A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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evident that the athaleb was desirous of reaching that shore, and we
could do nothing but await the result.
But the athaleb had his wits about him, and swam along on a line with
the breakers for some distance, until at length an opening appeared,
into which he directed his course. Passing through this we reached
still water, which seemed like a lagoon surrounded by a coral reef.
The athaleb swam on farther, and at length we saw before us an island
with a broad, sandy beach, beyond which was the shadowy outline of a
forest. Here the monster landed, and dragged himself wearily upon the
sand, where he spread his vast bulk out, and lay panting heavily. We
dismounted--I first, so as to assist Layelah; and then it seemed as if
death were postponed for a time, since we had reached this place where
the rich and rank vegetation spoke of nothing but vigorous life.
Fortune had indeed dealt strangely with me. I had fled with Almah, and
with her had reached one desolate shore, and now I found myself with
Layelah upon another shore, desolate also, but not a savage
wilderness. This lonely island, ringed with the black ocean waters,
was the abode of a life of its own, and there was nothing here to
crush the soul into a horror of despair like that which was caused by
the tremendous scenes on Magones.
In an instant Layelah revived from her gloom. She looked around,
clapped her little hands, laughed aloud, and danced for joy.
"Oh, Atam-or," she cried, "see--see the trees, see the grass, the
bushes! This is a land of wonder. As for food, you can call it down
from the sky with your sepet-ram, or we can find it on the rocks.
Oh, Atam-or! life is better than death, and we can live here, and we
can be happy. This shall be better to us than the lands of the Orin,
for we shall be alone, and we shall be all in all to one another."
I could not help laughing, and I said:
"Layelah, this is not the language of the Kosekin. You should at once
go to the other side of this island, and sit down and wait for death."
"Never," said Layelah; "you are mine, Atam-or, and I never will leave
you. If you wish me to die for you, I will gladly lay down my life;
but I will not leave you. I love you, Atam-or; and now, whether it be