It was the sort of idea that would occur to a fool.
"When he reached home, he took the dead snake into his smoking-room; then, locking the door, the idiot set out his prescription.

He arranged the monster in a very natural and life-like position.

It appeared to be crawling from the open window across the floor, and any one coming into the room suddenly could hardly avoid treading on it.

It was very cleverly done.
"That finished, he picked out a book from the shelves, opened it, and laid it face downward upon the couch.

When he had completed all things to his satisfaction he unlocked the door and came out, very pleased with himself.
"After dinner he lit a cigar and sat smoking a while in silence.
"'Are you feeling tired ?' he said to her at length, with a smile.
"She laughed, and, calling him a lazy old thing, asked what it was he wanted.
"'Only my novel that I was reading.