This point reached, Jack whispered suddenly to Ned—
“Do you think they have tied us up like this so as to take us down to a canoe?”
“Yes, they’ve made us prisoners to take us away somewhere. That’s what I think, sir.”
“Yes, and that’s what I think, Ned. Now look carefully all round, and see if you can make out whether any one is watching.”
“Can’t get my head up, sir,” whispered the man after a pause, “but as far as I can make out they’re all fast asleep.”
“Then let’s try to get away.”
“Yes, sir; but how?”
“Do as I do. I’m outside, and the ground slopes down from here. I’ll start and you follow.”
“But I’m tied wrists and ankles, sir. I can’t stir.”
“Yes, you can. Don’t whisper so loud. I am going to roll myself over slowly, and keep on down that slope till I’m a little way off. Then I think we can get our knives out. I can get yours, or you can get mine. Or did they take yours?”