But perhaps if he had known something about dragons he would have been a little surprised at this dragon‘s behaviour. It did not sit up and clap its wings， nor did it shoot out a stream of flame from its mouth. The smoke from its nostrils was like the smoke of a fire that will not last much longer. Nor did it seem to have noticed Eustace. It moved very slowly towards the pool.slowly and with many pauses. Even in his fear Eustace felt that it was an old， sad creature. He wondered if he dared make a dash for the ascent. But it might look round if he made any noise. It might come more to life. Perhaps it was only shamming. Anyway， what was the use of trying to escape by climbing from a creature that could fly？
It reached the pool and slid its horrible scaly chin down over the gravel to drink： but before it had drunk there came from it a great croaking or clanging cry and after a few twitches and convulsions it rolled round on its side and lay perfectly still with one claw in the air. A little dark bloodushed from its wide.opened mouth. The smoke from its ostrils turned black for a moment and then floated away. o more came.
