Do you know the name of a book with a man whose hands were tied to clock hands?

Recently, I have been reminded of a passage in a book in which a man's hands are chained to a clock's hands as a punishment. The clock, as I remember, was of the antique-looking, old fashioned sort. The clock was larger than the man. At times such as six o'clock, the man's arms were stretched painfully. His body was daily contorted, because of his predicament. I've googled myself sick. Does anyone have an idea of the name of this book?