Stunned at the discovery, Nell was completely overcome for the time, and stood with arms extended like one petrified.
"Nell, is it you?" cried the yet stunned detective. "Where is the old hag who rules this den of iniquity?"
"Back yonder, safely locked in a room," said Nell, when she could find voice.
"And you did it?"
"Yes."
"Cut these cords, brave girl, and we will soon be out of this."
Placing her lamp on a box near, Nell Darrel proceeded to comply with the request of her brother. She had with her a small open knife, and this came into play neatly enough.
Soon the detective's limbs were free. He found when he attempted to rise, that he was unable to do so.
"I received a bad fall," he said, with a groan. "Lend me a hand, Nell, and we will get out of this before friends of that woman come to her rescue."
Nell assisted her brother to his feet. He groaned with pain, for it seemed to him as though every bone in his body was broken.