Helen knew this for an untruth, and a hastily fabricated invention at that. But she saw that Mrs. Lummis was not going to let her use the telephone, and she felt her fears verified that there was some secret work going on.
Mrs. Lummis then began chatting again, apparently forgetful of her impending journey, and as she adroitly led the talk to war matters and around to Captain Farnsworth, Helen grew more and more wary of what she said, and also more and more determined to speak to Patty without delay.
Breakfast finished, they rose, and went back to the bedroom.
Mrs. Lummis sat in a high-backed chair, and Bumble quickly formed her plan.
She drew from her coat pocket a long chiffon veil or scarf, that she carried for cold weather.
“You’ve been so kind,” she said, “I’m going to ask your acceptance of this as a little souvenir. It’s a Liberty scarf,—I bought it in London,—but it’s been little used.”
“Oh, it’s lovely,” said Mrs. Lummis, admiring the silken fabric.
“Yes, and it’s a real Liberty scarf,—to help me to my liberty!”
As Helen spoke, she quickly threw it around Mrs. Lummis’ neck and then around the high back of the chair, knotting it tightly.
“You little villain!” cried the victim, “take that off!”