He was tethered to a tree, his bonds were stout, and his captors had not made sufficient allowance for the almost human intelligence of Professor Thunder's star performer.

All about were scattered the utensils of a late supper, and with the aid of a stick the Link contrived to draw a knife within reach.

With this he promptly cut the rope.
When free Nickie went quietly and deliberately to work to overhaul an open swag.

He took a coat, pair of trousers, a pair of boots, and a hat, and with these under his arm retired to the bush to make his toilet.
An hour later three shearers, Bill, Fred, and Ben, riding at a gallop along the high road to Loo, came upon a man with a bundle walking cheerfully in the same direction.

The horsemen pulled up.
"Hi, mate, have you seen anythin' of a strange sort of animal on this road ?" cried Bill.
"Have I ?" answered the man.