noon
So saying , her Majesty grasped up a handful of pearls from the shore , to defend herself . As screaming was now the fashion , all the women of course screamed ; and animated by the example of their sovereign , and armed with the marine gems , the Amazons assumed an imposing attitude . Just at the moment that they had worked up their enthusiasm to the highest pitch , and were actually desirous of dying for their country , the ship sunk . It is the flush of noon ; and , strange to say , a human figure is seen wandering on the shore of the Isle of Fantaisie . ` One of the crew of the wrecked frigate , of course ? What an escape ! Fortunate creature !