Salabat,[55] where sandalwood is obtained,
which is much used in medicine.

[Footnote 55: Sandalwood. The wood of a low tree, the Santalum Album,
resembling the privet, and growing on the coast of Malabar, in the
Indian Archipelago, etc. The hard yellow wood in the center of the old
sandal tree is highly esteemed for its fragrant perfume and is much
used for cabinetwork, etc.]

From the isle of Salabat we went to another, where I furnished myself
with cloves, cinnamon, and other spices. As we sailed from this island
we saw a tortoise twenty cubits in length and breadth. We observed
also an amphibious animal like a cow, which gave milk;[56] its skin is
so hard, that they usually make bucklers of it. I saw another, which
had the shape and color of a camel.[57]

[Footnote 56: The hippopotamus.]

[Footnote 57: The giraffe.]

In short, after a long voyage I arrived at Bussorah, and from thence
returned to Bagdad with so much wealth that I knew not its extent. I
gave a great deal to the poor, and bought another considerable estate.

* * * * *

Thus Sindbad finished the history of his third voyage. He gave another
hundred sequins to Hindbad, and invited him to dinner again the next
day, to hear

THE FOURTH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR

After I had rested from the dangers of my third voyage, my passion for
trade and my love of novelty soon again prevailed. I therefore settled
my affairs, and provided a stock of goods fit for the traffic I
designed to engage in. I took the route to Persia, traveled over
several provinces, and then arrived at a port, where I embarked. On
putting out to sea, we were overtaken by such a sudden gust of wind as
obliged the captain to lower his yards, and take all other necessary
precautions to prevent the danger that threatened us. But all was in
vain; our endeavors had no effect. The sails were split in a thousand
pieces, and the ship was stranded, several of the merchants and seamen
were drowned, and the cargo was lost.

I had the good fortune, with several of the merchants and mariners, to
get upon some planks, and we were carried by the current to an island
which lay before us. There we found fruit and spring water, which
preserved our lives. We stayed all night near the place where we had
been cast ashore.

Next morning, as soon as the sun was up, we explored the island, and
saw some houses, which we approached. As soon as we drew near we were
enc