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questioned us respecting our state, at the same time

meaning to take us by treachery. They asked us

whence we had come, from heaven or earth or water,

and what was our purpose in landing upon the

island. By chance I had with me a translator who

knew their ruler and the language of the tribe, so

I said that I was acquainted with their king Kureim,

and wished to be led before him. When they saw

that I knew their tongue and their Sultan they were

heartily pleased, and told me that my life and that

of my men was safe. They slaughtered a cow in

hospitable wise and we fell to eating it. But, sooth

to say, some of our associates did eat so ravenously,

and their satiety became so abundant, that they

died in a few minutes. Then I bought eight cows

and, after slaughtering them, I sent them piecemeal

in the skiff to the rest of my companions that

remained behind in the boats. Then they did eat

and ceased not to proceed upon their way until

they reached the island. Upon this I went to see

the King Kureim, and, when I came into his

presence, I saluted him, receiving in return his

salutations. He questioned me concerning my

state, and the reasons which brought me to this

island, and I gave him answer to all his enquiries,

and related to him all that had befallen from first

to last. But when the news of us had spread in

the island the grandees began to come in great