Final answer:
The term 'arrested' in the passage denotes a sudden and forceful stoppage of the character's movement by another's hands, illustrating a vivid image of physical restraint.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given passage, the author uses the word 'arrested' to illustrate that the character's movement was immediately halted or stopped by the hands of others.
It suggests a forceful cessation of motion, not a legal apprehension by the police. This use of the word indicates a physical restraint that prevents the character from rising from the stool.
The imagery of 'two pair of hands' emphasizes the immediacy and decisiveness of the action, creating a vivid scene where the protagonist is physically prevented from moving.