“No monkey business!” the intruder cautioned by way of general admonition, as he drew it away. And then he tied Van Nesten’s hands.
He stepped down from the chair then and directed Van Nesten to climb up in his place. Then he bound the young man’s ankles together. He was a strong burglar and he bound them exceedingly well.
This done, he backed off and regarded his work. Van Nesten stood with his back to him, in a perfectly helpless position. He could not even get to the floor without severe risk of injury. The burglar walked round and faced him.
“I ain’t going to gag you,” he growled. “You understand if you make a noise what it will be—a personal risk to me? You understand that?”
“I understand,” said Van Nesten. “That’s the reason I’m tied. It won’t be necessary to gag me.”
The burglar grunted.
“It’s also unnecessary to keep me standing up here,” went on Van Nesten boldly. “Take hold of my elbow,” he said, “and steady me so I can jump down.”
The burglar glared at him an instant in amazement, and then suddenly jerked himself forward and seized him by the arm.
“Jump!” he said roughly.
When Van Nesten came down to the floor again the burglar gave him a whirl about, and pushed him over into the chair. They regarded one another steadily, then the burglar turned away.