OR THE DESERT ISLAND. 127

CHAPTER XVII.

The Trunk washed ashore—The Books— Pious Reflections — Re-
signation. :

Next day Charles found himself well enough to accom-
pany Philip to the shore in search of turtle’s eggs. They
walked over a part of the island which they had not yet
visited. Having reached the shore, the count espied afar
off, among the rocks, something black, and of a regular
form. He pointed it out to Philip, who quickly brought it
to the place where he had left the count. It proved to be'
a kind of rough chest or trunk, which without doubt had
belonged to some one of the crew of the Achilles. Philip
threw it on his shoulders, and-returned with it to the cabin.

“What think you that this box contains?” asked the
count, as Philip was forcing the lock.

“ Tools, I hope,” Merville replied, “for it is very
heavy.” As he spoke the lock yielded to his efforts, and
the trunk flew open.