At length we saw a whole line of breakers, and beyond all was black.

We waited anxiously in that position, and drew steadily nearer.

It was evident that the athaleb was desirous of reaching that shore, and we could do nothing but await the result.
But the athaleb had his wits about him, and swam along on a line with the breakers for some distance, until at length an opening appeared, into which he directed his course.

Passing through this we reached still water, which seemed like a lagoon surrounded by a coral reef.
The athaleb swam on farther, and at length we saw before us an island with a broad, sandy beach, beyond which was the shadowy outline of a forest.

Here the monster landed, and dragged himself wearily upon the sand, where he spread his vast bulk out, and lay panting heavily.