“These things aren’t so bad for men, but there’s the girl.”
“I know, I know, Gardy,” he replied hoarsely. “I—I can’t help it.
Don’t throw me down, Gardy; don’t ball me out. I’m shaky. I can’t help
anything else. You’ve got to get me to that yacht where my dope is,
or—or you’ve got to get me back to Doc’ Olson.”
“What!”
“You have. I can’t stand it much longer.” His voice was raised,
regardless of Betty. “I won’t, you hear? I won’t stand it any longer.”
He turned and rushed back to Betty, holding out his hands.
“You know how I feel, don’t you Betty? You understand, don’t you?”
“Yes, George,” she said, taking his hands in hers, “I understand. But
can’t you sit down and quiet yourself a little?”
“No, no, no! I can’t. Gardy, you’ve got to get me to the doctor at
once. You understand, don’t you, Betty?”
“Yes, George. You shall go to the doctor at once.”
“What!” I cried. “Go back there now, when we’re so well rid of Brack?”
“What else is there to do?” she said. “Can we do anything but help
him? Please don’t think of me. There isn’t the least bit of need of
that.”
“I will do as you say,” I said. “Is it your wish we go back there?”
“We must. You can see there’s nothing else to do.
“You’ll stay here——”
“Certainly not!” cried George. “Takes two to paddle; I’m in no shape
am I, Betty?”