492 SINDBAD, THE SAILOR.

free when the bird, having taken up a large serpent, again flew
away. I found myself in a deep valley, the sides of which
were too steep to be ascended. As I walked up and down in
despair, I perceived that the valley was strewed with diamonds
of surprising magnitude, But I soon saw other objects of much
Jess inviting appearance,

Serpents of the most terrific size were peeping out of holes on
every side. When night came, I took shelter in a cave, the en.
trance of which I guarded with the largest stones I could fin
but the hissing of the serpents entirely deprived me of sleep.
When day returned, the serpents retired to their holes; and [
came out of my cave, but with extreme fear.

I walked heedless of the serpents until I became weary, and
then sat down and fell asleep. I was awakened by something
which fell near me. It was a large piece of fresh meat; and
presently I saw several other pieces,

I was now convinced that I must be in the famous valley of
diamonds ; and that the pieces of meat were thrown in by mer-
chants, who expected eagles to pounce upon the flesh, to which
diamonds were almost sure to adhere. I hastened to pick up
some of the largest diamonds I could find, which I put into a
little bag, and fastened it to my girdle. I then selected the
largest piece of flesh in the valley, which I tied to my waist
with the cloth of my turban, and then lay down upon my face
to wait for the eagles, Very soon one of the strongest pounced
upon the meat on my back, and flew with me to its nest on the
top of the mountain. The merchants began shouting, to
frighten the eagles; and when they had obliged the birds to
quit their prey, one of them came to the nest where I was, At
first the man was frightened when he saw me there; but
having recovered himself, he asked me how I came thither.
I soon told him and the rest of the merchants my story ; they