The Spiders' Exodus 



fore, there is a mooring, only just perceptible, 

 if you look very carefully; but in front, 

 towards the window, there is nothing to be 

 seen at all. 



In vain I examine above, below, at the 

 side; in vain I vary the direction of the eye: 

 I can distinguish no support for the little crea- 

 ture to walk upon. One would think that the 

 beastie were paddling in space. It suggests the 

 idea of a small bird, tied by the leg with a 

 thread and making a flying rush forwards. 



But, in this case, appearances are deceptive: 

 flight is impossible; the Spider must necessa- 

 rily have a bridge whereby to cross the inter- 

 vening space. This bridge, which I cannot 

 see, I can at least destroy. I cleave the air 

 with a ruler in front of the Spider making for 

 the window. That is quite enough: the tiny 

 animal at once ceases to go forward and falls. 

 The invisible foot-plank is broken. My son, 

 young Paul, who is helping me, is astounded 

 at this wave- of the magic wand, for not even 

 he, with his fresh, young eyes, is able to see a 

 support ahead for the Spiderling to move 

 along. 



In the rear, on the other hand, a thread is 

 visible. The difference is easily explained. 



i9S 



