He looks dull now, but if I were to open the gate and remove his muzzle he would be off like the wind." "But can he carry both of us ?" I asked.
"Easily," said Layelah.

"He can carry three persons without fatigue." "Could you mount on his back now, and show me how you sit ?" Layelah readily assented, and mounted with the greatest ease, seating herself on the broadest part of the back between the wings.
"Here," said she, "is room for you.

Will you not come ?" For an instant I hesitated; but then the sight of her, seated there as coolly as though she were on a chair reassured me, and I climbed up also, though not without a shudder.

The touch of the fearful monster was abhorrent but I conquered my disgust and seated myself close behind Layelah.

Here she sat, holding the reins in her hands, with the grapple just in front of her; and, seated in this position, she went on to explain the whole process by which the mighty monster was guided through the air.
No sooner had I found myself actually on the back of the athaleb than all fear left me.