Penn strained at his bonds, but could not get free.

Nothing happened for some minutes, nor could I think of anything to do other than strain at my bonds.

I strained again at my bonds, but the knots held.

She had been working at her bonds but couldn't get her hands free.

The shorter man came forward and looked calmly down at my bonds.

Looking at a college's bonds may never become the primary way for prospective freshmen and their parents to size up a school.

She looked down at her bonds, gasped, and began to struggle.

With numb fingers they worked carefully at each other's bonds, trying to break free.

Then hands were at her bonds, untying them, and soon she was free.

I tore at my bonds, mad to know what was happening.