cold. And remember in future if you are allowed to live, which I
_very_ much doubt, that such supreme indifference as mine could only
_possibly_ be the outcome of an absolute sense of perfect security."

Jill patted the silly-looking little ivory and silver thing she held.

"You mongrel!" she continued sweetly, "I was simply playing with you
until the right moment--the coffee moment which I knew must
happen--should arrive in which to give you a lesson. Why! when I saw
your eyes in the restaurant I took my little friend from my pocket and
made sure he was in order. I may look a fool, and I may act in a
manner still more foolish, but I am _not_ exactly what you would call a
_born_ fool! Now drink that, I am late already! And don't spill a
single drop or I'll shoot you on the spot!"

There was nothing for it but to obey, though the brute took the only
revenge he could in pouring out a torrent of language beyond
description, until Jill suddenly rose and levelled her revolver at his
head, which seemed to send the sickly contents post-haste down his
throat, after which Jill ordered him to stretch himself comfortably
upon the flower-screened divan.

He did so smiling stupidly, the drug having begun to take effect; and
the big eyes closed and opened and closed again, and the mouth relaxed
as a gentle snore told Jill that as far as the present danger was
concerned she was safe.

She stood for a second looking idly down upon one of the world's
greatest criminals, and then at the thought of the dangers which might
still be awaiting her on the other side of the door, unloaded her