They complied.
"You too, Spacker. Now, the three of you turn your backs to me and walk
to the wall. Keep those hands high!"
I opened my briefcase with one hand, withdrew the sleep bomb, hurled
it at their feet. The detectives knew what it was after one gasp, and
tried to hold their breath. But one gasp is enough. They crumpled to
the floor, unconscious. I closed Spacker's door and hung up the 'Do Not
Disturb' sign.
Our robot secretary was taking a flurry of phone messages. I waited
patiently in the anteroom till Claire returned.
"Here they are," she said soberly, handing me the envelope. "Three
berths on the _Sophocles_."
"That's wonderful, Claire! Thanks a lot. By the way, you'll notice that
those gentlemen have left. The matter is all straightened out."