Seat yourself yonder on that crag (about one hundred yards from the bank), while I retire to a distance.

In a short time the reptile will catch sight or scent of you, and perceiving that you are no vril-bearer, will come forth to devour you.

As soon as it is fairly out of the water, it becomes my prey." "Do you mean to tell me that I am to be the decoy to that horrible monster which could engulf me within its jaws in a second! I beg to decline." The child laughed.

"Fear nothing," said he; "only sit still." Instead of obeying the command, I made a bound, and was about to take fairly to my heels, when Taee touched me slightly on the shoulder, and, fixing his eyes steadily on mine, I was rooted to the spot.

All power of volition left me.