ed
it _coal tar_. It struck me that I might save myself by means of this
offensive composition. I knocked out the head of the remaining cask,
and arming myself with a broom dipped in it, I jumped into the cask
which contained the remainder, and awaited any fate with anxiety. The
serpent came; as usual, forced his head and part of his body down the
hatchway, perceived me, and with eyes darting fire reached out his head
to seize me. I dashed the broom into his mouth, and bobbed my head
immediately under the coal tar. When I lifted it up again, almost
suffocated, the animal had disappeared. I crawled out, and looking over
the side, perceived him lashing the ocean in his fury, plunging and
diving to rid himself of the composition with which I had filled his
mouth. After exhausting himself with his furious endeavours, he went
down, and I saw him no more.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Did you never see him again?" inquired the pacha.

"Never but that once; nor has the animal been seen before or since,
except by the Americans, who have much better eyes than the people of
Europe can boast of."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The vessel drifted to the northward with the Gulf stream, until she was
close to the land, when a pilot boat came out and boarded her. The
people belonging to her were much annoyed to find me on board. Had
there been no one in her, they would have claimed the whole vessel and
cargo, whereas they were now only entitled to one eighth. I understood
English enough to hear them propose and agree to throw me overboard. I
immediately ran down below to secure my casket, and when I returned on
deck, they launched me over the side. I sank down, and diving under the
counter, laid hold of the rudder chains, unperceived by them. In the
mean time another pilot boat came to us, and sent her boat on board; I
swam to it and was hauled in. The captains being rivals, I was taken to
New York as evidence against the people who had attempted my life. I
staid there just long enough to sell my seven eights of the cargo, and
see the men hung, and I then took a passage in a vessel bound to
Bordeaux, where I arrived in safety. From thence I repaired to Toulon,
and found my dear Cerise as beautiful and as fond as ever.

I was now a rich man; I bought a large estate, with a marquisate
attached to it. I also purchased the chat