The Professor had flung it into his coat pocket; Joey took it out and gave it to John. He opened it, and took one of the unbroken bottles out, looking at it anxiously. "I expect this was what he worked in the Lab to get done unsuspected." "Think he's got poisonous germs or something bottled there?" asked Noreen. "I'm no chemist; but you bet it's some putrid game, like spreading a rotten disease by water. We've got to hand it over to the police any way, and some bacteriologist will tell us all about it. But first we'll have this chap into the car. Can you spare one of those sash things you wear? We'd better tie his hands behind him, or he'll be getting away when he comes to." Three white braid sashes were at once forthcoming; John took Noreen's, and tied the Professor up thereby securely. "Doesn't he look different without his moustache!" Noreen observed. "Oh, he's shaved that, has he?" John asked. "He took it off in the Lab; it wasn't a real one," Joey explained. John whistled, and grinned approvingly. "You saw a fair lot through your keyhole! Well, I suppose it's pretty clear that our gentleman was in the habit of altering his appearance for reasons of his own. Another item in his bill. But he didn't show the usual Hun attention to detail--when he took the key out before he had finished everything, did he?" "He thought no one would know where he was. He forgot Tiddles, I expect," Joey contributed. John tied the last knot with a flourish, just as the Professor began to show signs of returning consciousness. "Tiddles? Oh, the Belgian baby! Yes, I expect he forgot her. So she knew you were there." "Yes; I think she saw my shoe sticking out of the hole I made in the roof, and fetched Frances--the pet!" Joey said. "I say, Gabrielle, _do_ you think I'll be in a fearful row with Miss Conyngham again? for I've done dreadful things in the Lab, besides coming out all untidy." "I doubt if you'll get it in the neck from your Miss Conyngham this time," John told her cheeringly. "But now we must attend to business. How do you find yourself now, sir? Can you get into my car, or do you want to be helped there?" The Professor for all answer made a struggle with his hands, but the braid was strong, and John knew how to tie his knots. "No go," said John. "You had better come quietly. I'm sorry we had to tie you up; but we'll make you as comfortable as we can." The Professor regained his breath and his senses. "I do not understand dis outrage," he said. "I shall spik of it to Miss Conyngham instantly. Dese girls shall be punished...." "I'm afraid you've cut your cheek a bit," John said concernedly. "Let me get your handkerchief--do you keep it in your pocket or up your sleeve? It's the violet handkerchief I want, the one where the code letters come out when you hold it to the fire--K V, you know."