“‘And a philosopher?’
“‘In amateur fashion.’
“With feverish energy he went on more quickly, ‘You have in your possession,’ he said, ‘something for which I would give my whole fortune.’ He laid two half-sovereigns and some odd silver in the palm of his hand. ‘This is all I possess,’ he continued, ‘but I would give it gladly.’
“I looked at him curiously.
“‘You mean the morphine?’ I demanded.
“He nodded. ‘I don’t ask you to give it to me, I only ask—’
“I interrupted him. ‘Are you in pain?’
“He laughed softly, and I really believe he felt a tinge of amusement. ‘It is a question of expediency,’ he explained. If you happen to be a moralist—’ He broke off.
“‘What of it?’ I inquired.
“He settled himself in his corner, resting his head against the cushions.