386 
A CRUSADE IN THE EAST. 
hand for that purpose, it was seized hold of by a large snap¬ 
ping-turtle, which held him fast, and was pulling him down 
under the water, when another turtle, still larger, seized him 
by the throat, and got on top of him, and doubtless would 
have strangled him had he not, as he supposed, awakened 
us by his groans. He felt very thankful to us for saving his 
life, and would take care in future not to eat so much supper, 
which he imagined was the cause of his sleeping so badly. 
Having thus satisfied us as to the cause of the whole alarm, 
and proved that the result of the adventure was a subject of 
congratulation to both parties, we all lit our chiboucks, and 
enjoyed pleasant conversation on the subject of strange dreams, 
till day-light warned us that it was time to get breakfast and 
depart for Jerusalem. 
