In the boat were five men asleep or helpless, if they were not dead.
The "Albatross" had arrived above them, and slowly descended.

On the boat's stern was the name of the ship to which she belonged--the "Jeannette" of Nantes.
"Hallo, there!" shouted Turner, loud enough for the men to hear, for the boat was only eighty feet below him.
There was no answer.

"Fire a gun!" said Robur.
The gun was fired and the report rang out over the sea.
One of the men looked up feebly.

His eyes were haggard and his face was that of a skeleton.

As he caught sight of the "Albatross" he made a gesture as of fear.
"Don't be afraid," said Robur in French, "we have come to help you.
Who are you ?" "We belong to the barque "Jeannette," and I am the mate.