Diary of a Drug Fiend

The Voice of Virtue 289 had made a disagreeably large hole in my capital. Only two mornings ago I had had a rather iritating letter from Mr. Wolfe on the subject. It would suit me perfectly well to make an enormous fortune. He drew his chair closer to mine, and began to talk in a quiet, persuasive voice. ‘‘ It’s this way, my dear Sir Peter. The workings of Providence are indeed strange. Just before the passing of my Act, I had invested what little fortune I possessed in the purchase of a Cocaine Factory in Switzerland, with the intention of putting an end to its nefarious activities. Now here is an instance of what I can only refer to with reverent gratitude as the Moving of the Divine Finger. On the one hand, my chemical manager informed me of the marvellous scientific discovery which I have already mentioned—I am sure you feel no ill effects from what you have taken ?”’ His voice took on a tone of grave concern, almost paternal. “Not much |” I countered cheerfully, ‘‘ it’s splendid. I can do with another sniff right now!” I suited the action to the words, like Hamlet’s ideal mummer. “Won't you be persuaded ?”’ I queried maliciously. “* Ah, no, I thank you, dear Sir Peter! Your remarks have raised me to the highest pinnacle of happiness.”’ I took a fourth dose, just for luck. “Well, on the other hand, I discovered that, thanks to the very Act which I had so arduously laboured to put upon the Statute Book, that little bottle of yours which costs me less than five shillings to- manufacture, and was sold retail for a matter of fifteen shillings, can now be sold—discreetly, you understand—in the West End for almost anything one cares to ask—ten, twenty, even fifty pounds to the right customer. Eh? What do you say to that?”’ He laughed gleefully. ‘‘ Why, ill-natured people might say I had put through the Act for the very purpose of making a bull market for my produce! ”’ _ “ And you save humanity from its follies and vices at the same stroke!’’ The cocaine had cleared my