Document 28; Page 27

the rest[.] I set forward but just as I was going to advance the snake again put forward his head and completed the circle[.] I stepped hastily back and the snake instantly opened the patch[.] I was a good deal amazed at this and by no means deliged [delighted?] in truth he is enraged at me though I and I immediately shaped my fist up an arrow but on second thoughts I determined to be patient again[.] I attempted to mix in the crow [crowd?] as the people fitted [?] of again the monster advanced his snout across my way[.] [“]god a mercy[.”] said I [“]what malicious desin [design?] can the monster be hatching against me[?”] I put my trust in providence and stepped back the few people who remained had by this time taken their departure and I alone and lonely remained within the circle when it suddenly struck me[:] had the snaked wanted only to devour men he would never had let the caravan go[.] He must certainly have some peculiar spite at me that of all persons in the world he is determined to detain me here[.] My friends of the caravan had set

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