The man lay silent and motionless like one dead, and no one
came to the rescue.
The detective moved stealthily from his hiding-place to the
verge of the bluff and glanced over to the spot where the
"Nancy" had been riding at anchor. The boat had disappeared.
A moment Vance stood and considered. He knew that he was
walking upon dangerous ground. He had received an intimation
of the desperateness of the gang. After a review of the
situation he walked back to where the smuggler whom he had
worsted lay. The man was just beginning to show signs of
returning consciousness.
"I reckon I'll render you harmless for the balance of the
night," muttered the detective, and he bound the man hand and
foot.
The man meantime revived, and called for water.
"Ah, you are thirsty, are you?" muttered the detective, who,
after all, was a humane and merciful fellow, and he proceeded
to a running rill near by and got some water in a rubber cup
which he always carried about him.
The man slaked his thirst, and asked:
"Where am I?"
"You are at home, I reckon."
The smuggler, at length, appeared to realize that he had been
bound, and he said:
"Who tied me up this way?"
"I did."
"Why?"
"You were set to shoot me down, and I got the better of you,"
"Ah, I remember."
"Yes, you set on me and I was compelled to serve you out."
"Release me now, it's all right."
"Oh, it's all right, eh? well, I don't think so; it's my idea
you are a bad character, and I'm going to keep you here until
I notify the constable or someone else.
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