escing upon the surface of the sea.

It was a terrible spectacle, though only of an instants duration. When
the subaqueous cloud cleared away, and they again looked with peering
eyes down into the pellucid depths, there was nothing there, neither
dead body of man, nor living form of monster. The _zygaena_ had secured
its prey, and carried the skeleton corpse to some dark cavern of the
deep! [Note 1.]

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Note 1. The hammer-headed shark, in common language, is rightly
designated one of the most hideous of marine animals. We mean hideous
in outward appearance, for, of course, there is much both wonderful and
beautiful in its internal organisation, and in the exquisite fitness of
its structure for its peculiar part in the economy of nature. In the
general outline of its body, which is something like that of a cylinder,
it resembles the ordinary sharks; and its distinctive feature is its
head, which, on either side, expands like a double-headed hammer. The
eyes are very large, and placed at each extremity. It is found in the
Mediterranean Sea, as well as in the Indian Ocean, and is noted for its
fierceness and voracity.

CHAPTER THREE.

THE ALBATROSS.

Captain Redwood and the Irishman were horrified at the sight that had
passed under their eyes. So, too, were the children, who had both
started up from their reclining attitude, and looked over the side of
the boat. Even the impassive Malay, all his life used to stirring
scenes, in which blood was often shed, could not look down into those
depths, disturbed by such a tragical occurrence, without having aroused
within him a sensation of horror.

All of them recoiled back into the boat, staggering down upon their
seats. One alone remained standing, and with an expression upon his
face as if he was desirous of again beholding the sight. It was not a
look that betrayed pleasure, but one grim and ghastly, yet strong and
steady, as if it penetrated the profoundest depths of the ocean. It was
the look of the insane sailor.

If his companions had still held any lingering doubts about his
insanity, it was sufficient to dispel them. It was the true stare of
the maniac.

It was not long continued. Scarce had they resumed their seats when the
man, once more elevating his arms in the air, uttered another startling
shriek, if possible louder and wilder than before. He had stepped upon
one