Now through the trees in the distance could be seen the blue waters of the beautiful lake. As far as the eye could reach stretched the calm waters, the surface as smooth as glass. As they drew near the shore numerous small boats could be seen.
“These are the boats of the fishermen,” said Onrai, “and that black speck well down toward the horizon is the island Myrrh, on which is a villa in which we will spend the night.”
“But can we reach it before dark?” asked Mr. Bruce.
“We will have to,” said Onrai, “for it is not safe to be on the lake after nightfall.”
“And why?” asked Enola.
“Because of certain sea monsters which inhabit its waters,” said Onrai.
Mr. Bruce looked at Nellie and the thought occurred to both.
“Can these fearful monsters be like the one which so nearly proved our death in the cave?”
“These marine animals are not seen during the day for they lie at the bottom of the lake as long as the sun is shining, but when the glorious orb of day has set and can no longer cast its hot rays on their hideous bodies, they then come to the surface and very often fearful fights occur among them. They prey on each other and after one of these nights of terrible battle I have seen the surface of the water red as far as the eye could reach, and may be several of their ugly dead bodies would be floating about the water near the island.”
“It is fearful,” said Mrs. Graham.