one of
the six boats, he would himself, his wife, and children, remain on board
the wrecks of the frigate. The tone in which he spoke these words, was
that of a man resolute to avenge any insult that might be offered to
him. The governor of Senegal, doubtless fearing the world would one day
reproach him for his inhumanity, decided we should have a place in one
of the boats. This having in some measure quieted our fears concerning
our unfortunate situation, I was desirous of taking some repose, but the
uproar among the crew was so great I could not obtain it.

Towards midnight, a passenger came to inquire at my father if we were
disposed to depart; he replied, we had been forbid to go yet. However,
we were soon convinced that a great part of the crew and various
passengers were secretly preparing to set off in the boats. A conduct so
perfidious could not fail to alarm us, especially as we perceived among
those so eager to embark unknown to us, several who had promised, but a
little while before, not to go without us.

M. Schmaltz, to prevent that which was going on upon deck, instantly
rose to endeavour to quiet their minds; but the soldiers had already
assumed a threatening attitude, and, holding cheap the words of their
commander, swore they would fire upon whosoever attempted to depart in a
clandestine manner. The firmness of these brave men produced the desired
effect, and all was restored to order. The governor returned to his
cabin; and those who were desirous of departing furtively were confused
and covered with shame. The governor, however, was ill at ease; and as
he had heard very distinctly certain energetic words which had been
addressed to him, he judged it proper to assemble a council. All the
officers and passengers being collected, M. Schmaltz there solemnly
swore before them not to abandon the raft, and a second time promised,
that all the boats would tow it to the shore of the Desert, where they
would all be formed into a caravan. I confess this conduct of the
governor greatly satisfied every member of our family; for we never
dreamed he would deceive us, nor act in a manner contrary to what he had
promised.

CHAPTER IV.

THE HELM OF THE MEDUSA IS BROKEN BY THE WAVES--IT IS DETERMINED
TO ABANDON THE WRECK OF THE FRIGATE--THE MILITARY ARE PUT UPON
THE RAFT--THE GREATER PART OF THE OFFICERS GO INTO THE BOATS--THE
PICARD FAMILY ARE ABANDONED UPON THE MEDUSA--PROCEEDINGS OF M.
PICARD TO GET HIS FA