It was system with him.

I say, I felt not fear only but a horror of him.
By chance I found myself with both hands on his arms, and I knew that no man could break that hold when once set, for vast strength of forearm and wrist was one of the inheritances of all men of the Cowles family.

I drew him steadily to me, pulled his head against my chest, and upended him fair, throwing him this time at length across my shoulder.

I was sure I had him then, for he fell on his side.

But even as he fell he rose, and I felt a grip like steel on each ankle.