The opposite coast formed one vast bay, terminating on the south by a very sharp point, which was destitute of all vegetation, and was of a very wild aspect.

This point abutted on the shore in a grotesque outline of high granite rocks.

Towards the north, on the contrary, the bay widened, and a more rounded coast appeared, trending from the southwest to the northeast, and terminating in a slender cape.
The distance between these two extremities, which made the bow of the bay, was about eight miles.

Half a mile from the shore rose the islet, which somewhat resembled the carcass of a gigantic whale.

Its extreme breadth was not more than a quarter of a mile.
Opposite the islet, the beach consisted first of sand, covered with black stones, which were now appearing little by little above the retreating tide.