“Or else?—Yes! What else? What is that second conclusion—that other scheme which is to be a crime, and which the physician of the gaol is to detect and expose? I am anxious to know what you suppose that to be, if you will tell me?” said Annella, mockingly.
Malcolm hesitated for a moment, and then said:
“You intend surreptitiously, to administer some powerful narcotic sedative to Eudora, which shall plunge her into a sleep, trance, or coma, so profound as to simulate death. And then, when she shall be supposed dead, you propose to have her body claimed by me, as her nearest relative, ostensibly for the purpose of Christian burial, but really for that of being conveyed to some safe and secret place and restored to consciousness. A very ingenious plan, Annella, which, if it could be made to succeed, would certainly deliver our dearest one from captivity and death, while it would, at the same time, mislead the public into the belief that she had perished in prison. But, dear Annella, for the reasons I advanced just now, it must not be attempted. The very administration of such a drug would seriously endanger Eudora’s life, and therefore constitute a crime. Besides, it could not succeed for a moment. The physician who would be called would immediately recognize the presence of the drug and apply antidotes. So the only effect of your scheme, my poor Annella, would be to entail useless suffering upon that sweet victim; therefore—”
He was interrupted and astonished by a peal of weird laughter from Annella, who, as soon as she recovered herself, exclaimed:
“I do so much admire your perspicacity, Mr. Montrose, and also your ingenuity in imagining such a plan! And I likewise perfectly agree with you that it could never succeed, as the science and experience of the prison doctor would detect and expose the fraud in an instant. But I never even dreamed of such a ruse, Mr. Montrose. I know nothing whatever of ‘narcotic sedatives’ or any other drugs, or their effects; and even if I did, I would not for the world risk Eudora’s life by administering them to her. And even if I were wicked enough to do so, I should never have the opportunity afforded me, because of the sharp eyes of those female turnkeys that are never removed from me while I am in the cell. No, Mr. Montrose, you are very clever indeed, but you have not discovered my plan. My scheme involves no such risk of life to Eudora, nor of discovery by the physician! No; for if my scheme succeeds, as it must, Eudora shall leave the prison in full possession of her life, health, and faculties! Excuse my having laughed, but I could not help it. I was so tickled by your positiveness, so delighted to find, after all, that you had not detected my plot! And if you, with your perspicacity, have not discovered it, who will?—why, no one!” exclaimed Annella, triumphantly.
“Then, in the name of Heaven, since neither of my conjectures were right, what is your most inexplicable scheme?” demanded Malcolm, in amazement.
“I have already several times assured you that I shall not tell you; and I mean to keep my word!” replied Annella, firmly.
“Let me consider for a moment,” said Malcolm reflectively. “You propose, without the assistance, connivance, or even knowledge of any other single soul within or without the prison, except our three selves, to place Eudora Leaton, free and safe, outside the prison walls, while all the world except ourselves shall believe her to have perished?”
“Yes, that is just exactly what I undertake to do!” said Annella, exultingly.
“But why not confide to me the mode by which you propose to do all this?” inquired Malcolm, gravely.