I threw myself against it with all my strength, and it yielded to the concussion.

As I entered the dark passage, I found myself suddenly grappled by a strong man, who threw me down and held me by the throat.

I struggled to free myself, but in vain.

His grip tightened.
In a few moments I would have been lifeless.

But, just at the instant when consciousness was about leaving me, the guardian of the night appeared.