ating strength！ His ears stood up and
quivered with anger。 His eyes were hot。 His nostrils were large and wet。
His lips moved horribly。 I knew it was a tiger； a real live tiger； and
that I should be devoured……my little bird and I。 I do not know what
happened after that。 The next important thing seldom happens in dreams。
Some time earlier I had a dream which made a vivid impression upon me。
My aunt was weeping because she could not find me。 But I took an impish
pleasure in the thought that she and others were searching for me； and
making great noise which I felt through my feet。 Suddenly the spirit of
mischief gave way to uncertainty and fear。 I felt cold。 The air smelt
like ice and salt。 I tried to run； but the long grass tripped me； and I
fell forward on my face。 I lay very still； feeling with all my body。
After a while my sensations seemed to be concentrated in my fingers； and
I perceived that the grass blades were sharp as knives； and hurt my
hands cruelly。 I tried to get up cautiously； so as not to cut myself on
the sharp grass。 I put down a tentative foot； much as my kitten treads
for the first time the primeval forest in the backyard。 All at once I
felt the stealthy patter of something creeping； creeping； creeping
purposefully toward me。 I do not know how at that time the idea was in
my mind； I had no words for intention or purpose。 Yet it was precisely
the evil intent； and not the creeping animal that terrified me。 I had
no fear of living creatures。 I loved my father's dogs； the frisky little
calf； the gentle cows； the horses and mules that ate apples from my
hand； and none of them had ever harmed me。 I l