Which word from the paragraph helps the reader understand the meaning of the underlined word?

"Please spare me, I beseech you," the mouse pleaded with the lion. "Though I am a lowly mouse, you never know when I might come to your aid. Even the mighty king of the beasts needs help at times, and if you release me today, I will be able to rescue you in the future!"
The lion merely chuckled in reply.

A.
chuckled

B.
pleaded

C.
spare

D.
rescue