1 62 The Life of the Spider 



falling or by walking, even as the rope-maker 

 steps backwards when working his hemp. The 

 activity now displayed on the drill-ground is a 

 preparation for the approaching dispersal. The 

 travellers are packing up. 



Soon we see a few Spiders trotting briskly 

 between the table and the open window. They 

 are running in mid-air. But on what ? If the 

 light fall favourably, I manage to see, at 

 moments, behind the tiny animal, a thread 

 resembling a ray of light, which appears for an 

 instant, gleams and disappears. Behind, there- 

 fore, there is a mooring, only just perceptible, 

 if you look very carefully ; but, in front, to- 

 wards 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 creature 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 necessarily 



