It could not acquire color in that close cell, but he had never felt stronger.

A powerful heart pumped vigorous blood through every artery and vein.

His muscles had regained their toughness and flexibility, and above all, the intense desire for freedom had keyed him to supreme effort.
Usually he did not hear the soldier's key turn in the lock, but soon he heard it and his heart pumped.

He glanced at White, but the gray figure, flattened against the wall, never moved.

The door swung open and the soldier, merely a shambling peon, bearing the tray, entered.