could they be? The only conclusion I could come to was that they must be huge birds. I thought of our emus and cassowaries, but they were insignificant compared to these, and reflected what enormous birds must inhabit this region. I pointed them out to my friends, but they appeared little interested, and did not attempt to offer any explanation, doubtless knowing that my curiosity would soon be satisfied. There were three in all, and the first, which was a considerable distance ahead, had more the appearance of a fish than a bird. Yes, a fish! And a sword-fish, too, for there was no mistaking the long spike that extended from his snout, and I fancied also that I could see the fins and tail moving rapidly. The second, however, must be a bird, for I could see the huge wings flapping in a majestic manner. As for the third, I could as yet make nothing of it, for it appeared to be divided into two parts. The first, however, made me feel very uncomfortable, for he was coming straight towards myself, his sword pointing to my chest. What was to be done? I looked about for a harpoon, but of course there was none, and indeed no other weapon that I could defend myself with. I felt savage, and would have liked to have killed him, for I did not wish to beat
