His task was rendered difficult by the waistband of her dress.

He slipped out a clasp-knife and opened the blade.
Not until then did he discover that the nail of the forefinger on his right hand had been torn out by the quick, probably during his endeavors to grasp the unsteady support which contributed so materially to his escape.

It still hung by a shred and hindered the free use of his hand.

Without any hesitation he seized the offending nail in his teeth and completed the surgical operation by a rapid jerk.
Bending to resume his task he was startled to find the girl's eyes wide open and surveying him with shadowy alarm.

She was quite conscious, absurdly so in a sense, and had noticed his strange action.
"Thank God!" he cried hoarsely.