We halted, and did not have to wait long; for soon, not far away, there emerged from the thick forest a figure of incredible size and most hideous aspect.
It looked like one of those fabled dragons such as may be seen in pictures, but without wings.

It was nearly a hundred feet in length, with a stout body and a long tail, covered all over with impenetrable scales.

It hind-legs were rather longer than its fore-legs, and it moved its huge body with ease and rapidity.

Its feet were armed with formidable claws.

But its head was most terrific.