"That goes without saying," he responded. "But I am glad that you came; I need you very badly. The allowance of opium that you gave me ran out four days ago."
Scudder laughed, and relaxed in his chair.
"And how are you doing without it?" he inquired. "Can you get along?"
"Not here in bed," he rejoined. "If I were outside, actively engaged, at work upon our plans, I think that the activity would help me tremendously. When I was busy with Claire looking up the place, I found this to be true."
Scudder's black eyes narrowed very slightly, as though inwardly he were a bit astonished. But his words gave the lie to this supposition.
"That's exactly what I calculated on," he returned easily, "and it proves that my theories have been correct. Fortunately, I brought along a good supply. By the way, I'm interested in this fellow who fixed you up—did you say his name was Murray? What did he look like?"
Tom Lee described Murray very accurately. From Scudder broke a word of astonishment.
"By George!" he exclaimed. "Do you know, that's very remarkable!"
"What?" demanded Tom Lee, gazing at him with heavy-lidded calm.
"That he should turn up here!" Scudder was animated, vigorous.