CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE RING DISAPPEARS.
"Bart!" The exclamation of mingled surprise and reproach came from Frank's lips.
Hodge had made a move to conceal the cigarette, but discovered he was too late.
His face turned crimson, and he hung his head with shame.
Frank closed the door, and came to the side of his roommate, on whose shoulder he gently placed a hand, as he asked: "How does it happen, Bart ?" Bart started to say something, choked a little, and then forced an unpleasant laugh.
"Oh, I'm a liar!" he burst out, hotly.

"I have broken my pledge at the first temptation!" "Why did you do it?
You know you said you could leave off smoking cigarettes easily." "I thought I could." "And you found out the habit was fastened more firmly on you than you thought ?" "That's about the size of it.

I have been longing for a cigarette all day, and, when I came by accident upon this one, finding myself all alone, I could not resist the desire to have a whiff." "That shows the habit had a firmer hold on you than you thought." "Yes.

I fancied I could leave it off readily enough; but I was mistaken.

It seems a fellow never knows what a hold the nasty little things have on him till he tries to stop smoking them." "And were you going to give up the struggle without another effort ?" "Oh, no! I didn't mean to smoke only this once.