[Off on a Comet by Jules Verne]@TWC D-Link book
Off on a Comet

CHAPTER XII
6/11

Accordingly, the head of the _Dobryna_ was pointed north, making straight, as it was presumed, for the south of Europe.

A hundred miles, or somewhat over, in that direction, and it was to be anticipated she would come in sight of Malta, if only that ancient island, the heritage in succession of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Sicilians, Romans, Vandals, Greeks, Arabians, and the knights of Rhodes, should still be undestroyed.
But Malta, too, was gone; and when, upon the 14th, the sounding-line was dropped upon its site, it was only with the same result so oftentimes obtained before.
"The devastation is not limited to Africa," observed the count.
"Assuredly not," assented the lieutenant; adding, "and I confess I am almost in despair whether we shall ever ascertain its limits.

To what quarter of Europe, if Europe still exists, do you propose that I should now direct your course ?" "To Sicily, Italy, France!" ejaculated Servadac, eagerly,--"anywhere where we can learn the truth of what has befallen us." "How if we are the sole survivors ?" said the count, gravely.
Hector Servadac was silent; his own secret presentiment so thoroughly coincided with the doubts expressed by the count, that he refrained from saying another word.
The coast, without deviation, still tended towards the north.

No alternative, therefore, remained than to take a westerly course and to attempt to reach the northern shores of the Mediterranean.

On the 16th the _Dobryna_ essayed to start upon her altered way, but it seemed as if the elements had conspired to obstruct her progress.


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