cruelty of his intentions had in any degree wrought its
desired effect; but perceiving in him no alteration, he now began to be
suspicious that the little Mignon had not punctually obeyed his savage
command. In order therefore to satisfy his wicked curiosity, he resolved
within himself narrowly to watch every occasion these poor unhappy
captives had of conversing with each other. Mignon, well knowing the
implacable and revengeful disposition of this barbarous tyrant, had
taken all the precautions imaginable to avoid discovery; and therefore
generally sought every opportunity of being alone with Fidus, and
carrying him his daily provisions at those hours he knew the giant was
most likely to be asleep.

It so befell that, on a certain day, the wicked giant had, as was his
usual custom, been abroad for many hours in search of some unhappy
creature on whom to glut his hateful inhumanity; when, tired with
fruitless roaming, he returned to his gloomy cave, beguiled of all his
horrid purposes; for he had not once that day espied so much as the
track of man, or other harmless animal, to give him hopes even to
gratify his rage or cruelty; but now raving with inward torment and
despair, he laid him down upon his iron couch, to try if he could close
his eyes and quiet the tumultuous passions of his breast. He tossed and
tumbled and could get no rest, starting with fearful dreams, and horrid
visions of tormenting furies.

Meanwhile the gentle Mignon had prepared a little delicate repast, and
having seen the monster lay himself at length, and thinking now that a
fit occasion offered in which to comfort and refresh his long-expecting
friend, was hastening with it to the cell where the faithful Fidus
was confined. At the fatal moment the giant, rearing himself up on his
couch, perceived the little Mignon just at the entrance of the cell;
when calling to him in a hollow voice, that dismally resounded through
the cave, he so startled the poor unhappy page, that he dropped the
cover from his trembling hand and stood fixed and motionless as a
statue.

'Come hither, Mignon, caitiff, dwarf,' said then the taunting homicide:
but the poor little creature was so thunderstruck he was quite unable
to stir one foot. Whereat the giant, rousing himself from off his couch,
with one huge stride reached out his brawny arm, and seized him by
the waist; and, pointing to the scattered delicates, cried out, 'Vile
miscreant! is it thus thou hast obeyed