"Let these cocks fight it out, my masters." The man shrank back: he also was afraid of Otter, deeming him uncanny; nor did any other interfere.
Now came the moment of death or victory.

As he could not reach the weapon, with a sudden movement Xavier freed his right hand and grasped the Englishman's throat; but to do this he must lessen the pressure on his breast.

Leonard felt the grip, and the knowledge that his end was at hand renewed his powers.

Twice he writhed like a snake, gripping the ground with the muscles of his back and legs; once he swung his frame to the right, then a vast effort, and lo! Xavier turned slowly over like a log of wood, and again Leonard lay upon his breast.
Leonard lay upon his breast, and his right arm was free and within reach of the dagger.

But the giant's grasp of his throat was cruel; the blood drummed in his ears and his senses began to fail.