Page:Chipperfield--Unseen Hands.djvu/191

Rh the water, knelt beside his companion and deftly removed the gag.

"Steady, now, Miller; don't speak aloud. One of them is only asleep, and we've got to make a quick getaway."

"Gad! but that's a relief!" Miller exclaimed huskily. Here, I'll roll over so that you can get at my wrists; the rascal tied them behind my back, and confoundedly tight, too. How did you manage to get free, Sergeant?"

"They didn't tie me up. I was unconscious from that knockout I got until a few hours ago; and they—the fellow who's been guarding me—thinks I am still."

As he spoke Odell had cut the cords which bound the other's wrists; and now he began working at the rope about his ankles.

"How are your legs? Pretty numb?"

"No." Miller sat up with an involuntary groan and drew one knee up experimentally. "I guess they are all right. Have you any idea where we are?"

"Somewhere near a village; and that path through the trees leads to it. We ought to be able to find a garage or some farmer with a jitney who will take us back to the city if it is not too far. Come, I'll help you."

Miller staggered a little as they passed down the sagging gangplank and turned for a last look at the boathouse.

"The chief will send up to-morrow and clean out this hole, but I'd like one crack myself at the fellow who blackjacked me in front of that shop last night and has kept me trussed up like a Christmas turkey ever since," he observed grimly. "I'll get him yet on my own account!"

"You won't have a chance, Miller." Odell nodded slowly