The Black Mask — page 103: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

: | : lent and I had no worries. I do not recall an ache or a pain or a severe- disappointment in fifteen years. There was a girl—her name is of no moment—a girl of wondrous beauty and celestial character, who did stagger my resolution for a brief spell. When I felt myself weaken- ing I went to Bellevue Hospital where I knew a house surgeon, and walked through the wards. The Law of Compensation was operating on high gear that evening. I finished my tour, had a good laugh and never saw her again. So this is the last night. I feel strangely happy. For my final re- past I have ordered a royal gorge. I shall dine heartily at midnight and drink many a glass of rare vintage Where the Span Splits to the vanquished Law of Compen- sation. Then to bed for a few hours of calm rest. After that, tomorrow morning and 7 :32. EV THE following letter was _ received in the coroner’s office from Dr. J. P. Sypes: Dear Sir: The enclosed communication or man- uscript was found ona table in the room where Paul Traverse died last night. His death was entirely natural and was due, as stated in the burial certificate, to acute gastritis. The attack followed upon an unusually heavy meal he had eaten before retiring. The matter I am send- ing you was, I preswme, a literary effort on his part.