"What's up now?"
"Perhaps I can get free. The edge of this couch is of iron and rough in one spot, as I well remember. Perhaps I can saw this leather strap apart on the rough edge. Do you think that Spaniard will stay away?"
"Never mind; do what you can."
With caution, and making as little noise as possible, the young captain set at the task of liberating himself.
It was a slow and painful job, and he rubbed the skin on his wrists almost as much as he did his leather bonds.
But the movement was a success, and at last he found his hands free.
He quickly liberated his feet and then set his lieutenant at liberty.
"Now if only we had pistols," said Andy.
"We will take the electric rifles—they make little or no noise," answered Oscar. "And don't forget those swords in the pantry."
Soon both were well armed and ready to fight to the death for liberty.