But they never saw me, although I was nearly sick from fear on the top of them.

Indeed, I was sick, but into the nest.
"Well, I sat in that nest all day, though the sun cooked me like beef on a stick; and when night came I got down and ran, for I knew it was no good to stop to look for you, and 'every man for himself when a black devil is behind you,' as your reverend father says.

All night I ran, and in the morning hid up in a hole.

Then when night came again I went on running.

Oh! they nearly caught me once or twice, but never quite, for I know how to hide, and I kept where men do not go.