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Often had the Warden been in like distress, often had he felt

ropes on his arms and legs; and yet he had freed himself, for he

knew a way of breaking bands: he was very strong and trusted in

himself. He planned to save himself by silence; he closed his

eyes as if he were asleep, slowly stretched out his arms and

legs, held his breath, and contracted his belly and his chest to

the utmost; then suddenly he grew short, puffed himself out, and

doubled up: as a serpent, when it hides its head and tail in its

coils, so Gerwazy became short and thick instead of long. The

cords stretched and even creaked, but did not break! From very

shame and terror the Warden turned over and hid his angry face

upon the floor; closing his eyes he lay senseless as a log.