The detective had never before met a strength equal to his own.
He tried to dash his assailant aside, but found that he could not do so.
He tried to bring his revolver to bear, but his arms were bound to his side by that terrible grasp.
He raised his feet from the floor and threw his whole weight downward, thinking that a roll and a struggle on the carpet might break the other’s hold.
The two men went to the floor together.
Nick fell on top, but he could not hold the advantage for a single instant.
The next instant he realized that he was fighting three men instead of one, and that they had him in their power.
He knew that he was being beaten about the head, and that a long-bladed knife was flashing before his eyes.
Then everything passed away, and he ceased to struggle.