His attempt to yell out was checked before a sound could issue from his lips.
It all came to him in a flash.

A noose had been dropped over his head; as he was pulled backward, his startled, bulging eyes swept the ceiling.
The mystery was explained, but in a manner that left him small room for satisfaction.

Above him a square opening had appeared in the ceiling; two ugly, bearded faces were leaning over the edge and strong hands were grasping a thick rope.

In a frenzy of fear and desperation he cast the old woman from him and tore violently at the rope.
They were drawing hard from above; his toes were barely touching the floor; he was strangling.

Frantically he grasped the rope, lifting himself from the floor in the effort to loosen the noose with his free hand.