An Early Morning Visitor

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at my desk at 6.50 this morning to find this little beauty, sitting there on the floor, just next to my chair.



Of course, I immediately ran around the room, screaming, pulling at my hair and rolling my trousers up until I found a chair to stand on.

I watched him. He watched me. Neither of us moved. Stalemate.

Gingerly, I approached with extreme caution and took a photo. I was too scared to put a recognisable object in the shot to enable you to appreciate its size. Believe me, it was huge.

Courageously, I picked up a metre ruler and flicked him away from my chair and into the middle of the room, because I didn't want him to try to make friends with me. He landed on his back. After watching him waggle his legs about for a minute or so, I flipped him over.

He lost two legs in the process, but didn't seem too bothered.

He remained in the middle of the room as I worked nervously at my desk - I often glanced up at him to check if he'd hobbled off anywhere. After about half an hour, I sensed that we'd built up a grudging respect for each other. I stepped over him and went to a meeting.

By the time I returned, he'd made his excuses and left. I hope he's not back tomorrow with Chris the Cockroach and Sammy the Snake.

Anyone know what he is? I'd like to give him an alliterative name too.