But take my word for it, there are such serpents and such lizards in existence, ay, and much larger ones.

They may be found not only in the tropical isles of the Orient, but in the Western world, in the lagoons and forests of Equatorial America.

Many of the "sailors' yarns" of past times, which we have been accustomed so flippantly to discredit, on account of their appearing rather tough, have under the light of recent scientific exploration been proved true.
And although some of them may seem to be incorporated in this narrative, under the guise of mere romance, the reader need not on this account think himself misled, or treat them with sublime contempt.

If it should ever be his fate or fortune to make a tour through the East Indian Archipelago, he will cease to be incredulous.
Henry Redwood and his sister Helen had no such tranquil reflections, as they stood under the shadow of the great tree, concealing themselves behind its trunk, and watching the terrible conflict between the two huge creatures, both in their eyes equally hideous.
Giving way to an instinct of justice, they would have taken sides with the party assailed and against the assailant.

But, under the circumstances, their leanings were the very reverse; for in the triumphant conqueror they saw a continuance of their own danger; whereas, had the amphibious animal been victorious, this would have been at an end.