A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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said:
"I should like to fly in the air on the athaleb. Will you harness
him?"
I confess it was with some trepidation that I said this, but the
feeling was soon dissipated. The Epet heard my words with perfect
coolness, as though they conveyed the most natural request in the
world, and then proceeded to obey me, just as at home a servant might
hear and obey his master, who might say, "I should like to take a
ride; will you harness the bay mare?"
So the Epet proceeded to harness the athaleb, and I watched him in
silence; but it was the silence of deep suspense, and my heart
throbbed painfully. There was yet much to be risked. The gates had
to be opened. Others might interfere. Layelah might come. All these
thoughts occurred to me as I watched the Epet; and though the labor of
harnessing the athaleb was simple and soon performed, still the time
seemed long. So the collar was secured around the neck of the athaleb,
with the grapple attached, and the lines were fastened to the wings,
and then Almah and I mounted.
The Epet now stood waiting for further orders.
"Open the gates," said I.
The Epet did so.
Almah was seated on the back of the athaleb before me, holding on to
the coarse mane; I, just behind, held the reins in my hand. The gates
were opened wide. A few people outside, roused by the noise of the
opening gates, stood and looked on. They had evidently no other
feeling but curiosity.
All was now ready and the way was open, but there was an unexpected
difficulty--the athaleb would not start, and I did not know how to
make him. I had once more to apply for help to the Epet.
"How am I to make him start?" I asked.
"Pull at the collar to make him start, and pull at both reins to make