DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.70302#0113
SINGULAR HISTORY OF AN IMPOSTOR.
93
from Rochelle, made for the cul-de-sac of Marin, the port
of Martinico, but was so closely pursued by the English
cruisers which blocked up the harbour, that the Captain,
finding it impossible to save his ship and cargo, resolved
at least to make an attempt to escape being taken pri-
soner, and with his whole crew betook himself to his boat,
by means of which they arrived on shore in safety, but
with the loss of all they possessed.
Besides his crew, which was not numerous, he had on
board a young man, 18 or 19 years of age, of a figure
rather agreeable than handsome, and regular, of dignified
demeanour, though of the middling stature, but particu-
larly remarkable for the whiteness and extreme delicacy
of his skin, which seemed to indicate that he was a per-
son of rank. He said that his name was the Count de
Tarnaud, the son of a Field Marshal; and the respectful
behaviour of the crew, appeared to announce a still
more elevated dignity. He had embarked without any
attendant, and the only person who appeared particularly
attached to him was a young seaman, about 24 years of
age, called Rhodez, with whom he became acquainted
during the voyage. The young man seemed to possess
his unlimited confidence ; but on the part of Rhodez this
intimacy never produced familiarity ; and the most
marked demonstrations of respect manifested his con-
sideration for the stranger.
The latter, upon going on shore, enquired for some
creditable inhabitant of the island, in whose house he
might find lodging and relief. He was directed to the
habitation of an officer called Duval Ferrol, situated
near the place where he landed. Thither he repaired,
with no other recommendation than the misfortune he
had so recently experienced. Being received with the
greatest hospitality, he took up his abode there, together
with Rhodez. At this place every attention was be-
stowed
93
from Rochelle, made for the cul-de-sac of Marin, the port
of Martinico, but was so closely pursued by the English
cruisers which blocked up the harbour, that the Captain,
finding it impossible to save his ship and cargo, resolved
at least to make an attempt to escape being taken pri-
soner, and with his whole crew betook himself to his boat,
by means of which they arrived on shore in safety, but
with the loss of all they possessed.
Besides his crew, which was not numerous, he had on
board a young man, 18 or 19 years of age, of a figure
rather agreeable than handsome, and regular, of dignified
demeanour, though of the middling stature, but particu-
larly remarkable for the whiteness and extreme delicacy
of his skin, which seemed to indicate that he was a per-
son of rank. He said that his name was the Count de
Tarnaud, the son of a Field Marshal; and the respectful
behaviour of the crew, appeared to announce a still
more elevated dignity. He had embarked without any
attendant, and the only person who appeared particularly
attached to him was a young seaman, about 24 years of
age, called Rhodez, with whom he became acquainted
during the voyage. The young man seemed to possess
his unlimited confidence ; but on the part of Rhodez this
intimacy never produced familiarity ; and the most
marked demonstrations of respect manifested his con-
sideration for the stranger.
The latter, upon going on shore, enquired for some
creditable inhabitant of the island, in whose house he
might find lodging and relief. He was directed to the
habitation of an officer called Duval Ferrol, situated
near the place where he landed. Thither he repaired,
with no other recommendation than the misfortune he
had so recently experienced. Being received with the
greatest hospitality, he took up his abode there, together
with Rhodez. At this place every attention was be-
stowed