But in the position I occupied, that was just what he could not do, although he knelt down to facilitate his operations.

On came the snapping tip like a great open-mouthed snake; it closed upon my hat, which vanished.

Again it was thrust down, and a scream of rage was bellowed through it within four inches of my head.

Now it seemed to elongate itself.

Oh, heavens! now it had me by the hair, which, luckily for myself, was not very long.