A drink would give him relief from the gnawing ache and perhaps a night's sound sleep.

If he could get that, he might be well for most of the next day.

But he shrank from the remedy.

There was liquor enough to last some days, but the next bottle would not last as long, and he knew there would be another.

He must resist and conquer his craving now.
He opened the door and picked up the bottle by the neck.