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CHAPTER XIII. THE VIGIL

SIR James brushed past Julius and hurriedly bent over the fallen woman.

Heart," he said sharply. "Seeing us so suddenly must have given her a shock.

Brandy--and quickly, or she'll slip through our fingers."

Julius hurried to the washstand.

"Not there," said Tuppence over her shoulder. "In the tantalus in the dining-room.

Second door down the passage."

Between them Sir James and Tuppence lifted Mrs. Vandemeyer and carried her

to the bed. There they dashed water on her face, but with no result. The lawyer

fingered her pulse.

"Touch and go," he muttered. "I wish that young fellow would hurry up with the

brandy."

At that moment Julius re-entered the room, carrying a glass half full of the spirit

which he handed to Sir James. While Tuppence lifted her head the lawyer tried to

force a little of the spirit between her closed lips. Finally the woman opened her

eyes feebly. Tuppence held the glass to her lips.

Drink this."

Mrs. Vandemeyer complied. The brandy brought the colour back to her white

cheeks, and revived her in a marvellous fashion. She tried to sit up--then fell

back with a groan, her hand to her side.

"It's my heart," she whispered. "I mustn't talk."

She lay back with closed eyes.

Sir James kept his finger on her wrist a minute longer, then withdrew it with a

nod.

She'll do now."

All three moved away, and stood together talking in low voices. One and all were

The Secret Adversary