And as to the King's forced service, it was hated by all, and my own needs claimed my first endeavours.
So I answered them in French, in a voice that thundered in my head, that the explosion had deafened me and I could not hear a word they said.

They understood and nodded cheerfully, and went on with their search.
Out of our whole ship's company six only were saved, and not one of them officers.
In the first moments of safety the lack of hearing had seemed to me of small account, compared with the fact that I was still alive.

But, as we turned and made for the ship, the strange sensation of hearing only through the feelings of the body grew upon me; the thought of perpetual silence began to appal me.

I could feel the sound of the oars in the rowlocks, and the dash of the waves against the boat, but though I could see men's lips moving it was all no more to me than dumb show.
They were busily cleaning the ship when we came aboard, but I could see what a great fight the _Josephine_ had made of it.

A long row of dead lay waiting decent burial, and every second man one saw was damaged in one way or another.
My companions were all more or less dazed, and probably deafened like myself.