up there, squeezed in
between bars and ceiling, I should have only one vulnerable side. I
should be safe from below, from behind, and from each side. Only on
the open face of it could I be attacked. There, it is true, I had no
protection whatever; but at least, I should be out of the brute's path
when he began to pace about his den. He would have to come out of his
way to reach me. It was now or never, for if once the light were out
it would be impossible. With a gulp in my throat I sprang up, seized
the iron edge of the top, and swung myself panting on to it. I writhed
in face downwards, and found myself looking straight into the terrible
eyes and yawning jaws of the cat. Its fetid breath came up into my
face like the steam from some foul pot.

It appeared, however, to be rather curious than angry. With a sleek
ripple of its long, black back it rose, stretched itself, and then
rearing itself on its hind legs, with one forepaw against the wall, it
raised the other, and drew its claws across the wire meshes beneath me.
One sharp, white hook tore through my trousers--for I may mention that
I was still in evening dress--and dug a furrow in my knee. It was not
meant as an attack, but rather as an experiment, for upon my giving a
sharp cry of pain he dropped down again, and springing lightly into the
room, he began walking swiftly round it, looking up every now and again
in my direction. For my part I shuffled backwards until I lay with my
back against the wall, screwing myself into the smallest space
possible. The farther I got the more difficult it was for him to
attack me.

He seemed more excited now that he had begun to move about, and he ran
swiftly and noiselessly round and round the den, passing continually
underneath the iron couch upon which I lay. It was wonderful to see so
great a bulk passing like a shadow, with hardly the softest thudding of
velvety pads. The candle was burning low--so low that I could hardly
see the creature. And then, with a last flare and splutter it went out
altogether. I was alone with the cat in the dark!

It helps one to face a danger when one knows that one has done all that
possibly can be done. There is nothing for it then but to quietly
await the result. In this case, there was no chance of safety anywhere
except the precise spot where I was. I stretched myself out,
therefore, and lay silently, almost breathlessly, hoping that the beast
might forget my presence if