Instantly I recognized the voice of Tony Dibble, and my heart gave a bound. I tried to cry out to him, but could not.
But, though I could not cry, I could make a noise with my heels, and this I did with a right good will.
It did not take me long to attract the old sailor's attention. He stopped short, and held the candle over his head.
"Is it really you, Foster?" he asked.
"Rat, tat, tat," I replied with my heels.
"Where are you?" he went on.
"Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat," was all I could answer.
"Gagged, I'll be bound," he muttered to himself; and at last found his way to my side.
It did not take him long to unfasten the gag, and that once out of my mouth I was able to breathe with some comfort, a thing which gave me no little satisfaction.
"Who did the job?" he asked, as he unloosed the ropes.