Now he cuffed the Swede soundly and told him to shut up, and yanked him off the car.
"Joe is regaining consciousness.

He'll be nasty to handle as a rabid coyote if you wait much longer.

Just cut the rope.

It's my clothesline, but we must not balk at trifles in a crisis like this." The little woman had recovered her gun and was holding it ready for Joe in case the predicted rabidness became manifest.
Casey tied Joe very thoroughly while consciousness was slowly returning.
The situation ceased to be menacing; it became safe and puzzling and even a bit mysterious.

Casey reached for his plug, remembered his manners and took away his hand.