The Spiders' Exodus 



fore, there is a mooring, only just perceptible, 

 if you look very carefully; but in front, 

 towards the window, there is nodiing to be 

 seen at all. 



In vain I examine above, below, at the 

 side; in %^in I vzxy the direction of the eye: 

 I can distinguish no support for the litde 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 

 \-isible. The difference is easily explained. 



195 



