Diary of a Drug Fiend

The Voice of Virtue 2gI could—but there is still a matter of three thousand pounds to find. And remember, after insuring against all risks, and so forth, we shall be paying at the very least four thousand per cent.” I have never been any sort of a business man; but a child of twelve could grasp the gigantic nature of the proposition. “IT have brought the papers for your inspection, my dear Sir Peter. You will see that the capital is only £20,000 in shares of {1 fully paid up—and I am offering you £3000 at par.” “It’s princely, my dear sir,” I exclaimed. ‘ You overwhelm me. But—excuse me—I don’t see why you need the money at all, or why you don’t sell the shares through a broker.”’ At this moment Lou popped into the room. It annoyed me. Did I show it? Her face went suddenly white as marble. She stood. in the doorway of the bedroom for a moment, swaying; and then went swiftly and softly through the room to the hallway. The portiére swung to behind her—and I instantly forgot her existence, after vaguely supposing that she had gone to get her furs to show to Gretel, returning to the bedroom by the other door so as not to disturb us. Platt was explaining the situation. ‘“ A most un- fortunate affair, Sir Peter! I fear I am overmuch preoccupied with the welfare of my fellows—and in con- sequence neglect my own. I certainly was surprised, when I went to my bank to see if I had enough money to purchase these chemical works, to find my balance so large—I am only too accustomed, alas! to find that my impulsive charity has denuded my little savings. But 4 only discovered last month that £3000 of the amount did nut belong to me at all ; it was part of a fund of which I am trustee. I am not allowed by our foolish laws to invest trust funds in such securities as this Schneezugchemischerwerke of ours; and I must replace the £3000 by the end of the month, or the