had heads like owls.

One day after my return, as I went down to the quay, I saw a ship which
had just cast anchor, and was discharging her cargo, while the merchants
to whom it belonged were busily directing the removal of it to their
warehouses. Drawing nearer I presently noticed that my own name was
marked upon some of the packages, and after having carefully examined
them, I felt sure that they were indeed those which I had put on board
our ship at Balsora. I then recognized the captain of the vessel, but as
I was certain that he believed me to be dead, I went up to him and asked
who owned the packages that I was looking at.

"There was on board my ship," he replied, "a merchant of Bagdad named
Sindbad. One day he and several of my other passengers landed upon what
we supposed to be an island, but which was really an enormous whale
floating asleep upon the waves. No sooner did it feel upon its back the
heat of the fire which had been kindled, than it plunged into the depths
of the sea. Several of the people who were upon it perished in the
waters, and among others this unlucky Sindbad. This merchandise is his,
but I have resolved to dispose of it for the benefit of his family if I
should ever chance to meet with them."

"Captain," said I, "I am that Sinbad whom you believe to be dead, and
these are my possessions!"

When the captain heard these words he cried out in amazement, "Lackaday!
and what is the world coming to? In these days there is not an honest
man to be met with. Did I not with my own eyes see Sindbad drown, and
now you have the audacity to tell me that you are he! I should have
taken you to be a just man, and yet for the sake of obtaining that which
does not belong to you, you are ready to invent this horrible
falsehood."

"Have patience, and do me the favor to hear my story," said I.

"Speak then," replied the captain, "I am all attention."

So I told him of my escape and of my fortunate meeting with the king's
grooms, and how kindly I had been received at the palace. Very soon I
began to see that I had made some impression upon him, and after the
arrival of some of the other merchants, who showed great joy at once
more seeing me alive, he declared that he also recognized me.

Throwing himself upon my neck he exclaimed, "Heaven be praised that you
have escaped from so great a danger. As to your goods, I pray you take
them, and dispose of them as you please." I thanked him, and praised his
hon