Читать книгу From Monkey to Man, or, Society in the Tertiary Age онлайн

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“SEE, BELOVED, HOW THE MIGHTY FALL AT THE WORD OF SIMLEE AND THE STROKE OF SHOOZOO.”

He had not gone far when he encountered an enormous snake, the first real one he had found since the war, notwithstanding his stories, and one which would, indeed, have delighted Simlee and given Shoozoo fame as its slayer, had he brought it home. But, instead of Shoozoo making for the snake, the snake made for Shoozoo. Back he turned excitedly, and there was a long race between the snake and the monkey, the monkey keeping ahead and gaining; and long after the snake ceased to follow Shoozoo continued to run. At last, however, Shoozoo panting and almost out of breath, climbed a tree, and looked about to take in the situation. And, though he did not see the snake, he nevertheless would not come down, but remained in the tree till night, when he sneaked home by a route different from that by which he came.

On nearing the place where he had left Simlee in the morning, and wondering what account he should give of his day’s adventure, he found another huge snake lying in his path. He started back in fright; but, assuring himself that it was dead, he approached with courage. “This,” he said, “is my opportunity; it will both satisfy Simlee and astonish the rest.” And so, shouldering the snake he bore it proudly back to Simlee, and laid it at her feet with these words: