Ludwig was up by this time. He had a great jackknife, the pride of his heart, in his breeches pocket. It could do good service now. They bared the bedstead in a moment. It was laced backward and forward with a rope.

"I'll cut it," cried Ludwig, sawing away at the knot. "Hold him tight, Peter!"

"Never fear!" answered the captain, giving the robber a warning prick.

The boys were soon pulling at the rope like good fellows. It was out at last--a long, stout piece.

"Now, boys," commanded the captain, "lift up his rascally arms! Cross his hands over his back! That's right--excuse me for being in the way--tie them tight!"

"Yes, and his feet too, the villain!" cried the boys in great excitement, tying knot after knot with Herculean jerks.

"Oh--oh!" he moaned. "Spare a poor sick man--I was but walking in my sleep."

"Ugh!" grunted Lambert, still tugging away at the rope. "Asleep, were you? Well, we'll wake you up."