And Noah climbed to his skylight, and lifted it up, and looked out. And behold the earth had risen from the waters, still damp, but yet solid earth. And Noah passed along the good word. And in the Ark was great excitement, and hope revived. [Illustration] 24. LEAVING THE ARK And soon the good ship thumped and bumped, and struck bottom. And though she landed at an uncomfortable angle, on a mountain top, they knew that at last the great cruise was ended. And Noah opened the door, and let down the gang-plank. And beasts and birds surged out on the desolate rock; and though the mud was thick and heavy, some found it to their liking, and all preferred it to the ship. [Illustration] 25-26. THE RAINBOW Now the sun again arose, and sucked up the dampness from the earth. And a bright rainbow was set in the sky, as a sign that nevermore would a flood cover the whole earth. Then Spring burst forth, with all its glory and promise. And a new world began. And all was life and joy. [Illustration] 25-26. THE RAINBOW (_continued_) And Noah bade the beasts and birds go forth and seek new homes. And they scattered in every direction to begin life afresh; while Noah’s wife murmured “good riddance,” and vowed that she would never go to sea again. Then Noah gladly rested from his labors. And this is the end of the story of Noah’s Ark. End of Project Gutenberg's The Story of Noah's Ark, by E. Boyd Smith