But no boats! I would have cried out.

But what good would it have been at such a distance! My swollen lips could utter no sounds.

Conseil could articulate some words, and I heard him repeat at intervals, "Help! help!" Our movements were suspended for an instant; we listened.

It might be only a singing in the ear, but it seemed to me as if a cry answered the cry from Conseil.
"Did you hear ?" I murmured.
"Yes! Yes!" And Conseil gave one more despairing cry.
This time there was no mistake! A human voice responded to ours! Was it the voice of another unfortunate creature, abandoned in the middle of the ocean, some other victim of the shock sustained by the vessel?
Or rather was it a boat from the frigate, that was hailing us in the darkness?
Conseil made a last effort, and, leaning on my shoulder, while I struck out in a desperate effort, he raised himself half out of the water, then fell back exhausted.
"What did you see ?" "I saw----" murmured he; "I saw--but do not talk--reserve all your strength!" What had he seen?
Then, I know not why, the thought of the monster came into my head for the first time! But that voice! The time is past for Jonahs to take refuge in whales' bellies! However, Conseil was towing me again.

He raised his head sometimes, looked before us, and uttered a cry of recognition, which was responded to by a voice that came nearer and nearer.