It seemed to weigh like lead in the weak condition I was in.
"You shall tell me what Lord Montdidier is doing now, or that grave shall resemble in your imagination a bed of roses!" He seized my neck in a grasp like iron, and squeezed it.

I rose suddenly and struck him in the stomach with my elbow.

Strength had returned more swiftly than I had guessed, or perhaps it was indignation at the touch of his fingers.

At any rate he staggered clear of me, and I thought he would assault me now in real earnest; but perhaps he suspected me of having weapons concealed somewhere.

Instead of rushing at me like an angry bull he calmed himself and laughed.
"You are strong for a man they thought of burying!"' he said.