Imbrie did not instantly move to obey.
“Look sharp!” rasped Stonor. “It wouldn’t come hard for me to put a bullet through you!”
Imbrie thought better of it, and cut off the rope as ordered.
“Now throw the knife on the ground.”
Imbrie obeyed, and stepped towards Stonor, holding the rope out. There was an evil glint in his eye.
Stonor stepped back. “No, you don’t! Keep within shooting distance, or this gun will go off!”
Imbrie stopped.
“Miss Starling,” said Stonor. “Come and tie this man’s wrists together behind his back, while I keep him covered.”
She approached, still staring half witlessly as if she saw an apparition. She was shaking like an aspen-leaf.
“Pull yourself together!” commanded Stonor with stern kindness. “I am not a ghost. I am depending on you!”