The Damsel wriggles in his arms, bound tightly in his ropes, and mmmmph!'s helplessly, plaintively behind his gag.

Meanwhile, the train's blast horn blares a dire warning, as it enters the dark tunnel not far away.

The stage is set for the Grand Finale to Mr. Grimm's latest work of art.

All music to his ears ...

 

From 'Diary of a Dance Hall Girl', page 46:

"I told the Deputy about a rough 'client' I'd had a couple of days before, and that he was holed up in an old shack, way out in the desert.
"I didn't know it was the notorious 'Firebug' Ed Slade -- until the Sheriff brought him in, and handed me the reward money!
"I didn't know he'd escape from jail, either.
"Nor that he would come for me, at night.
"And grab me.
"And tie me up.
"And gag me.
"And ride me way out to his place, under cover of darkness.
"He took my reward money.
"And, he planned to take his revenge ... with a torch, a broken lantern, and a dusty wood floor, soaked through and through with kerosene!
"Oh, dear, but I was so lucky that he left the door open, for his quick escape! The light from his torch led the Posse straight to us, just in the nick of time!..."