spoken."




XIII. THE DRAGON OF ALCA (Continuation and End)

The people of the Penguins were assembled by Mael and they spent the
night on the Coast of Shadows within the bounds which the holy man had
prescribed in order that none among the Penguins should be poisoned by
the monster's breath.

The veil of night still covered the earth when, preceded by a hoarse
bellowing, the dragon showed his indistinct and monstrous form upon
the rocky coast. He crawled like a serpent and his writhing body seemed
about fifteen feet long. At his appearance the crowd drew back in
terror. But soon all eyes were turned towards the Virgin Orberosia,
who, in the first light of the dawn, clothed in white, advanced over the
purple heather. With an intrepid though modest gait she walked towards
the beast, who, uttering awful bellowings, opened his flaming throat. An
immense cry of terror and pity arose from the midst of the Penguins. But
the virgin, unloosing her linen girdle, put it round the dragon's neck
and led him on the leash like a faithful dog amid the acclamations of
the spectators.

She had walked over a long stretch of the heath when Kraken appeared
armed with a flashing sword. The people, who believed him dead, uttered
cries of joy and surprise. The hero rushed towards the beast, turned
him over on his back, and with his sword cut open his belly, from whence
came forth in their shirts, with curling hair and folded hands, little