While I was looking on this desolate scene, Captain Nemo said, in a sad voice: "Commander La Perouse set out 7th December, 1785, with his vessels La Boussole and the Astrolabe.

He first cast anchor at Botany Bay, visited the Friendly Isles, New Caledonia, then directed his course towards Santa Cruz, and put into Namouka, one of the Hapai group.

Then his vessels struck on the unknown reefs of Vanikoro.

The Boussole, which went first, ran aground on the southerly coast.

The Astrolabe went to its help, and ran aground too.