Chapter 52

His hand was already in his pocket when Mr. Taylor said to him, “Tripp, didn’t I see you have a small bottle of cachous?—those little silver pellets, you know.” “Yessir;” and Tripp drew forth a half-filled bottle. “That’s right. Give them to the gentleman.” “Oh, I only want a couple,” said Fleming Stone, taking the vial which Tripp thrust toward him. “Where did you get these, my boy?” The boy blushed and looked down, twisting his fingers in embarrassment. “Speak up, Tripp,” said the landlord sternly. “Answer the ge…