Read the excerpt from "a cub pilot" by mark twain.

this was another shock. i began to climb the wheel like a squirrel, but i would hardly get the boat started to port before i would see new dangers on that side, and away i would spin to the other.

how does the word squirrel contribute to the passage's tone?

a. by comparing himself to a squirrel, the author creates a tone of gloom.

b. by comparing himself to a squirrel, the author creates a tone of enjoyment.

c. by comparing himself to a squirrel, the author creates a tone of panic.

d. by comparing himself to a squirrel, the author creates a tone of surprise.