them up into fagots, made a wide
circle with them round the tree, and also tied some of them to the
branches over my head. Having done this, when the evening came I shut
myself up within this circle, with the melancholy satisfaction that I
had neglected nothing which could preserve me from the cruel destiny
with which I was threatened. The serpent failed not to come at the
usual hour, and went round the tree, seeking for an opportunity to
devour me, but was prevented by the rampart I had made; so that he lay
till day, like a cat watching in vain for a mouse that has fortunately
reached a place of safety. When day appeared, he retired, but I dared
not leave my fort until the sun arose.

God took compassion on my hopeless state; for just as I was going, in
a fit of desperation, to throw myself into the sea, I perceived a ship
in the distance. I called as loud as I could, and unfolding the linen
of my turban, displayed it, that they might observe me. This had the
desired effect. The crew perceived me, and the captain sent his boat
for me. As soon as I came on board, the merchants and seamen flocked
about me, to know how I came into that desert island; and after I had
related to them all that had befallen me, the oldest among them said
they had several times heard of the giants that dwelt on that island,
and that they were cannibals; and as to the serpents, they added that
there were abundant in the island; that they hid themselves by day,
and came abroad by night. After having testified their joy at my
escaping so many dangers, they brought me the best of their
provisions; and took me before the captain, who, seeing that I was in
rags, gave me one of his own suits. Looking steadfastly upon him, I
knew him to be the person who, on my second voyage, had left me in the
island where I fell asleep, and had sailed without me, or without
sending to seek for me.

I was not surprised that he, believing me to be dead, did not
recognize me.

"Captain," said I, "look at me, and you may know that I am Sindbad,
whom you left in that desert island."

The captain, having considered me attentively, recognized me.

"God be praised!" said he, embracing me; "I rejoice that fortune has
rectified my fault. There are your goods, which I always took care to
preserve."

I took them from him, and made him my acknowledgments for his care of
them.

We continued at sea for some time, touched at several islands, and at
last landed at that of