content himself with working away as before. Soon his fingers grew numb and he had to desist.
"Too bad, but I can't make it!" he groaned.
"Wait a while and give your fingers a rest," returned Sam.
He had begun work on his own fetters, but try his best could make no material progress. The ropes had cut through the skin in two places and from these spots the blood was flowing freely.
Two hours went by, and to the boys it seemed an age. Tom had tried his best to free himself, and now the cords were gradually loosening up.
"I've got it at last!" he cried presently. "Just wait." And a little later the bonds dropped to the ground. But the work had caused his finger tips to bleed.
With his hands free, Tom set to work free his feet, and this was not so difficult, although it also took time. Both boys were now hungry once mere, and reckoned that it was well past the noon hour.
"I'll set you free, and then we'll look around for something to eat," said Tom.
"Hadn't we better get out as soon as we can?" asked his brother. "Remember, they may come back at any moment, and we are no match for them,"
"It will take but a minute to pick up something, if it's around, Sam. Besides, we have got
