Page:Arabian Nights (Sterrett).djvu/321

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went and asked him for my bales. “I am Sindbad,” said I, “and those bales marked with his name are mine.”

When the captain heard me speak thus, “Heavens!” he exclaimed, “whom can we trust in these times! I saw Sindbad perish with my own eyes, as did also the passengers on board, and yet you tell me you are that Sindbad. What impudence is this! and what a false tale to tell, in order to possess yourself of what does not belong to you!” “Have patience,” replied I; “do me the favor to hear what I have to say.” The captain was at length persuaded that I was no cheat; for there came people from his ship who knew me, and expressed much joy at seeing me alive. At last he recollected me himself, and embracing me, “Heaven be praised,” said he, “for your happy escape! I cannot express the joy it affords me. There are your goods; take and do with them as you please.”

I took out what was most valuable in my bales, and presented these to the maharaja, who asked me how I came by such valuables. He was pleased to hear of my good luck, accepted my present, and in return gave me one much more considerable. Upon this I took leave of him, and went aboard the same ship after I had exchanged my goods for the commodities of that country. I carried with me wood of aloes, sandalwood, nutmegs, cloves, pepper, and ginger. We passed by several islands, and at last arrived at Bussorah, from whence I came to this city, with one hundred thousand sequins as the result of my venture.

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