from that of silk to that of whipcord. The webs shook, and quivered, and
waved in the sun, glittering like silver. All about ran huge, greedy
spiders, catching huge, silly flies, and devouring them.

"Here they sat down to consider what could be done. The spiders did not
heed them, but ate away at the flies. At the foot of the mountain, and all
round it, was a ring of water, not very broad, but very deep. Now, as they
sat watching, one of the spiders, whose web was woven across this water,
somehow or other lost his hold, and fell on his back. Tricksey-Wee and
Buffy-Bob ran to his assistance, and laying hold each of one of his legs,
succeeded, with the help of the other legs, which struggled spiderfully,
in getting him out upon dry land. As soon as he had shaken himself, and
dried himself a little, the spider turned to the children, saying,

"'And now, what can I do for you?'

"'Tell us, please,' said they, 'how we can get up the mountain to the
she-eagle's nest.'

"'Nothing is easier,' answered the spider. 'Just run up there, and tell
them all I sent you, and nobody will mind you.'

"'But we haven't got claws like you, Mr. Spider,' said Buffy.

"'Ah! no more you have, poor unprovided creatures! Still, I think we can
manage it. Come home with me.'

"'You won't eat us, will you?' said Buffy.

"'My dear child,' answered the spider, in a tone of injured dignity, 'I