and his whole body was secured in a rigid, immovable

position by being bound to a pole of about his own

length.

In a moment Dick's knife was out, bands and cords

were severed, and Joe Blunt was free.

"Thank God!" exclaimed Joe with a deep, earnest sigh,

the instant his lips were loosened, "and thanks to

you

,

lad!" he added, endeavouring to rise; but his limbs had