“I was trying to get the knot loose and something sharp touched my wrist. I felt around until I found the glass.”
“What’s your plan, Jerry?” sung out Ned.
“I’m going to get Bob to hold the glass and I’m going to saw through the ropes on my hands. Then I’ll set you all free!”
“Can you do it?”
“I’m going to make a big try.”
Then in the darkness they began their efforts to escape. Bob stretched out on his face, holding the jagged piece of glass from a broken bottle between his bound hands. By careful feeling Jerry edged his way over to him, until he could bring his wrists close to Bob’s. Then both boys turned on their side, back to back, and Jerry began sawing at the cords that bound him.
It was hard work, and more than once they had to stop because their arms ached. Several times Jerry’s hands slipped and the glass cut him, but he did not mind. Back and forth he drew the rope over the keen edge until he could feel the strands giving way.
“It’s almost loose,” he said.
In another minute he gave a triumphant cry.
“I’m free!”