Gerund Phrase in the given question is: "CYCLING AND READING"
Gerund Phrase: A gerund phrase is a sentence made up of the gerund and any objects or modifiers that go with it. A gerund is a noun created by adding ing to a verb root (a present participle).
How to identify Gerund Phrase:
1) A gerund will always be used to begin the sentence.
2) There will either be a modifier, an object, or both in the gerund phrase.
3) The entire sentence will serve as a noun.
4) The word will agree in the singular with a verb.
#SPJ4
d. "the cough's a mere nothing; it will not kill me. I shall not die of a cough."
In the passage, Montressor is leading Fortunato into the catacombs to his death. Montressor does this by playing to Fortunato's pride in his ability to identify a good wine. Montressor gives him the chance to back out of the deal and go home when he mentions he'd just get Luchesi to try the wine. This makes Fortunato even more determined despite his deteriorating health. Fortunao had a cold before going down into the catacombs but the niter on the wall makes it worse. Eventually his weakened respiratory system and the fumes of the catacombs do kill him.