Margaret looked from him to Michael. "I hadn't thought of that. You think we ought to go back?"
"No, I don't," Michael said.
"I leave it to you, Sis," Peter told her. "I know it won't be nice for you, but do you think you could screw up your courage enough to do it?"
She seemed to consider. "Could you get hold of an automatic for me, Michael? I could hide it in my dress. If I had a gun I'd do it."
Peter nodded. "She's a pretty good shot, Draycott. You can trust her with a gun."
"I can't manage the double pull of a service revolver, or I'd borrow Charles'," Margaret said.
The inspector, who had come up, and had been listening, said: "If you'll consent to be shut up down there again, miss - and if you do I'd like to say that there's very few ladies who've got your pluck - you'll both be fitted with a couple of Colts. Not that I think you'll have any need to use them. All we want you to do is to sit in that cell, as if you'd been there all day, and keep there till Mr. Draycott gives the word for you to come out. We'll draw the bolts back as we come down the passage, but don't come out, either of you. There may be a bit of shooting, you see. While you're behind that stone wall you're safe enough, but we don't want you mixed up with the scuffle there's bound to be outside."
Margaret smiled at Michael, who was frowning. "At that rate I don't see that we shall be in any danger at all. It'll just be rather boring, having to wait. I'm game."
The inspector turned to Michael. "You're in charge, Draycott, I know, and it's for you to give the orders, but if you'll allow me to make the suggestion, the lady won't come to any harm, and it's taking a big chance if she stays up here."
"I know," Michael said. He hesitated. Then he laughed ruefully: "Oh, Margaret, you are a nuisance!"