A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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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 find out her plans and use them for
another purpose; but then that other purpose was Almah, and to me at
that time every device which was for her safety seemed fair and
honorable.
"Here," said Layelah--"here, Atam-or, you see the way of escape. The
athaleb can carry us both far away to a land where you need never fear
that they will put you to death--a land where the people love light
and life. Whenever you are ready to go, tell me; if you are ready to
go now, say so, and at once I will open the door, and we shall soon be
far away."
She laid her hand on mine and looked at me earnestly; but I was not to
be beguiled into any hasty committal of myself, and so I turned her
proposal away with a question:
"How far is it," I asked, "to that land?"
"It is too far for one flight," said Layelah. "We go first over the
sea till we come to a great island, which is called Magones, where
there are mountains of fire; there we must rest, and feed the athaleb
on fish, which are to be found on the shore. The athaleb knows his way