The Voyages of Sindbad (19)

The Voyages of Sindbad (19)  Second Voyage

  Desending from the tree I hastily collected what remained of my provisions and set off as fast as I could go towards it.

  As I drew near it seemed to me to be a white ball of immence size and height, and when I could touch it, I found it marvellously smooth and soft.

  As it was ipossible to climb it ー for it presented no foothold ー I walked round it seeking some opening, but there was none. I counted, however, that it was at least fifty paces round.

  By this time the sun was near setting, but suddenly it fell dark, something like a huge black cloud came over me, and I saw with amazement that it was a bird of extraordinary size which was hovering near.

  Then I remembered that I had often heard the sailors speak of a wonderful bird called a roc, and it occurred to me that the white object which had so puzzled me must be its egg.

(19/50)