I heard the man say, 'Leave him with me, I will take care to save him.' On this, M.Hirtel insisted on his restoring him, and I cried out that he should be given to me.

At that moment the ship, which was already fallen on its side, filled rapidly with water, plunged, and disappeared with all on board.

The plank on which I and my daughters were fixed alone floated, and I saw nothing but death and desolation round me." Madame Hirtel paused, almost suffocated by the remembrance of that awful moment.
"Poor woman!" said my wife, weeping, "it is five years since this misfortune.

It was at the same time as our shipwreck, and was doubtless caused by the same storm.

But how much more fortunate was I! I lost none that were dear to me, and we even had the vessel left for our use.