О.Генри (O.Henry)Jim, the young car-driver, was a border at old Riddles.
He was in love with
Riddle's daughter Rosy.
And Rosy in love with Jim.
They wanted to get married but Mr.
Riddle, Rosy's father was against it.
He hoped to find a rich husband for his daughter.
Jim had a friend who worked as a clerk at a druggist's shop.
His name was Pilkins.
Jim often called on Pilkins at his shop and they talked together and
Jim, who was very frank, told Pilkins that he was in love with Rosy.
When Jim talked of Rosy, Pilkins listened to him in silence and never said the word. .
One afternoon Jim called at the shop.
He looked very nervous.
“Old Riddle does not like me,” he began.
“For a week he hasn't let Rosy go outside the door with me.
He probably knows that we are in love with each other.
So Rosy and I have decided to run away tonight and get married.
Of course,” he continued, “if she doesn't change her mind.
Because one day she says she will, the same evening she says she won't as she is afraid.
We have decided to run away tonight.
But it is five hours yet till the time and I am afraid that she will change her mind again!
” Jim stopped and looked at Pilkins.
“But you can help me,” he added.
“I don't see now”.
said Pilkins.
“I say, Pilkins, isn't there a drug that will make a girl like me better if I give it to her.
I think I have such a drug to give Rosy when I see her in supper tonight it may give her courage and she will keep her promise and run away with me.”
“When is this foolishness to happen?
” asked Pilkins gloomily.
“At ten o'clock Supper is at seven.
At nine Rosy will get to bed with headache.
At ten I'll come under her window and help her to climb down.
Can you make such a drug, Pilkins?”
“Of course I can,” said Pilkins and went behind the desk.
There he crushed to powder two tablets.
“This will make Rosy sleep for several hours,” he said to himself.
Then he handed the powder to Jim.
When Jim had gone Pilkins who was secretly in love with Rosy went to Mr.
Riddle and told him everything.
Mr.
Riddle decided to watch the lovers and shoot at Jim.
Pilkins was sure that he had nothing to fear of.
All night he waited for the news of the tragedy but none came.