How does the prisoner escape the descending pendulum?

The way the
prisoner in " " escapes from the pendulum is one of the most memorable moments in
literature. The man is bound by cloth bands to a low table as a razor sharp swinging pendulum
drops ever so gradually toward him. He has been given a dish of savory meat but no water in
order to increase his discomfort. He can reach to his side to grab the food from the plate, but
otherwise he cannot move because of his bonds. When the pendulum gets almost to...