The stage is made the scapegoat whenever the
voice of scandal breathes the word 'dope,' but we rarely hear the
names of the worst offenders even whispered. I have thought for a long
time that the authorities must know the names of the receivers and
distributors of cocaine, veronal, opium, and the other drugs, huge
quantities of which find their way regularly to the West End of
London. Pharmacists sometimes experience the greatest difficulty in
obtaining the drugs which they legitimately require, and the prices
have increased extraordinarily. Cocaine, for instance, has gone up
from five and sixpence an ounce to eighty-seven shillings, and heroin
from three and sixpence to over forty shillings, while opium that was
once about twenty shillings a pound is now eight times the price."
Monte Irvin listened attentively.
"In the course of my Guildhall duties," he said slowly, "I have been
brought in contact frequently with police officers of all ranks. If
influential people are really at work protecting these villains who
deal illicitly in drugs, I don't think, and I am not prepared to
believe, that they have corrupted the police."
"Neither do I believe so, Mr. Irvin!" said Margaret eagerly.
"But," Irvin pursued, exhibiting greater animation, "you inform me
that a Home office commissioner has been appointed.
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