uge
billows broke in thunder.

Then we retraced our steps, and again reached the spot where the
athaleb was asleep by the jantannin. Almah was now too weary to walk
any farther, nor was it desirable to do so; for, indeed, we had
traversed all that could be visited. On one side of the beach was the
sea, on the other the impassable rocks; at one end the promontory, at
the other the lava fires. There was nothing more for us to do but to
wait here until the athaleb should awake, and then our actions would
depend upon what we might now decide.

This was the question that was now before us, and this we began to
consider. We both felt the most unspeakable aversion for the island,
and to remain here any longer was impossible. We would once more have
to mount the athaleb, and proceed to some other shore. But where?
Ah! there was the question! Not on the island, for it did not seem
possible that in all its extent there could be one single spot capable
of affording a resting-place. Layelah's information with regard to
Magones had made that much plain. I had not taken in her full meaning,
but now mine eyes had seen it. Yet where else could we go? Almah could
not tell where under the sky lay that land which she loved; I could
not guess where to go to find the land of the Orin. Even if I did
know, I did not feel able to guide the course of the athaleb; and I
felt sure that if we were to mount again, the mighty monster would
wing his flight back to the very place from which we had escaped--the
amir. These thoughts weighed down our spirits. We felt that we had
gained nothing by our flight, and that our future was dark indeed. The
only hope left us was that we might be able to guide the course of the
athaleb in some different direction altogether, so that we should not
be carried back to the Kosekin.

And now, worn out by the long fatigues of this jom, we thought of
sleep. Almah lay down upon the sand, and I seated myself, leaning
against a rock, a little distance off, having first reloaded my rifle
and pistol.

CHAPTER XXIV

RECAPTURE

How long I slept I do not know; but in the midst of my sleep there
sounded voices, which at first intermingled themselves with my dreams,
but gradually became separate and sounded from without, rousing me
from my slumbers. I opened my eyes drowsily, but the sight that I saw
was so amazing that in an instant all sleep left me. I started to my
feet, and gazed in utter bewilderment upon the s