“Ah, well, now let me tell you my plan. You have the use of your legs?”
“Yes; but my hands are tied.”
“Well, never mind that. My hands will be free. Now if you will make a break to run toward that tree yonder it will draw the attention of the brigands away from me, and I will make a dash for liberty. If I succeed in reaching that height yonder I shall be within view of the Kite and will signal Barney and Pomp. Then we will make a strike to save you. It is our only hope of salvation.”
Harding saw the situation at a glance, and whispered back:
“All right! Give the word when you are ready!”
“I will do so.”
Of course there was a chance that the scheme would fail, but it was certainly a dernier ressort.
Frank had now completely freed his hands. The brigand chief and his men were some yards away, evidently engaged in a discussion.
The moment had come.
There was not a little risk in the move. The brigands were apt to fire and shoot them both down.