So sleek and lithe and lively! He carried it by the tail, its head swinging close to his bare leg, and the thing yearning for a grab at him.

But Joe understood the ways of a reptile.
There was no cage--Dad had burnt the last one--so Joe walked round the room wondering where to put his prize.

The cat came out of the bedroom and mewed and followed him for the snake.

He told her to go away.

She did n't go.