“All in a bunch!” agreed Harry. “I wonder if he’s hurt!”
“Roll him over,” directed Ned. “Let’s get him out of here!”
“Why, he’s tied!” cried Harry, in a startled voice.
“Tied?” questioned Jack, pushing forward. “Who tied him?”
“And gagged!” went on Harry, his voice vibrating with indignation. “Mackinder will pay for this!” the lad continued. “We’ll get him!”
Without the loss of a moment Harry was swiftly relieving Jimmie of the object which prevented speech. A small block of wood had been forced between Jimmie’s teeth. This had been secured in place by tying a handkerchief over his face. The gag had been extremely effective, even though it was uncomfortable and crude.
As the gag was removed Jimmie wagged his jaw a few times to relieve the strained muscles. He nodded his appreciation.
“How are you feeling, Jimmie?” was Ned’s solicitous inquiry.
“All right,” replied the lad. “Untie my hands, will you?”
“Gee, but you’re an artist, Jimmie!” cried Jack. “We’ll get you a job as ‘Tricko, The Handcuff King’! I want to say right now,” the boy went on in mock seriousness, “there are very few people who can tie themselves up so completely and so quickly as this job has been done!”