For the space of a few seconds the fellow stood gaping at the Dumpling as if fascinated. Then his eyes dulled to a fixed, foolish stare, and finally the lids of them drooped and closed. He was mesmerised—that fact was evident.
"Open your eyes," the Dumpling commanded.
Wright did so.
"Put your hand in my right-side pocket, and you'll find a strap."
Automatically the other obeyed.
"Strap his ankles securely. No; it is no use your struggling, Rissler," he went on, as, getting my feet against the wainscot for leverage, I put all my strength into an effort to throw him off.
Then, looking over his shoulder, he inquired:
"Have you got that strap, Wright?"
"I have got the strap," the other replied mechanically.
"Then be ready to use it," said the Dumpling. "Slip it around his ankles when I say 'Now'!"