The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1920-11-03
PATS, PILLS
sy ESTHER A. OWENS.

"Oh, John, I'm SO tired | COULDN'T
Lift little finger II my life depended
on It." Patrice snuggled In the cor
ner of the car. They were coming
home from bungalow dance, 20 miles
out on the old Boston road. "You
could run this old car with your eyes
shut-fish in my bag and see II have
a handkerchief"
John obllgingIy slowed up the car.
and proceeded to "fish"-with one
hand, slowly emptylng Patrice's little
mesh bag Of its trifes-powder, lip
stick, door key-"Patsl What's this2'
he broke out sharply.
"What? John-please Patrice
made a Wild dive for the little box
John was examining so intently, but
only to find her hand grabbed and held
firmly.
"Pats." Johns lock was stern, ac-
~-sing.. "You haven't been taking
xhese?
Mono" falteringly. but" more
intensely. II will ! must | can't
help Il, John-I-you don't know what
II is to stay awake night after night.
week after week, even-never TO sleep,
till nearly morning. I've seen the sun
rise every morning this month; and
I'm so tired-so tired" her voice
trailed away into. almost nothing.
Poor Pats! But surely you know
this sort Of thing is dangerous. If 1t
becomes habit why"
snb ~. "a ,,,n,,tt N,u,,-o M fJao
pw strong-willed I am rcally-and
IS Just TO sleep one night or maybe
20. And I know L could stop.
pats. how long have you had
kese2"
'"About-three weeks"
"And you haven't used them Mt alp
mo; I-oh, I've tried so hard not
%! I've done everything. | thought
at first just to know they were there
that I could take thenl-wJuld help
but IT'S no use"
pats, we've always been such pals,
will you do Just one thing for me?"
The girl shivered slightly.
what Is TT"
Just this-try little longer to
sleep-naturally-and let me keep
these for you. If at any time you feel
YOU must have them. call me. and I
promise on my sacred word Of honor
TIL bring them to you at whatever time
Of day or night VIII you try, Pats2
For my sake. pleaseT
'Tll-try," whispered Patrice very
low; and their fingers met over the
steering wheel.
80
John jumped from his bed and
switched on the light Surely he had
heard the tinkle Of the telephone bell.
Hello" Pats voice came over the
line, low, indistinct. but with Il sort Of
desperation I'm It. "JOhn can't stand
Il any lOnger--yOur promise. John"
''Yes. Pats. I'll he with you In ten
minutes"
1t was pale. heavy-cyed Parrice
that nOlselessly opened the door
"JOhn-at last! You-yOu-have
them?" She held out her hand, quick
~, feverishly.
Eyes. Pats" He put the small box
IN her hand and her fingers closed
over II. "I'ut. Pats, suppose We just
slip ont and take a ride around the
sleek before you try them. Just II lit
Re fresh air, and see what It will do"
Patricc sighed. shook her head wear
lily. and finally allowed herself 10 tho
ilrawn along the steps and into the
waiting car
The engine purred rhyihmicalIy as
they spun over the boulevard along
the river road. Now and then John
glanced at Patrice: first her eyclidS
began 10 wayer, then to close; her
head dropped down from the cushion
ana hung Imply on her shoulder. and
then by her quiet breathing he knew
she slept at last.
The sun was Just beginning 70 sil-
YER the hirches along the river hank
when Patricc opened her eyes. BE-
nlldered. puzzled, surprised for a mo-
rneni: then: "Oh I never really went
20 sleep"
She laughed aloud at the delightful
ness of the thought" "But-oh. John
You poor thing! You stayed our all
nlght--rm S0 sorry And really
slept John, how can 7 ever thank
yOu?"
I'll YOU really want TO-" returned
John. I'm promise you'll never wake
up. n you'il take my shoulder for your
pillow for always"
S.'Well, ] don't want to sleep for
evei. hut think your shoulder makes
avery nice pillow, even with my eyes
open" .k
And This far II was their lips that
met over he steering wheel.
a
Two nights later Patrico stood on
ale yerpnda watching the tail light Of
Johns car disappear down the drive
way. The moonlight glnted on the dla-
.nond sparkling on her third finger,
beautiful moon." she bowed as she
spoke and tossed kiss skyward. "he-