A chair was overturned; Virginia was lying face downwards upon the floor in front of the desk.

Phineas Duge dropped his cigarette, and fell on his knees by her side.

Then he saw that her hands and feet were tied with an antimacassar torn into strips, and a rude sort of gag was in her mouth.

She opened her eyes at his touch, and moaned slightly.
In a moment or two he had released her from her bonds, and removed the handkerchief which had been tied into her mouth.
"Fetch some brandy," he told the young man, "and keep your mouth shut about this.

You understand ?" "Sure, sir!" The young man hurried away.