Page:Voyages and travels of Sindbad the sailor (3).pdf/19

19 feeble; I supposed him to be some unfortunate person shipwrecked like myself, and going nearer I saluted him, but he only bowed his head in return. I then asked him by what chance he had come into the island; but instead of answering me, he entreated by signs that I would carry him on my back



over the brook; I had no doubt that he was infirm, and destitute of help, and I readily took him on my back, and crossed the brook, when instead of getting down, he clasped his legs so firmly round my throat, that I was almost strangled, and being unable to relieve myself, I swooned away with pain and affright. Notwithstanding my fainting, the old fellow held fast by my neck, and when I recovered my senses again, he struck me so rudely on the side, that I was forced to rise against my will.

He then compelled me to walk under the trees, while he