Again the Athenian heaved, and this time every muscle along his back and arms and legs swelled. His belly drew into heavy ridges. Veins stood out at throat and temple.
For the instant, even Burke couldn't help but watch fascinated at the picture of sheer physical strength displayed.
And now, ever so slowly, one of the bars began to bend ... the merest fraction ... an inch ... a hand's breadth....
Then, suddenly, with a dull metallic twang, the piece tore loose from its fitting.
The sound broke Burke's spell. Convulsively, he strained at the bonds that held his own wrists.
They only cut deeper into the flesh.
And there was so little time....
Warily, Burke cast a sidewise glance at the revolver, still hanging at the other's waist. Then, as casually as he could manage it, he started moving closer.
Now, panting with exertion, Theseus turned his attention to a second bar.
This time, he had more room to maneuver. Almost from the first moment, the metal showed signs of twisting.