The boy could not turn in the air very
quickly, and he feared an attack in the back, mistrusting the saving
power of the Garment of Repulsion under such circumstances; so in
desperation he pressed his finger upon the button of the tube and
whirled the instrument around his head in the opposite direction to
that in which the monster was circling. Presently the current and the
bird met, and with one last scream the creature tumbled downwards to
join its fellow upon the waves, where they lay like two floating islands.
Their presence had left a rank, sickening stench in the surrounding
atmosphere, so Rob made haste to resume his journey and was soon
moving rapidly eastward.
He could not control a shudder at the recollection of his recent
combat, and realized the horror of a meeting with such creatures by
one who had no protection from their sharp beaks and talons.
"It's no wonder the Japs draw ugly pictures of those monsters," he
thought. "People who live in these parts must pass most of their
lives in a tremble."
The sun was now shining brilliantly, and when the beautiful islands of
Japan came in sight Rob found that he had recovered his wonted
cheerfulness.
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