322 
SHIPWRECK OF THE MEDUSA. 
fore the caravan, that they might not be left behind. The 
sailors voluntarily carried the youngest on their shoulders, 
and every one took the route along the coast. Notwithstand- 
ing it was nearly seven o'clock, the sand was quite burning, 
and we suffered severely, walking without shoes, having lost 
them whilst landing. As soon as we arrived on the shore, we 
went to walk on the wet sand, to cool us a little. Thus we 
traveled during all the night, without encountering any thing 
but shells, which wounded our feet. 
On the morning of the 9th we saw an antelope on the top 
of a little hill, which instantly disappeared, before we had 
time to shoot it. The desert seemed to our view one im- 
mense plain of sand, on which was seen not one blade of ver- 
dure. However, we still found water by digging in the sand. 
In the forenoon, two officers of marine complained that our 
family incommoded the progress of the caravan. It is true, 
the females and the children could not walk so quickly as the 
men. We walked as fast as it was possible for us, neverthe- 
less, we often fell behind, which obliged them to halt till we 
came up. These officers, joined with other individuals, con- 
sidered among themselves whether they would wait for us, or 
abandon us in the desert. I will be bold to say, however, 
that but few were of the latter opinion. My father being in- 
formed of what was plotting against us, stepped up to the 
chiefs of the conspiracy and reproached them in the bitterest 
terms for their selfishness and brutality. The dispute waxed 
hot. Those who were desirous of leaving us drew their 
swords, and my father put his hand upon a poignard, with 
which he had provided himself on quitting the frigate. At 
this scene we threw ourselves in between them, conjuring 
him rather to remain in the desert with his family, than seek 
the assistance of those who were, perhaps, less humane than 
the Moors themselves. Several people took our part, parti- 
cularly M. Bregnere, captain of infantry, who quieted the dis- 
pute by saying to his soldiers, " My friends, you are French- 
men, and I have the honor of being your commander ; let us 
never abandon an unfortunate family in the desert, so long as 
we are able to be of use to them." This brief, but energetic 
speech, caused those to blush Avho wished to leave us. All 
then joined with the old captain, saying they would not leave 
us, on condition we would walk quicker. M. Bregnere and 
his soldiers replied, they did not wish to impose conditions on 
those to whom they were desirous of doing a favor ; and the 
unfortunate family of Picard were a^ain on the road with the 
