He fumbled about the bonds, and soon Mark was free to stand up and use
his hands. The bandage was taken from his eyes, and he was able to peer
about his prison by the light of a candle which his captor had brought.

Mark's first glance was at the man. He was the same one who had emerged
from the house to attack and drug him, but as for recognizing in him
the person who had been at the bridge, this was impossible. As far as
Mark could tell he had never seen the man before, nor did he answer the
description given by Dick Johnson.

There was little danger that Mark would attempt violence. He was too
weak, and his jailer seemed a powerful fellow. Then, too, the lad felt
ill from the effects of the drug.

"Drink some water, and eat a bit, and you'll feel better," urged the
man, which advice Mark followed, though, his appetite was not of the
best, and he was much worried as to what his friends would think about
his strange disappearance.

"What do you intend to do with me?" asked Mark, when he felt a little
better from the effects of the food and drink. The man had sat on an
old soap box, and watched his captive while he ate.

"Do with you? Why, I'm going to keep you here until your friends have
left in the projectile," was the answer.

"But why don't you want me to go with them?"

"Oh, I have my reasons. You'll find out soon enough. You can't go,
that's all."