covered, while the watchers had been forced to climb the rocks; but, to their great joy, they saw that the wreckage was beginning to drift landwards. If they were lucky, they would be able to secure the bulk of these before nightfall without having to swim for them.
The damp and cold blast still blew hard from the sea upon their bare backs and chests, but they no longer felt the cold as they worked these heavy plank-oars with all their strength. They were better off now, even in their nakedness, than were the damp and shivering watchers ashore.
At last their loaded raft touched the rocks, and, springing off, they secured it with some spare rope, before re-dressing themselves. They were in a happy mood with the prospect of meat and drink before them, and glowing with their heroic exertions, therefore they both laughed, as they advanced like brawny savages towards the ladies, when they saw how they had utilised the cast-off garments.
"I shall treasure these trousers ever after this for having been worn by you as a mantle, Eugenie," cried Anatole, as he took them from the countess with a polite bow.
"They were of great comfort, Anatole, although decidedly damp," answered the poor Countess de Bergamont.
"But oh! have you brought anything to eat and drink?"
"I hope so, my dear, but we must try to secure the other articles which are coming towards us before dark, and for this we shall need all hands."
"Give us something first to break our fast, and then we can work better."
It was no easy matter without tools to force open the
