For several minutes he did not dare to move a muscle. He aw two thin columns of smoke going up before his eyes， lack against the moonlight； just as there had been smoke oming from the other dragon‘s nose before it died. This as so alarming that he held his breath. The two columns of moke vanished. When he could hold his breath no longer e let it out stealthily； instantly two jets of smoke appeared gain. But even yet he had no idea of the truth.
Presently he decided that he would edge very cautiously o his left and try to creep out of the cave. Perhaps the reature was asleep.and anyway it was his only chance. ut of course before he edged to the left he looked to the ft. Oh horror！ there was a dragon’s claw on that side too. No one will blame Eustace if at this moment he shed ars. He was surprised at the size of his own tears as he saw hem splashing on to the treasure in front of him. They also eemed strangely hot； steam went up from them.