Tighter and tighter grew his body, like a screw that is gradually increasing in pressure, till something breaks.
Then suddenly he relaxed, full of wonder and misgiving.

Dawes had been yielding.

Morel felt his body flame with pain, as he realised what he was doing; he was all bewildered.

Dawes's struggles suddenly renewed themselves in a furious spasm.

Paul's hands were wrenched, torn out of the scarf in which they were knotted, and he was flung away, helpless.
He heard the horrid sound of the other's gasping, but he lay stunned; then, still dazed, he felt the blows of the other's feet, and lost consciousness.
Dawes, grunting with pain like a beast, was kicking the prostrate body of his rival.