few minutes.
 Mrs. Merryon introduced me to this woman-Mrs. Bayneton I learnt her name was-and after telling her that I was to be depended on. tha me, the magic word cocaine was mentioned.
 Mrs. Merryon said that I wanted to buy some, and after Mrs. Bayneton, who spoke with a slight foreign ac- cent had been reaSsured that I was to be trusted, she left the room, re- turning almost instantly with a dainty little box, narrow in shape, | and about as long a lead pencil. 1 She united the delicate colored rib | bon which bound it, and showed me i inside a pure white powder. I was told that there was enough there for three days, and that, when that was l gone, I could return for more, but | that I was to be sure and keep it a | strict secret, and not let anyone know | that I was taking the drug And | above all I was not to speak of this 1 flat to anyone except a friend or ac- quaintance whom I could absolutely trust.
 looked wonderingly at the powder | q, I ccllld