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the rests. 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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