staying long in
the same, I continued to live; till one night, all on a sudden, I
was alarmed by fire, which obliged me to retreat with the greatest
expedition.

I passed numberless rats and mice in my way, who, like myself, were
driven forth by the flames; but, alas! among them I found not my
brother. Despairing, therefore, of ever seeing him again, I determined,
if possible, to find my way back to you, who before had shown me
such kindness. Numberless were the fatigues and difficulties I had to
encounter in my journey here; one while in danger from hungry cats, at
another almost perished with cold and want of food.

But it is needless to enumerate every particular; I should but tire your
patience was I to attempt it; so I will hasten to a conclusion of my
history, only telling you how you came to find me in that melancholy
condition from which your mercy has now raised me.

I came into your house one evening concealed in the middle of a
floor-cloth, which the maid had rolled up and set at the outside of the
back door, whilst she swept the passage, and neglected to take it in
again till the evening, In that I hid myself, and upon her laying it
down, ran with all speed down the cellar-stairs, where I continued till
the family were all gone to bed. Then I returned back, and came into
your closet, where the scent of some figs tempted me to get into the jar
in which you found me. I concealed myself among them, and after feasting
most deliciously, fell asleep, from which I was awakened by hearing a
voice say, "Who has left the cover off the fig-jar?" and at the
same time I was involved in darkness by having it put on. In vain I
endeavoured to remove it, the figs were so low, that when I stood on
them I could but just touch it with my lips, and the jar being stone I
could not possibly fasten my nails to hang by the side.

In this dismal situation therefore I was constrained to stay, my
apprehensions each day increasing as my food diminished, till at last,
after feeding very sparingly for some days, it was quite exhausted; and
I had endured the inexpressible tortures of hunger for three days and
three nights, when you happily released me, and by your compassion
restored me once more to life and liberty. Condescend, therefore,
to preserve that life you have so lengthened, and take me under your
protection.

'That most gladly,' interrupted I, 'I will do: you will live in this
large green-flowered tin canister, and run in