I led the way into the sitting-room. So soon as we were in, I began to undo the packet of rope. “Just look out of the window and see if that’s any one coming in.” He seemed as if he could not quite make me out, or the whole proceeding. But, after a moment’s delay, he did as he was told. He went to the window. In buying the clothes line, I had tied a slip-knot at one end, so as to form a rudimentary lasso. So soon as his back was turned I had this over his head, tightening the knot: his arms were pinioned to his sides. He struggled fiercely. “It is a plant, is it?----if I didn’t think it was! So this is your little game!” “This is my little game; and, if you take my advice, my lad, you’ll own you’re beaten. Because you are.” He was. I ran the rope about him, pulling him off his feet with a jerk. As he lay on the floor, I trussed him hand and foot. I have had some experience in the handling of ropes, and can tie a knot or two. I was prepared to guarantee that, unaided, he would never move again. “What are you going to do to me?” he asked. “Nothing, my good man. It’s surely more comfortable in here than out in the street in such weather as this? The unfortunate part of the business is that I am so anxious that you should not make a noise that I’m afraid I shall have to take measures to keep you still.” “You are not going to gag me?” “I fear I must. But, to prove that I regret having to subject you to inconvenience, I am going to slip two five-pound notes into the breast pocket of your coat. When you’re untied you will be able to drink my health with them.” “Drink your health! My God, I will!” “Just so. But not with so much strenuosity. Such language should not be used.” I had bought, at the same shop as the clothesline, some cotton wadding. I thrust as large a piece of this into his mouth as it could conveniently hold. Then, lifting him, I laid him carefully on the floor in a corner of the room behind a couch. As the couch hid him, and he could neither move nor utter a sound, it was possible that he might remain there for some considerable time without his presence being discovered. I went out of the room. In the passage was a bag. Picking it up, I passed out of the house. On the pavement, just outside the door, was the lady. She was full of concern about the gentleman I had left behind. “Have you--have you hurt him?” “Not in the least. I have simply tied him up, so as to prevent him following us to see where we go.” I did not think it was necessary to say anything about the gagging. “Have you tied him very tight?” “Not I.” “Is he strong?” “I never asked.” “But you could see. How big is he?” I told her. We were moving towards the Fulham Road. She repeated her little trick of drawing a hurried breath. “I wish I were a strong man!” “You are stronger than any man I ever knew.” “How can you say such a thing? Am I as strong as you?” I sighed--in earnest. “Are you as strong as I?”