ae the Sailor ~ | . KK 243

i

 

on: board, when the mariners asked -by what. misfortune I came
thither. I told them that I had suffered shipwreck two days ago,
and made shift to get ashore with the goods they saw. It was
happy for me that those people did not consider the place where
I was, nor inquire into the probability of what I told them; but
without any more ado took me on board with my goods. When

'. I came to the ship, the captain was so well pleased to have saved
me, and so much taken up with his own affairs, that he also took
the story of my pretended shipwreck upon trust, and generously
refused some jewels which I offered him. _

We passed with a regular wind by several islands, among others
the one called the Isle of Bells, about ten days’ sail from Serendib,
and six from that of Kela, where we landed. THis island produces
lead from its mines, Indian canes, and excellent camphor.

The king of the Isle of Kela is very rich and potent, and the
Isle of Bells, which is about two days’ journey in éxtent, is also
subject to him. The inhabitants ‘are. so barbarous that they still
eat human flesh. After we had finished our commerce in that —
island: we put to sea again, and touched. at several other. ports:
At last I‘ arrived happily at Bagdad with infinite riches, of which
it is needless to trouble you with the detail. -Out of thankfulness

_ to God for His mercies, I gave great alms for the support of several
mosques, and for the subsistence of the poor, and employed myself
wholly in enjoying the society of my kindred and friends, and in
making merry with them.