76 THE SHIPWRECK,

longer able to contain himself, made so powerful an effort
to disengage the knife, that the blade broke off near the
handle. Furious, he seized the luckless chair, and dashed
it to the ground violently. At this silly freak, Philip
roared with laughter. 2

“Tnsolent wretch !” cried the count, “dare you insult me
_ in this manner?” :

*“* My Lord Count Charles D’Estaing,” replied Merville,
in his cruel ironical manner, “I would wish you toremem-
ber that you are not now either in the park of the marquis
your father, or on the quarterdeck of the Achilles, where
you were at liberty to give full scope to your frensies,
Here we are equals; and every outrage, whether by word
or deed, shall instantly receive condign chastisement. I
therefore advise your lordship to have a guard on your
tongue, or very disagreeable consequences: may be the
result to your lordship.”

“Infamous monster, do you forget that I am your com-
mander ?”

“No,” replied Philip, in whose breast certain remem-
brances were at this moment causing him great agitation,
“no, you have made it impossible for me to forget that it
was once in your power to gratify your savage hatred
towards me! You basely persecuted me when you knew