THE COMING OF A MESSAGE The situation once realized, West worked rapidly.

If this bound man was Sexton, the quicker he could be released the better.

Hobart had already revealed his plans, and might appear at any moment for the purpose of executing them.

If escape was to be achieved, it must be accomplished at once.

In the darkness his fingers could do nothing with the knot, but the sharp blade of a knife quickly severed the twisted cloth, and the gag was instantly removed from between the clinched teeth.