It took him a long time to saw through the rawhide thong about his neck.

After that he cut the rope that bound his ankles.
He made an effort to rise, but no sooner had he gained his feet than his paralyzed limbs gave way under him and he dropped in a heap on the floor.

Very slowly the blood began finding its way through his choked veins again, and with the change there came over him a feeling of infinite restfulness.

He stretched himself out, with his face turned to the black wall above, realizing only that he was saved, that he had outwitted his mysterious enemies again, and that he was comfortable.

He made no effort to think--to scheme out his further deliverance.