He exploded into mirth.
"What the devil ails him?" demanded Dr. Fell, and got slowly to his feet.
"That little bottle," said Nemo. "I drank it an hour ago, just when we left the train. I was afraid it wasn't working; I've been afraid, and that's why I had to talk. I drank it. 1 tell you I'm a ghost. A ghost has been sitting with you for an hour; I hope you remember it and think about it at night."
In the eerie yellow light, against which Dr. Fell's great bulk was silhouetted black, the mirth of the prisoner bubbled, and his body made a rustling sound which froze Morgan… And then, in the silence, Inspector Jennings got slowly to his feet. His face was impassive. They heard the creak and clink of the handcuffs.
"Yes, Nemo," said Inspector Jennings, with satisfaction, "I thought you'd try that. That's why I changed the contents of it. Most of 'em try the trick. It's old. You're not going to die of poison… "
The mirth struck off in a choking sound, and the man began to flap at the handcuffs…
"You're not going to die of poison, Nemo," said Inspector Jennings, moving slowly towards the door. "You're going to hang… Good night, gentlemen, and thanks."