"And before sunset," remarked Herrick, thinking of Sidney. "How did it happen, Bridge?"
"She had a bottle of chloral under her pillow, and while the nurse's back was turned, she drank it. I was called, too late. She is as dead as a door-nail, and has spoilt a most beautiful case."
Leaving the others to discuss the matter with Bridge, Herrick hastily excused himself. He ran across to Biffstead, and up into Sidney's bedroom. The boy was sleeping quietly, but Dr. Jim woke him promptly.
"I say," he cried, shaking the boy's shoulder, "she is dead."
"Petronella," said Sidney drowsily, "I know she is. I said she would die before sunset."
"You told her to take that chloral."
"No," said Sidney in a sleepy manner, "she wanted to take it before she confessed, but I stopped her. But she was bound to die; I said she might get out of the world more easily if she took it. I daresay she died quietly--in a sleep."
"You have behaved shamefully," cried Herrick wrathfully.
"No. She was bound to die in any case. Why should she not die as she pleased? Go away, Dr. Jim, I want to sleep," and Sidney closed his eyes.
Herrick, in the face of this calmness, was helpless, so he departed. The boy had baffled him to the very end.