physically and mentally irresponsible."

Kennedy was putting away the paraphernalia he had used, meanwhile
talking about the drug. "One of the worst aspects of it, too," he
continued, "is the desire of the user to share his experience with
some one else. This passing on of the habit, which seems to be one
of the strongest desires of the drug fiend, makes him even more
dangerous to society than he would otherwise be. It makes it
harder for anyone once addicted to a drug to shake it off, for his
friends will give him no chance. The only thing to do is to get
the victim out of his environment and into an entirely new scene."

The laboratory table cleared again, Kennedy had dropped into a
deep study.

"Now, why was Mrs. Sutphen there?" he asked aloud. "I can't think
it was solely through her interest for that girl they call
Snowbird. She was interested in her, but she made no attempt to
interfere or to follow her. No, there must have been another
reason."

"You don't think she's a dope fiend herself, do you?" I asked
hurriedly.

Kennedy smiled. "Hardly, Walter. If she has any obsession on the
subject, it is more likely to lead her to actual fanaticism
against all stimulants and narcotics and everything connected with
them. No, you might possibly persuade me that two and two equal
five--but not seventeen. It's not very late. I think we might make
another visit to that cabaret and see whether the same thing is