Had it not been for that water I think I should have fainted, but as it was I did the next best thing--pretended to be dead.

Perhaps this monster would scorn to touch a dead man.

Watching out of the corner of my eye, I saw him lift one vast paw that was the size of an arm-chair and hold it over me.
Now good-bye to the world, thought I.Then the foot descended as a steam-hammer does, but also as a steam-hammer sometimes does when used to crack nuts, stopped as it touched my back, and presently came to earth again alongside of me, perhaps because Jana thought the foothold dangerous.

At any rate, he took another and better way.

Depositing the remains of Marut with the most tender care beside me, as though the nurse were putting the child to bed, he unwound his yards of trunk and began to feel me all over with its tip, commencing at the back of my neck.