When I tried to get on the bed it canted over and deposited me on the floor.
Slightly shaken, but nothing daunted, I made another attempt with a similar result.

The third time was lucky.

I circumvented the obstinate enemy by mounting the stool and slowly insinuating myself between the sheets, until at length I was fairly ensconced, lying straight on my back like a prone statue or a corpse.

For a few moments I remained perfectly still enjoying my triumph.

Presently, however, I felt rather cold at the feet, and on glancing down I saw that my lower extremities were sticking out.