Chefano carefully severed the handkerchief with which Bruce was gagged. The man in the coffin turned his head and tried to loosen the choking cloth.
"Quick," hissed Chefano. "The cover."
* * *
The flat top of the coffin came in place above. It seemed to shut Bruce off from the rest of the world.
Even the sighing wind had ceased. Bruce Duncan felt terribly imprisoned, and his thoughts brought horror.
Dull sounds came from above. They were driving nails with the muffled hammers!
Bruce tried to roll about. His struggle was desperate. If he could fight clear of the bonds, he might force the cover before they had it nailed! The ropes were yielding under his frenzied efforts. The gag had loosened and was slipping beneath his chin.
"Help!"
His cry seemed hopeless. Muffled within the coffin, overwhelmed by the wind! A faint cry far from human aid. Perhaps Vincent and the Englishman had discovered his absence. They might be coming to save him! Bruce was delirious enough to believe almost anything, yet even that one hope seemed futile.
He had one hand loose and was pressing against the top of the coffin. The board was heavy, yet it seemed to bend. But now they were lifting the coffin, carrying it to the grave!