So I said: "I should like to fly in the air on the athaleb.

Will you harness him ?" I confess it was with some trepidation that I said this, but the feeling was soon dissipated.

The Epet heard my words with perfect coolness, as though they conveyed the most natural request in the world, and then proceeded to obey me, just as at home a servant might hear and obey his master, who might say, "I should like to take a ride; will you harness the bay mare ?" So the Epet proceeded to harness the athaleb, and I watched him in silence; but it was the silence of deep suspense, and my heart throbbed painfully.

There was yet much to be risked.

The gates had to be opened.