But it was fearsomely effective.

It was, as Gavin had explained, all a question of leverage.

The giant's waist was drawn forward, His chin, simultaneously, was shoved backward.

Such a dual cross pressure was due, eventually, to mean one of two things:--either the snapping of the spine or else the breaking of the neck.

Unless the grip could be broken, there was no earthly help for its victim.
The beach comber, in agony of straining spine and throat, thrashed wildly to free himself.