This was sufficient to silence the prisoner.
"I can't find anything but the boat's painter," Jim cried. "Shall we use that?"
"Yes, and be quick about it."
The rope was soon detached from the craft, and, as Jim approached with it, Jet said to the man:
"Now put your hands behind you."
This order was obeyed without a murmur, and the small guide began to tie them securely.
The painter was of sufficient length to serve as bonds for the fellow's legs also, and when he was thus trussed up Jet began fashioning a gag from a piece of pine wood.
Having had this instrument of torture applied to himself on two occasions, he was well prepared to put it on in a proper fashion, although the prisoner begged abjectly to be spared the indignity.
"We have got to take care of ourselves, and I wouldn't trust to your oath if you should swear from now till Christmas."
When it was impossible for the fellow to move or speak, Jet made a thorough search of his clothing, and succeeded in finding, among several unimportant things, the telegram Jim had supposed was sent many hours ago.