Joe told the children that he had made very exact inquiries, and
that he believed they might start for the south the next day. He
spoke, of course, in English, and, never supposing that Anton knew a
word of that tongue was at no pains to refrain from discussing their
plans in his presence.
Anton, apparently engaged in puffing a pipe in a corner of the room
with his eyes half shut, looking stupid and half asleep, of course
took in every word.
"They would start early the next morning. Oh, yes! they were more
than welcome; they might go to the south, the farther from him the
better, always provided that he secured the purse first."
As he smoked, he laid his plans. He was quite sure that one of the
children had the purse. He suspected the one to be Joe. But to make
sure, he determined to search all three.
He must search the children that night. How should he accomplish his
search?
He thought. Bad ideas came to him. He went out.
He went straight to a chemist's, and bought a small quantity of a
certain powder. This powder, harmless in its after-effects, would
cause very sound slumber. He brought in, and contrived, unseen by
anyone, to mix it in the soup which the old grandmother was preparing
for the evening meal. All--Pericard, Toby--all should partake of this
soup. Then all would sleep soundly, and the field would be open for
him; for he, Anton, would be careful not to touch any.
He had made arrangements before with the old grandmother to have a
shake-down for the night in one of her rooms; from there it would be
perfectly easy to step into the little attic occupied by the
children, and secure the precious purse.
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