But, in his anxiety, the criminal has drawn the net so closely that one cut will set Inglethorp free." I was silent. 
Inglethorp can even free himself if he manages to make a cut on the net. 
mnli hypothesis: Inglethorp can even free himself if he manages to make a cut on the net.  premise: But, in his anxiety, the criminal has drawn the net so closely that one cut will set Inglethorp free." I was silent. 