The gag prevented Allan from uttering more than a hoarse grunt by way of answer.
Jed stooped down and looked at him more closely.
“Gagged, by gum!” he said, and reaching around behind the boy’s head, had the gag loose in a moment. “Not dead, eh?” he asked.
“No,” answered Allan, smiling despite his wounds. “Only knocked up a little.”
“An’ tied up, too,” added Jed, seeing the ropes for the first time. “I thought there was something queer about you when I dragged you out, but I didn’t hev time t’ stop an’ inquire what it was. There you are,” and he drew a knife from his pocket and severed the ropes. “Kin you stand up?”
He helped the boy to his feet, and after a moment of uncertainty, the latter was able to stand alone.
“Oh, I guess you ain’t much hurt,” said Jed, cheerfully. “Where’d all this gore come from?” and he indicated the boy’s shirt, the front of which was fairly soaked with blood.
“From my nose,” answered Allan, smiling again.
“Oh, that’s good fer ye!” Jed assured him. “Banged you on th’ nose, did they? Break it?”