ES-SINDIBAD OF THE SEA 59

evil fortune, towards the Mountain of Apes. No
one hath ever arrived at this place and escaped,
and my heart is impressed with the conviction
of the destruction of us all.” And the words of
the master were not
ended before the
apes had come to us
and surrounded the
vessel on every side,
numerous as locusts,
dispersed about the
vessel and on the
shore. We feared
- that, if we killed one
of them, or struck
him, or drove him
away, they would
kill us, on ‘account
of their excessive |
number; for num-
bers prevail against
courage; and we
feared them lest
they should plunder
our goods and our commodities. They are
the most hideous of beasts, and covered with
hair like black felt, their aspect striking terror.