What's That Title???? discussion

I've long had the memory of reading a book about a man who was placed in solitary confinement for an unknown crime. All others housed in the multi-story building were also spending time in solitary confinement. Boiler pipes running vertically through each cell provided a connection for the prisoners. They developed a "tapping" system whereby they were able to communicate, although the guards were completely nonplussed with this development.

Eventually, the subject of our story learns from other prisoners how to send his body into a deep meditative state that would allow months to pass without nourishment or otherwise waking. The 'meditation' began by focusing on a toe. 'Killing' that toe. And then moving on to the next digit, limb, etc. This meditative process alone would take weeks to accomplish, and when complete only the area immediately surrounding the heart was protected from the meditative state . . . less the meditator be killed.

My memories tell me that once achieving the above described meditative trance, the prisoner would essentially spend his time roaming the earth, and even the galaxy, as no bounds applied.

My memories are pretty vivid, and they've not changed the many years I've remembered this plot. Any guesses as to title . . . .? If I can't find an answer, I will begin writing this book. :-)

Is it The Star Rover by Jack London? The Star Rover

Gosh Gwen that was fast! Most likely. I'm going to pick up a copy this weekend. How embarrassing that it's a London! ;-)

I've posted this request on lots of scyfi forums over the years. To no avail. Guess I should have been aiming for the classics!

Thanks a lot! You've removed a horrible itch from my brain. (kinda figured you'd be the one)

I hope it's the one!