In the solitude of his own room he had removed a broad leather belt from round his waist.
From the pocket of this belt he shook out upwards of a hundred rubies and sapphires of extraordinary size.

He counted them carefully, replaced them in the belt, and then once more secured the latter about his waist.
"At last I am safe," he muttered to himself, "but it was a close shave--a very close shave.

I wouldn't do that journey again for all the money the stones are worth.

No! not for twice the amount." Once more the recollection of his sufferings rose so vividly before him that he could not suppress a shudder.

Then he arranged the mosquito-curtains of his bed, and laid himself down upon it.