a pair of
monstrous jaws gaped widely, and the air of the cavern at once became
again surcharged with the disgusting effluvium which Phil had once
before observed. As Stukely gazed, fascinated, at the terrifying object
which had thus suddenly appeared he became aware that the creature was
dazzled and to some extent discomfited by the light of the torch, for
the lids of its immense goggle eyes blinked incessantly as it returned
Phil's gaze, taking immediate advantage of which the young man thrust
his torch toward it as far as he could reach, with the immediate result
that the great head again sank out of sight. Only for a few brief
seconds, however; but the young Englishman availed himself of those few
seconds to scramble along the remainder of the ledge and reach the point
for which he was aiming, and which now proved to be a sloping surface of
rock about twenty feet broad, leading up from the water to the circular
opening which Stukely had been so anxious to explore.

Now that he was there he was ready to execrate his folly for not having
retraced his steps along the ledge and made good his escape by way of
the mouth of the cavern, instead of continuing his journey, as he had
done; for his ill-judged action had resulted in placing him at the wrong
end of the cavern, and, to escape, he would be obliged to make his way
along the whole of that narrow ledge again, with the possibility that
the monster, recovering from its discomfiture, might snatch him off
before he had traversed half the distance. No, Phil felt that with such
a horrible possibility as that confronting him he simply could not essay
the return passage along the ledge.

Indeed he was not afforded the opportunity; for he had scarcely reached
the broad slope of rock leading up to the circular tunnel which he had
been so anxious to explore, when the surface of the pool again became
violently agitated, and the monstrous head again appeared, followed this
time by an enormous body, four thick, clumsy legs, and a tail; and with
a ponderous rush the creature at once made for the spot where Stukely
stood. But Phil, without waiting for further developments,
incontinently turned tail, and, stooping, bolted up the tunnel-like
opening, the comforting assurance coming to him that so monstrous a
beast could not possibly enter so comparatively small a passage.
Moreover, he was right, for after running a few feet he looked back over
his shoulder and saw that although th