He turned the rays of the lamp which he still held in his hand on to a figure, lying kneeling on the floor in an extraordinary attitude.

From a white face a pair of gleaming eyes met his in a glance of hate and fear, but no words came from the thin lips set in a line, and a moment's scrutiny showed that the captive was bound hand and foot.

Indeed, hands and feet were fastened together with a stout cord, which had been passed around the man's neck subsequently, so that he was in some danger of suffocation if he endeavored to wriggle loose, or even straighten his back, which was bent over his heels.
"He's all right," said Brodie, who had strolled leisurely after the others.

"I told him I was taking no chances, and was compelled to make him uncomfortable, but that he wouldn't choke if he kept quiet.

Of course, he has had a rather trying wait, but I couldn't help that, could I ?" "We give you best," growled McCulloch.