66 THE SHIPWRECK,

CHAPTER VIII.
The Cavern of the Rock — The Valley of Lindens.

Tux count returned to his gloomy cavern, and there
gave himself up to the most harrowing and heart rending
reflections ; but hunger soon called upon him to supply
the necessities of a life that Providence had yet spared him.
Perhaps, however, he would have yielded to his apathy
and spurned the voice of nature, if the speaking looks of
his faithful dog had not aroused him from his torpor and
insensibility. Neptune was a beautiful greyhound, a pre-
sent from his elder brother. The count, who had long so-
licited the gift, was extremely attached to the noble animal:
he fed him from his own table; and even shared with
him his scanty ration of biscuit and water, when the
Achilles was in her most distressed condition. Neptune,
who had been keeping a long fast, raised his paws to his
master’s knees, and with the most hungry look imaginable
intimated his wants. The count arose and departed in
search of some nourishment for him.