e cloud. When the union had taken place, the thread increased
each moment in size, until it was swelled into a column of water several
feet in diameter, which continued to supply the thirsty cloud until it
was satiated and could drink no more. It then broke, the sea became
smooth as before, and the messenger of heaven flew away upon the wings
of the wind, to dispense its burden over the parched earth in refreshing
and fertilising showers.

While I was standing at the taffrail in admiration of this wonderful
resource of nature, the main boom gybed and struck me with such force,
that I was thrown into the sea. Another waterspout forming close to the
vessel, the captain and crew were alarmed and made all sail to escape,
without regarding me; for they were aware that if it should happen to
break over them, they would be sent to the bottom with its enormous
weight. I had scarcely risen to the surface, when I perceived that the
water was in agitation round me, and all my efforts to swim from the
spot were unavailing, for I was within the circle of attraction. Thus
was I left to my fate, and convinced that I could not swim for many
minutes, I swallowed the salt water as fast as I could, that my
struggles might the sooner be over.

But as the sea boiled up, I found myself gradually drawn more to the
centre, and when exactly in it, I was raised in a sitting posture upon
the spiral thread of water, which, as I explained to your highness,
forced itself upwards to join the tongue protruded by the cloud. There
I sat, each second rising higher and higher, balanced like the gilt ball
of pith, which is borne up by the vertical stream of the fountain which
plays in the inner court of your highness's palace. I cast my eyes
down, and perceived the vessel not far off, the captain and crew holding
up their eyes in amazement at the extraordinary spectacle.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I don't wonder at that," observed the pacha.

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I soon reached the tongue of the cloud, which appeared as if impatient
to receive me--the hair of my head first coming within its attractive
powers was raised straight on end--then seized as it were and twisted
round. I was dragged up by it each moment with increased velocity, as I
whirled round in my ascent. At last I found myself safely landed, and
sat down to recover my breath whi