"Dr. Milsom speaks like a Christian and an artist," said Bridgers, with sudden cheerfulness. "If I didn't dope, van Heerden, I should not be working in your beastly factory, but would probably be one of the leading analytical chemists in America. But I'll go back to do my chore," he said rising. "I suppose I get a little commission for restoring your palpitating bride? Milsom tells me that it is she. I thought it was the other dame--the Dutch girl. I guess I was a bit dopey." Van Heerden frowned. "You take too keen an interest in my affairs," he said. "Aw! You're getting touchy. If I didn't get interested in something I'd go mad," chuckled Bridgers. He had reached that stage of cocaine intoxication when the world was a very pleasant place indeed and full of subject for jocularity. "This place is getting right on my nerves," he went on, "couldn't I go to London? I'm stagnating here. Why, some of the stuff I cultivated the other day wouldn't react. Isn't that so, Milsom? I get so dull in this hole that all bugs look alike to me." Van Heerden glanced at the man who was addressed as Dr. Milsom and the latter nodded. "Let him go back," he said, "I'll look after him. How's the lady?" asked Milsom when they were alone. The other made a gesture and Dr. Milsom nodded. "It's good stuff," he said. "I used to give it to lunatics in the days of long ago." Van Heerden did not ask him what those days were. He never pryed too closely into the early lives of his associates, but Milsom's history was public property. Four years before he had completed a "life sentence" of fifteen years for a crime which had startled the world in '99. "How are things generally?" he asked. Van Heerden shrugged his shoulders. "For the first time I am getting nervous," he said. "It isn't so much the fear of Beale that rattles me, but the sordid question of money. The expenses are colossal and continuous." "Hasn't your--Government"--Milsom balked at the word--"haven't your friends abroad moved in the matter yet?" Van Heerden shook his head. "I am very hopeful there," he said. "I have been watching the papers very closely, especially the Agrarian papers, and, unless I am mistaken, there is a decided movement in the direction of support. But I can't depend on that. The marriage must go through to-morrow." "White is getting nervous, too," he went on. "He is pestering me about the money I owe him, or rather the syndicate owes him. He's on the verge of ruin." Milsom made a little grimace. "Then he'll squeal," he said, "those kind of people always do. You'll have to keep him quiet. You say the marriage is coming off to-morrow?" "I have notified the parson," said van Heerden. "I told him my fiancee is too ill to attend the church and the ceremony must be performed here." Milsom nodded. He had risen from the table and was looking out upon the pleasant garden at the rear of the house.