In a moment he was gone and I was left to my own reflections. I heard him tramp around down-stairs for several minutes, and then all became silent.
No sooner had he left me than I began to tug at the ropes that bound me. But Mr. Norton had done his work well, and at the end of five minutes I found myself as secure as ever.
I was lying flat on my back, and found it impossible to rise. For a while I thought to raise my voice, and did so several times, but then ceased under the impression that no one was within hearing distance.
A rat came out of his hole and scrambled over my legs. This startled me, and I raised quite a racket which made him disappear in a hurry.
Ten minutes passed, and all was as silent as before. Would I have to lie there until morning, or longer, and leave the three robbers to escape? It seemed more than likely.
Presently I thought I heard a sound at the door of the lower mill room. I listened intently and was sure I was not mistaken.
“Help! help!” I cried at the top of my lungs.
The sound stopped, and I repeated my calls.
“Who is that?” cried a voice.
“It is I, Reuben Stone.”