The Republican., 1920-11-18
PATS PILLS
BY ESTHER A. OWENS.

"Oh, John, I'm so tired 1 couldn't
lift little finger if 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 if l have
q handkerchief"
John obligingly slowed up the car.
and proceeded to "fish"-with one
hand, slowly emptying Patrice's little
mesh bag of its trifles-powder, lip
stick, door key-"Pats! What's this?"
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 look was stern, ac-
cusing. You haven't been taking
tbeseT
MONO" falteringly, but" more
intensely. II will I must! 1 can't
help it, John-I-you don't know what
it 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
Of ino to I
becomes a habit why"
"Oh, but it won't! You've no idea
how strOng-willed 1 am really-and
it's just to sleep one night or maybe
two. And 1 know l could stop.
"Pats, how long have you had
these?"
"About-three weeks"
,"And you haven't used them at all? 2"
"No; I-oh, I've tried so hard not
to. I've done everything. / thought
at first just to know they were there
that could take them-would 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 it,"
Just this-try a 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
promise on my sacred word of honor
I'll bring them to you at whatever time
nf lnNr fTyhf tt.xr NeD
For my sake, please"
'Tll-try." whispered Patrice very
low; and their fingers met over the
steering wheel.
John jumped from his bed and
switched on the light. Surely he had
heard the tinkle of the telephone bell.
"Hellow Pats voice came over the
line, low, indistinct, but with sort Of
desperation in it. "John can't stand
1t any longer--your promise, john"
Eyes, Pats. I'll be with you in ten
minutes"
1t was a pale. heavy-eyed Patrice
that noiselessly opened the door
"John--at last. You-you-have
them?' She held out her hand, quick
ly, feverishly.
"Yes, Pats" He put the small box
In her hand and her fingers closed
over it. But, Pats, suppose we just
slip out and take a ride around the
block before you try them. Just lit
tie fresh air, and see what it will do"
Patrice sighed, shook her head wear
lily, and finally allowed herself TO the
drawn along the steps and into the
waiting car.
The engine purred rhythmically as
they spun over the boulevard along
the river road. Now and then John
glanced at Patrice; first her eyelids
began to waver, then to close; her
head dropped down from the cushion
and hung Imply on her shoulder, and
then by her quiet breathing he knew
she slept at last.
The sun was just beginning to SILL
yer the birches along the river bank
when Patrice opened her eyes. Be
wildered, puzzled, surprised for a mo-
ment; then: "Oh, I never really went
to Sleep"
She laughed aloud at the delightful
ness of the thought" "But-oh, John
you poor thing You stayed out all
nIght-Fm so sorry! And l really
slept! John. how can l ever thank
you"
'If you really want to-" returned
John, "rH promise you'll never wake
up, If you'll take my shoulder for your
pillow for alwaysr'
"Well, I don't want to sleep for
ever, but I think your shoulder makes
very nice pillow, even with my eyes
open"
And this time 1t was their lips that
| met over the steering wheel.
Two nights later Patrice stood on
the veranda watching the tail light Of
Johns car disappear down the drive
way. The moonlight glinted on the dia-
mond sparkling on her third finger
Beautiful moon," she bowed as she
spoke and tossed a kiss skyward. "be-
hold a reformed woman! I no longer
desire drugs to put me to sleep, oh
moon! And the man love loves me
,al ,,,;II ,N,orr,, no Gooa,,.o H.