by a horrid stench, something like that which rose from the well-hole in
Diana's Grove.

By degrees, as their eyes got the right focus, they saw an immense
towering mass that seemed snowy white. It was tall and thin. The lower
part was hidden by the trees which lay between, but they could follow the
tall white shaft and the duplicate green lights which topped it. As they
looked there was a movement--the shaft seemed to bend, and the line of
green light descended amongst the trees. They could see the green light
twinkle as it passed between the obstructing branches.

Seeing where the head of the monster was, the two men ventured a little
further forward, and saw that the hidden mass at the base of the shaft
was composed of vast coils of the great serpent's body, forming a base
from which the upright mass rose. As they looked, this lower mass moved,
the glistening folds catching the moonlight, and they could see that the
monster's progress was along the ground. It was coming towards them at a
swift pace, so they turned and ran, taking care to make as little noise
as possible, either by their footfalls or by disturbing the undergrowth
close to them. They did not stop or pause till they saw before them the
high dark tower of Doom.




CHAPTER XXIII--IN THE ENEMY'S HOUSE


Sir Nathaniel was in the library next morning, after breakfast, when Adam
came to him carrying a letter.