“To run away? I can’t leave my gold,” said Ben.
I don’t mean that. We must secure him. Have you got some stout cord?”
“Yes, yes,” said Ben, beginning to understand our hero’s design. “Stay, I’ll get it right away.”
“You’d better, for he may come to at any minute.”
The old man fumbled round until in some out-of-the-way corner he discovered a quantity of stout cord.
The boy set to work with rapid hands to tie the prostrate tramp hand and foot.
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.
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.”