and, in order to facilitate the movements of her helmsman,
soon carried nothing but her two topsails, brigantine and jib.
After rounding the peak, she steered direct for the channel
to which Servadac by his gestures was pointing her, and was not
long in entering the creek. As soon as the anchor, imbedded in
the sandy bottom, had made good its hold, a boat was lowered.
In a few minutes more Count Timascheff had landed on the island.
Captain Servadac hastened towards him.

"First of all, count," he exclaimed impetuously, "before we speak
one other word, tell me what has happened."

The count, whose imperturbable composure presented a singular
contrast to the French officer's enthusiastic vivacity,
made a stiff bow, and in his Russian accent replied:
"First of all, permit me to express my surprise at seeing you here.
I left you on a continent, and here I have the honor of finding
you on an island."

"I assure you, count, I have never left the place."

"I am quite aware of it. Captain Servadac, and I now beg to offer you
my sincere apologies for failing to keep my appointment with you."

"Never mind, now," interposed the captain; "we will talk
of that by-and-by. First, tell me what has happened."

"The very question I was about to put to you, Captain Servadac."

"Do you mean to say you know nothing of the cause, and can tell me nothing