Diary of a Drug Fiend

Over the Top ! 35 girl was about to collapse. The owner of the studio was bending over her. He looked at me over his shoulder out of the corners of his eyes. ‘ “A case of indiscretion,’ he observed, with bitter irony. For the next quarter of an hour he fought for the girl’s life. King Lamus was a very skilled physician, though he had never studied medicine officially. But I was not aware of what was going on. Cocaine was singing in my veins. I cared for nothing. Lou came over impulsively and flung herself across my knees. She held the goblet of Benedictine to my mouth, chanting ecstatically :-— “Q Thou sparkling wine-cup of light, whose foaming is the heart’s blood of the stars! I adore Thee, Evoe! I adore Thee, I A O!” We swooned into a deep, deep trance. Lamus interrupted us. “You mustn’t think me inhospitable,” he said. “ She’s come round all right ; but I ought to drive her home. Make yourselves at home while I’m away, or let me take you where you want to go.” Another interruption occurred. The bell rang. Lamus sprang to the door. A tall old man was standing on the steps. “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” said Lamus. “ Love is the law, love under will,” replied the other. It was like a challenge and countersign. “T’ve got to talk to you for an hour.” “Of course, I’m at your service,” replied our host. “The only thing is——’”’ He broke off. My brain was extraordinarily clear. My self- confidence was boundless. I felt inspired. I saw the way out. A little devil laughed in my heart: ‘“ What an excellent scheme to be alone with Lou!”