His contact with the wall helped him to keep his feet, yet, quick as his recovery was, he failed to break my grip, and we struggled fiercely for advantage.

He recognized me, and understood instantly.

He was a wrestler, while I must rely upon sheer strength to overcome his tricks.

Even as he adventured first I had him pinned tight, and we strained back and forth across the cabin deck, neither able to throw the other, in grim, relentless struggle.

My fingers were wrenched from his throat, yet the fellow made no outcry, realizing doubtless he would not be heard.