Drawing his feet as far apart as possible, with all the strength he possessed, he was quickly rewarded by feeling a relaxation, and in a moment his heart leaped with joy.

The string was severed.
Squirming around upon his chest, Jamie arose to a kneeling position, and then stood erect.

So far as his legs were concerned he was free.
Jamie's first impulse was to run wildly away, but he restrained himself.

Standing over the men he looked down upon them.

Neither had moved, and to all appearances they were sleeping as soundly as ever.
"I'm thinkin' now I'll try to burn off the string on my hands too," he decided.