Racksole had an idea that he should feel safer in that hotel of his, and better able to deal with any situation that might arise.

Nella scorned the idea.

In her quality of an amateur nurse, she assured them that Prince Eugen was much more seriously ill than either of them suspected, and she urged that they should take absolute possession of the house, and keep possession till Prince Eugen was convalescent.
'But what about the Spencer female ?' Racksole had said.
'Keep her where she is.

Keep her a prisoner.

And hold the house against all comers.