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Tuppence obeyed passively. Her good sense told her that there was nothing else
to do but accept the situation. If she shrieked for help there was very little chance
of anyone hearing her, whereas there was probably quite a good chance of Mrs.
Vandemeyer's shooting her. In the meantime, every minute of delay gained was
valuable.
Mrs. Vandemeyer laid down the revolver on the edge of the washstand within
reach of her hand, and, still eyeing Tuppence like a lynx in case the girl should
attempt to move, she took a little stoppered bottle from its place on the marble
and poured some of its contents into a glass which she filled up with water.
"
"
What's that?" asked Tuppence sharply.
Something to make you sleep soundly."
Tuppence paled a little.
"
"
"
Are you going to poison me?" she asked in a whisper.
Perhaps," said Mrs. Vandemeyer, smiling agreeably.
Then I shan't drink it," said Tuppence firmly. "I'd much rather be shot. At any
rate that would make a row, and some one might hear it. But I won't be killed off
quietly like a lamb."
Mrs. Vandemeyer stamped her foot.
"Don't be a little fool! Do you really think I want a hue and cry for murder out
after me? If you've any sense at all, you'll realize that poisoning you wouldn't suit
my book at all. It's a sleeping draught, that's all. You'll wake up to-morrow
morning none the worse. I simply don't want the bother of tying you up and
gagging you. That's the alternative--and you won't like it, I can tell you! I can be
very rough if I choose. So drink this down like a good girl, and you'll be none the
worse for it."
In her heart of hearts Tuppence believed her. The arguments she had adduced
rang true. It was a simple and effective method of getting her out of the way for
the time being. Nevertheless, the girl did not take kindly to the idea of being
tamely put to sleep without as much as one bid for freedom. She felt that once
Mrs. Vandemeyer gave them the slip, the last hope of finding Tommy would be
gone.
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