But it is a bad look-out for us--she no longer answers her helm." "Then we are lost!" "Perhaps so," calmly answered Conseil.

"However, we have still several hours before us, and one can do a good deal in some hours." Conseil's imperturbable coolness set me up again.

I swam more vigorously; but, cramped by my clothes, which stuck to me like a leaden weight, I felt great difficulty in bearing up.

Conseil saw this.
"Will master let me make a slit ?" said he; and, slipping an open knife under my clothes, he ripped them up from top to bottom very rapidly.
Then he cleverly slipped them off me, while I swam for both of us.
Then I did the same for Conseil, and we continued to swim near to each other.
Nevertheless, our situation was no less terrible.

Perhaps our disappearance had not been noticed; and, if it had been, the frigate could not tack, being without its helm.