which it is beyond my power to estimate. Some mysterious force
seemed to have brought about a convulsion of the elements.
Our engine was damaged, nay disabled, and we drifted entirely at the mercy
of the terrible hurricane that raged during the succeeding days.
That the _Dobryna_ escaped at all is little less than a miracle,
and I can only attribute her safety to the fact that she occupied
the center of the vast cyclone, and consequently did not experience
much change of position."

He paused, and added: "Your island is the first land we have seen."

"Then let us put out to sea at once and ascertain the extent of the disaster,"
cried the captain, eagerly. "You will take me on board, count, will you not?"

"My yacht is at your service, sir, even should you require to make a tour
round the world."

"A tour round the Mediterranean will suffice for the present, I think,"
said the captain, smiling.

The count shook his head.

"I am not sure," said he, "but what the tour of the Mediterranean
will prove to be the tour of the world."

Servadac made no reply, but for a time remained silent and
absorbed in thought.

After the silence was broken, they consulted as to what course was
best to pursue; and the plan they proposed was, in the first place,