had but recently devoured the dead body of the sailor. Trusting
to this conjecture, they plied the oars with all the little strength
left in their arms. Still, notwithstanding their feeble efforts, and
the impediment of pulling against the wind, they were nearing the
unfortunate man, surely, if slowly.

They had got over half the distance; less than half a cable's length was
now between the boat and the struggling swimmer. Not a shark was to be
seen on the water, nor beneath it--no fish of any kind--nothing whatever
in the sea. Only, in the sky above, a large bird, whose long
scimitar-shaped wings and grand curving beak told them what it was--an
albatross. It was the great albatross of the Indian seas, with an
extent of wing beyond that of the largest eagle, and almost equalling
the spread of the South American condor. [Note 1.]

They scarce looked at it, or even glanced above, they were looking below
for the _zygaena_--scanning the surface of the water around them, or
with their eyes keenly bent, endeavouring to penetrate its indigo depths
in search of the monstrous form.

No shark in sight. All seemed well; and despite the piteous appeals of
the swimmer, now toiling with feebler stroke, and scarce having power to
sustain himself they in the pinnace felt sure of being able to rescue
him.

Less than a quarter cable's length lay between. The boat, urged on by
the oars, was still lessening the distance. Five minutes more, and they
would be close to their comrade, and lift him over the gunwale.

Still no _zygaena_ in sight--no shark of any kind.

"Poor fellow! he seems quite cured; we shall be able to save him."

It was Captain Redwood who thus spoke. The Irishman was about making a
little hopeful rejoinder, when his speech was cut short by a cry from
Saloo, who had suspended his stroke, as if paralysed by some sudden
despair.

The Malay, who, as well as Murtagh, had been sitting with his back
toward the swimmer, had slewed himself round with a quick jerk, that
told of some surprise. The movement was caused by a shadow flitting
over the boat; something was passing rapidly through the air above. It
had caught the attention of the others, who, on hearing Saloo's cry,
looked up along with him.

They saw only the albatross moving athwart the sky, no longer slow
sailing as before, but with the swift-cutting flight of a falcon
pouncing down upon its prey. It seemed descending not in a straight
line, but