upon it, after what we had been told at the time of quitting
the frigate.[14] These things, of the first importance, had not been
placed upon our machine. Above all, the want of a compass the most
alarmed us, and we gave vent to our rage and vengeance. M. Correard then
remembered he had seen one in the hands of one of the principal workmen
under his command; he spoke to the man, who replied, "Yes, yes, I have
it with me." This information transported us with joy, and we believed
that our safety depended upon this futile resource: it was about the
size of a crown-piece, and very incorrect. Those who have not been in
situations in which their existence was exposed to extreme peril, can
have but a faint knowledge of the price one attaches then to the
simplest objects--with what avidity one seizes the slightest means
capable of mitigating the rigour of that fate against which they
contend. The compass was given to the commander of the raft, but an
accident deprived us of it forever: it fell, and disappeared between the
pieces of wood which formed our machine. We had kept it but a few hours,
and, after its loss, had nothing now to guide us but the rising and
setting of the sun.

[Footnote 14: M. Correard, fearing that on the event of their
being separated from the boats by any unforeseen accident, called
from the raft to an officer on board the frigate, "Are we in a
condition to take the route?--have we instruments and charts?" got
the following reply: "Yes, yes, I have provided for you every
necessary." M. Correard again called to him, "Who was to be their
commander?" when the same officer said, "'Tis I; I will be with
you in an instant;" but he instantly went and seated himself in
one of the boats!--Trans.]

We had all gone afloat without taking any food. Hunger beginning to be
imperiously felt, we mixed our paste of sea-biscuit[15] with a little
wine, and distributed it thus prepared. Such was our first meal, and the
best we had, during our stay upon the raft.

[Footnote 15: The biscuit had fallen into the sea, and was with
difficulty recovered.--Trans.]

An order, according to our numbers, was established for the distribution
of our miserable provisions. The ration of wine was fixed at three
quarters a-day.[16] We will speak no more of the biscuit, it having been
entirely consumed at the first distribution. The day passed away
sufficiently tranquil. We talked of the means b