declare, though it may appear improbable, if I tried to destroy all expectation, if I wished to despair, I could not have done so.
The collision between the frigate and the monster had occurred about 11 p.m. I counted upon eight hours’ swimming until sunrise. This was very practicable by helping each other as explained. The sea, being smooth, did not trouble us much. Sometimes I tried to pierce the thick darkness, which was broken only by the phosphorescence created by our movements. I kept looking at the luminous waves, which broke upon my hand, whose sparkling surface was spotted with bright bubbles. It looked as if we were swimming in a bath of mercury.
About one o’clock I began to feel very tired. My limbs were knotted with violent cramps. Conseil did his best to support me, and our preservation now depended upon his care. I soon heard the brave fellow gasping for breath. I understood that he could not hold out much longer.
“Let me go,” I cried. “Leave me.”
“Abandon Monsieur! Never!” he replied. “I am looking forward to drowning before him.”
At this moment the moon broke through the clouds. The surface of the sea sparkled in its rays. This pleasant light reanimated our courage. I raised my head again and looked around the horizon. I saw the frigate five miles away—a black and scarcely distinguishable mass. But there were no boats!
I was about to cry out; but for what purpose at such a distance? My swollen lips refused to utter a sound.
