Page:The book of wonder voyages (1919).djvu/119

 Then Maelduin and his men were sore affrighted and pushed off hastily and with oar and sail made what speed they could. Nor did they cease for three days and nights; and all this while they had no sight of land.

On the morn of the fourth day they came to another island, great in size, and of sandy soil. As they neared it to scan more closely what manner of land this might be, they beheld standing upon the shore a very marvelous beast. In shape it was like a horse, but it had the legs of a hound, and on its feet were talons long and rough and sharp. It pranced and gamboled upon the beach as though overjoyed to see the wanderer, but in its heart it was minded to devour them should they land. "I do not like this beast," said Maelduin; "methinks he is too pleased to see us; we had better leave this island." So they turned the boat's head and made what speed they might. But when the beast saw them departing it was enraged, and, digging up the beach with its sharp talons, it pelted them so violently with stones and rocks that it was all they could do to get out of reach. Nevertheless, pulling strongly, they won the open sea and so escaped this danger.

After rowing long and afar, and hastily, they sighted a large flat island. Lots were cast who should land, and bring back tidings of the country. The lot fell to German, who was little pleased at the task when he thought of the gigantic ants and the taloned monster