After the first terror had passed there remained no longer any necessity for holding on--we could sit and look around with perfect freedom; and at length I rose to my feet, and Almah stood beside me, and thus we stood for a long time, with all our souls kindled into glowing enthusiasm by the excitement of that adventurous flight, and the splendors of that unequalled scene.
At length the aurora light grew dim.

Then came forth the stars, glowing and burning in the black sky.

Beneath there was nothing visible but the darkness of the water, spotted with phosphorescent points, while all around a wall of gloom arose which shut out from view the distant shores.
Suddenly I was aware of a noise like the beat of vast wings, and these wings were not those of our athaleb.

At first I thought it was the fluttering of a sail, but it was too regular and too long continued for that.

At length I saw through the gloom a vast shadowy form in the air behind us, and at once the knowledge of the truth flashed upon me.
It was another monster flying in pursuit! Were we pursued?
Were there men on his back?
Should I resist?
I held my rifle poised, and was resolved to resist at all hazards.