He hesitated.

I was not in good fighting trim, for my hair which was long and heavy had fallen loose, but preparation could avail nothing.

The only hope lay in perfect coolness and a steady gaze.
I knelt and took hold of Tom by the back of the neck, talked to him and thought that cage was long in coming.

He shifted his weight and seemed about to get up.

This meant escape, and I held him hard, commanding him to "lie down, sir." He blinked at me, seemed quite indifferent and altogether comfortable.