I had just laid myself down to rest in the shade, when I perceived a very large winged serpent coming toward me, with an irregular waving movement, and hanging out its tongue, which induced me to conclude it had received some injury. I instantly arose and perceived that it was pursued by a larger serpent which had hold of its tail and was endeavoring to devour it. This excited my pity; instead of retreating, I took up a stone that lay near me, and threw it with all my strength at its pursuer, whom I hit upon the head and killed. The other, finding itself at liberty, took wing and flew away. I looked after it for some time till it disappeared. I then sought another shady spot for repose, and fell asleep.
Judge what was my surprise when I awoke, to see standing by me a black woman of lively and agreeable features, who held in her hand two dogs of the same color fastened together. I sat up, and asked her who she was. “I am,” said she, “the serpent whom you lately delivered from my mortal enemy, and I wish to requite the important service you have rendered me. These two black dogs are your sisters, whom I have transformed into this shape. But this punishment will not suffice; and my will is that you treat them hereafter in the way I shall direct.”
As soon as she had spoken the fairy took me under one of
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