The other kind of form known as the "Flexible" (No. 1) resembled in
general outlines the handcuffs used every day by detectives.

Contrivances, chiefly the result of American ingenuity, for the rapid
and effectual securing of prisoners have not been wanting, and among
them the "Snap," the "Nippers" (No. 3) and the "Twister" must be
mentioned.

[Illustration: NO. 2.--THE "SNAP."]

[Illustration: NO. 3.--"NIPPERS."]

[Illustration: NO. 4.--THE "TWISTER"]

The "Snap" (No. 2) is the one which used to be the most approved of. It
consists of two loops, of which the smaller is slipped on the wrists of
the person to be arrested, the bars are then closed with a snap, and the
larger loop is held by the officer. The manner in which the "Twister"
(No. 4) was used savours very much of the brutal, and, indeed, the
injuries it inflicted on those who were misguided enough to struggle
when in its grasp caused its abolition in Great Britain.

Its simplicity and its efficacy, together with the cruelty, have
recommended it for use in those wild parts of South America where the
upholder of the laws literally travels with his life in his hands. It
consists of a chain with handles at each end; the chain is put round the
wrists, the handles brought together and twisted round until the chain
grips firmly. The torture inflicted by inhuman or inconsiderate officers
can easily be imagined. When we see the comparative facility with which