A voice called a halt from the other bank, and said: "An they were so minded, they could get to yon tree by this branch that overhangs, and yet not touch ground.

Ye will do well to send a man up it." "Marry, that we will do!" I was obliged to admire my cuteness in foreseeing this very thing and swapping trees to beat it.

But, don't you know, there are some things that can beat smartness and foresight?
Awkwardness and stupidity can.

The best swordsman in the world doesn't need to fear the second best swordsman in the world; no, the person for him to be afraid of is some ignorant antagonist who has never had a sword in his hand before; he doesn't do the thing he ought to do, and so the expert isn't prepared for him; he does the thing he ought not to do; and often it catches the expert out and ends him on the spot.

Well, how could I, with all my gifts, make any valuable preparation against a near-sighted, cross-eyed, pudding-headed clown who would aim himself at the wrong tree and hit the right one?
And that is what he did.