Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1930-08-09
A Short Story Depicting
the Underworld Life
Trumphed Over the Drug abA Revealing the Tragedy

on! The habit seemed to make my
body and soul feel uplifted!
"At last I was dismissed
II wanted to go some place and
forget 7 didn't know J.lere;
so I came to this town and this
house and because I had no
money to pay for the drugs needed
they are holding me prisoner here
trying to force me to sell m self.
But can't vou look G; &c and see
that I am differen froLi these peo-
ple?"
yes, CT course, I noticed when I
saw you and heard you talk"
Tonight, am almost myself. Ex-
cLSe me a minute"
She arose, procured a teaspoon, a
match and some white crystalline
powder from off her dresser.
What are YOU going to do?" Bill
Numbered.
Gust fix up little dose for the
needle. I need it! must have itw
Bill caught her arm. They wres-
tied. She struggled with him VIC.
lently. He was too strong for her.
The things dropped to the floor.
stop. you mustn't"
'Why?" She seemed dazed..
Because don't want you to!"
you don't want me to ha,
ha, how funny! And why?"
Because I already think too mu n
OF you to allow you ID keep on this
way. Because YOU have su:lken pref
ty low, as you think, you shouldn't
feel that you have to go still lower!"
"And you really care?"
eyes, do. Don't you believe it?'
Il certainly do. For your sake I
am going to try and lay off this stuff
. even if go crazy trying to
do without it. diun't think there
was a decent man in the world. But
can see that you're not like the
rest"
A LOUD KNOCK
Someone banged heavily on the
door.
A mans gruff voice growled out
open up here. and let me in!"
Who's that?" Bill whispered to
her.
The knocking continued.
Its Jeff. He lives here on this
floor. He's drunk all the time and
he's always annoying me. These peo-
pie are trying to make me give in to
him. He'll cause trouble for you'll"
I'm not afraid OF him!"
II know. Quick! Get under the
bed. I'll take care Of him!"
Myrna went TO the do and opened
it. jeff staggered in and attempted
to grab her. She sidesteLped him
quickly. His breath was foul with
cheap liquor.
Little dickty girl, Ell! I thought
you had company. Been here three
days and still think you're too good
fer me. But you amt gonna stall
He advanced on her nsteadily.
Bill, beneath the bed, Juld hardly
hold himself in check.
The drunken mans speech reas-
sured him that the girl was not a
prostitute.
Bill felt that he could see her in
suited no longer.
Myrna pushed forward. She tried
to force jeff back through the door.
She said nothing.
Eyes, trying to play so virtuOus.
tonight"
He grabbed her; his feet came
close to the bed.
Battles arms shot out. His hands
clutched Jeff's ankles and ruled.
The man came down in numbering
heap. His head struck the wall as
he fell and lay there supplied.
Battle crawled out over the mans
PROSTATE form.
my God! When comes to to-
night, he'll kill me. :"
Myrna was much excited. She
ierked her coat from off the bed.
THE ESCAPE
I'VE must beat Ill We cannot get
out the front way! Come this way!"
They went out the window, down
the fire escape and through a dark
alley back of the house Soon they
were on Washington street.
Bill hailed passing taxi and gave
the driver an address.
Inside the tax: Myrna aid her
head on Bills shoulder.
Where are you taking :ne?"
II am taking you to some people I
know; some good people. They'll
give you a room. I'll explain things