attached a grappling-iron.

"We seat ourselves on his back," said Layelah. "I guide with these
reins. When we land anywhere I fasten him with the grapple. 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. I perceived fully how completely tame he was, and
how docile. The reins attached to his wings could be pulled with the
greatest ease, Just as one would pull the tiller-ropes of a boat.
"Familiarity breeds contempt;" and now, since the first terror had
passed away, I felt perfect confidence, and under the encouragement of
Layelah I had become like some rustic in a menagerie, who at first is
terrified by the sight of the elephant, but soon gains courage enough
to mount upon his back. With my new-found courage and presence of mind
I listened most attentively to all of Layelah's explanations, and
watched most closely the construction and fastening of the harness;
for the thought had occurred to me that this athaleb might be of avail
in another way--that if I did not fly with Layelah, I might fly with
Almah. This thought was only of a vague and shadowy character--a dim
suggestion, the carrying out of which I scarce dared to think
possible; still, it was in my mind, and had sufficient power over me
to make me very curious as to the plans of Layelah. I determined to
find out where she proposed to go, and how far; to ask her about the
dangers of the way and the means of sustenance. It seemed, I confess,
rather unfair to Layelah to