And, therefore, when he was again about to move, I screamed as loud as fear could make me.

Whereupon the huge creature trod short, and looking round about under him for some time, at last espied me as I lay on the ground.

He considered awhile, with the caution of one who endeavors to lay hold on a small dangerous animal in such a manner that it shall not be able either to scratch or to bite him, as I myself have sometimes done with a weasel in England.
[Illustration: "WHEREUPON THE HUGE CREATURE TROD SHORT." P.10.] At length he ventured to take me up between his forefinger and thumb, and brought me within three yards of his eyes, that he might behold my shape more perfectly.

I guessed his meaning, and my good fortune gave me so much presence of mind that I resolved not to struggle in the least as he held me in the air, above sixty feet from the ground, although he grievously pinched my sides, for fear I should slip through his fingers.
All I ventured was to raise my eyes towards the sun, and place my hands together in a supplicating posture, and to speak some words in an humble melancholy tone, suitable to the condition I then was in.

For I apprehended every moment that he would dash me against the ground, as we usually do any little hateful animal which we have a mind to destroy.
But my good star would have it that he appeared pleased with my voice and gestures, and began to look upon me as a curiosity, much wondering to hear me pronounce articulate words, although he could not understand them.