I also struggled as Harek had struggled, unavailingly.

When I was quiet they led me to the circle, and I watched for my plan to work.
When I was within reach of the two who should hold me, I held out my hands to grasp theirs, without waiting for them to seize me.

The man on my right took my wrist in a grasp like steel; but the other was tricked, and took my hand naturally enough.

Whereat my heart leaped.
"Now will one know what a grip on the mainsheet is like!" I thought; and even as the hand closed there came the yell, and the thud of the earthen drum, and I was whirled away.
Now I kept going, for my great fear was that I should grow dizzy quickly.

I was taller than any man in the ring, and once I found out the measure of the chant I went on easily, keeping my eyes on the man ahead of me.