122 THE SHIPWRECK,

rambled abroad in search of a turtle and some fruits. On
coming back he found his patient awake, and evidently
much better; for he was returning the caresses which
the faithful Neptune was lavishing upon him rather plen-
tifully.

At the sight of Philip the count extended his hand to-
wards him, whilst the former inquired if he had slept long
and soundly.

“Long enough to regret your absence, and soundly
enough to enable me to thank you for your tender atten-
tions,” replied D’Estaing.

Philip clasped the proffered hand with friendly respect,
and congratulating the count on his convalescence, he set
about procuring for him all the comforts and niceties within
his reach, For the first time since the commencement of
his sickness the count felt himself able to rise.

He now refreshed his face and hands in a large shell of
water prepared for his use, and with his pocket comb
smoothed his dishevelled hair. But he was too weak for
the task, and fell exhausted on his mattrass, Philip took
the comb, and with great patience and care disentangled
and arranged his hair as nicely as a barber could have
done it.

The count daily regained some portion of his former