We made signals of distress; she perceived us, made for us, and took us all on board. There, now, M. Morrel, that's the whole truth, on the honor of a sailor; is not it true, you fellows there?" A general murmur of approbation showed that the narrator had detailed their misfortunes with truth as to the facts, and picturesqueness as to details.
"Well, well, you are brave fellows," said Morrel; "I know there was no one in fault but destiny. It was the will of God, not the fault of man. Blessed be his name! What wages are due to you?"
"Oh, don't let us talk of that, M. Morrel."
"On the contrary, let us speak of it."
"Well, then, three months'," said Penelon.
"Cocles! pay two hundred frances to each of these good fellows," said Morrel. "At another time," added he, "I should have said, Give them, besides, two hundred francs over as a present; but times are changed, and the little money that remains to me is not my own, so do not think me mean on this account."
Penelon turned to his companions, and exchanged a few words with them. "As for that, M. Morrel," said he, again turning his quid. "As for that———"
"As for what?"
"The money."
"Well———"
"Well, we all say that fifty franes will be enough for us at present, and that we will wait for the rest."
"Thanks, my friends, thanks!" cried Morrel, gratefully; "take it — take it; and if you can find another employer, enter his service; you are free to do so."
These last words produced a prodigious effect on the seamen; Penelon nearly swallowed his quid. Fortunately, he recovered.
"What! M. Morrel," said he, in a low voice, "you send us away; you are then angry with us!"
"No, no, my lads!" said Morrel, "I am not angry; on the contrary, I do not send you away; but I have no more ships, and therefore I do not want any sailors."
"No more ships!" returned Penelon; "well, then, you'll build some; we'll wait for you; we know what it is to be in the doldrums."
"I have no money to build ships with, Penelon," said the poor owner, mournfully," so I cannot accept your kind offer."
"No more money! then you must not pay us; we can go, like the Pharaon, under bare poles."
"Enough! enough!" cried Morrel, almost overpowered; "leave me, I pray you; we shall meet again in a happier time. Emmanuel, accompany them, and see that my orders are executed."
