"The serpent was the tail.

Look at most snakes to-day.

What are they but unattached tails ?" "They do look it," said Darwin, thoughtfully.
"Why, it's clear as day," said Johnson.

"As punishment Adam and Eve lost their tails, and the tail itself was compelled to work for a living and do its own walking." "I never thought of that," said Darwin.

"It seems reasonable." "It is reasonable," said Johnson.
"And the snakes of the present day ?" queried Thackeray.
"I believe to be the missing tails of men," said Johnson.