Some rockets from the light-house of Sein soon announced that aid was coming to the assistance of the shipwrecked vessel.  Red lights now became visible, and voices hailed them.  They answered that they had been shipwrecked upon the rocks surrounding Sein.

It was a full hour before the boat could reach them.  The breakers were so strong that the attempt was perilous.  But at length six men succeeded in seizing a small cable, and hoisting themselves on board of the “Alaska.”

They were six rude fishermen of Sein—­strong, intrepid fellows—­and it was not the first time they had gone to the assistance of shipwrecked mariners.  They fully approved of the idea of sending to L’Orient for assistance, for their little port could not offer the necessary resources.  It was agreed that two of them should depart in the little steamer with Mr. Hersebom and Otto, as soon as the moon arose above the horizon.  While they were waiting for it to do so, they gave some account of the place where they were shipwrecked.

The rocks extend in a westerly direction for nine miles beyond the Island of Sein.  They are divided into two parts, which are called the Pont du Sein and the Basse Froid.

The Pont du Sein is about four miles long, and a mile and a half wide.  It is composed of a succession of high rocks, which form a chain above the waters.  The Basse Froid extends beyond the Pont du Sein for five miles, and is two thirds of a mile wide; it consist of a great number of rocks of about an equal height, which can be seen at a great distance.  The principal rocks are the Cornengen, Schomeur, Cornoc-ar-Goulet-Bas-ven, Madiou and Ar-men.  These are the least dangerous, because they can be seen.  The number and irregularity of their points under the water are not fully known, for the sea beats over them with extreme violence, the force of the current is very strong, and they are the scene of many shipwrecks.  Light-houses have been erected on the Island of Sein and at Bec-du-Raze, so that these rocks can be seen and avoided by vessels coming from the west, but they are very dangerous for vessels coming from the south.  Unfortunately there is no rock or small island at the extreme end where a signal could be placed, and the turbulence of the waters will not permit a floating one to be placed there.  Therefore it was resolved to build a light-house on the rock Ar-men, which is three miles from the extreme point.  This work is so extremely difficult that although it was commenced in 1867, twelve years later, in 1879, it was only half built.  They say that during the latter year it was only possible to work for eight hours, although the workmen were always ready to seize a favorable moment.  The light-house therefore was not yet completed at the time when the “Alaska” met with her disaster.  But this did not suffice to explain how, after leaving Brest, they had been run into such peril.  Erik promised himself that he would solve this difficulty as soon as the little steam-boat had been dispatched for aid.  This departure was easily effected, the moon having soon made its appearance.  The young captain then appointed the night watch, and sent the rest of the crew to bed, then he descended to the captain’s room.