But you sit
stronger, and the fight becomes shorter; and after many battles, and you
have learned never to be off guard, to know by instinct where every
ambush is, then at last the victory is yours. It is hard, it is bitter,
and sometimes it seems hardly worth the struggle. But it is--it is worth
the struggle, dear old man."
Soolsby dropped on his knees and caught David by the arms. "How did you
know-how did you know?" he asked hoarsely. "It's been just as you say.
You've watched some one fighting?"
"I have watched some one fighting--fighting," answered David clearly, but
his eyes were moist.
"With drink, the same as me?"
"No, with opium--laudanum."
"Oh, I've heard that's worse, that it makes you mad, the wanting it."
"I have seen it so."
"Did the man break down like me?"
"Only once, but the fight is not yet over with him."
"Was he--an Englishman?"
David inclined his head. "It's a great thing to have a temptation to
fight, Soolsby. Then we can understand others."
"It's not always true, Egyptian, for you have never had temptation to
fight.
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