The old man fumbled round until in some out-of-the-way corner, where he had laid away a store of odds and ends, he discovered a quantity of stout cord.
"Will that do?" he asked.
"Just the thing," said Tony.
The boy set to work with rapid hands to tie the prostrate tramp hand and foot. He was only afraid Rudolph would rouse to consciousness while the operation was going on, but the shock was too great, and he had sufficient time to do the job effectually and well.
"How brave you are," exclaimed the old man, admiringly. "I wouldn't dare to touch him."
"Nor I if he were awake. I didn't think you were so strong. He went over as if he were shot."
"Did he?" asked the old man, bewildered. "I don't know how I did it. I feel as weak as a baby now."
"It's lucky for us you threw yourself upon him as you did. A little more cord, Mr. Hayden. I want to tie him securely. You'd better be gathering up that gold, and putting it away before he comes to."
"So I will, so I will," said Ben, hastily.