That at least is one satisfaction." Montacute waved his hand.

The next moment the ropes descended upon Tom's bare back.

He set his teeth, and made no cry, though the blood came surging to his head, and the room seemed to swim in blood.

Again and again they descended; but the keen pain awoke within Tom that ferocity of strength which comes to men in their extremity, so that, like Samson, they can turn the tables upon their foes.
The hut was but a rude affair, somewhat loosely put together.

The beam to which Tom's arms had been bound was not too strongly jointed to its fellow.
A sudden madness seemed to come upon this man of thews and sinews.
He gave a sudden bound and wrench; he felt the beam give, and redoubled his efforts; the next moment the whole rafter came bodily down upon their heads.