As he reached the side of the keg, however, Ned's first utterance was a gasp of surprise and then a low laugh.
"Bluffed!"
The exclamation came sharply as he plucked out the candle and threw it to the floor. Luckily it did not go out, for the next instant he realized that he would have to use its light.
Hastily he made his way to the inventor's side. A few quick slashes of the knife, and Mr. Varian stood free, words of gratitude on his lips and a light of admiration in his eyes.
Ned hastily checked the other's words.
"Time for action now, sir," he said briskly. "Can you run an auto?"
"Can you tie a running bowline?" smiled the inventor, who now seemed as cool as ice.
Ned grinned appreciatively.
If all went well, the next step of his hastily contrived plan of escape could be carried out.