“How long can we have to make up our minds?”
“Well, I’ve got to go up the mountain a piece and you may have till I get back, which will probably be in a half hour or so.”
“Thanks. We’ll have our answer ready by that time,” Bob assured him.
Before leaving the room the man examined their bonds and was apparently satisfied with their condition.
“I’ve heard that you couldn’t be tied so that you couldn’t get away,” he told Bob as he bent over him. “But I guess Skeets did the trick this time or else you haven’t tried.”
“Oh, I tried all right but he tied me while I was unconscious and that makes a lot of difference.”
“I reckon so. Well, talk it over and let me know what you decide when I get back. I really have nothing against you boys and have no desire to injure you, but I’ve got to look out for number one, you know, and just now it doesn’t suit me to have you around here.”
He went out and they could hear him as he slipped the bar in place.
“Wait five minutes and then free yourself,” Bob whispered.
At the end of the time they had heard no sound and Jack set to work and soon they were both free.