The Modern Prometheus modern design twist on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein | Page 20
R. Walton
a large fragment of ice. Only one dog remained alive; but there
was a human being within it whom the sailors were persuading
to enter the vessel. He was not, as the other traveller seemed to be,
a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island, but a European.
When I appeared on deck the master said, “Here is our captain,
and he will not allow you to perish on the open sea.”
On perceiving me, the stranger addressed me in English, although
with a foreign accent. “Before I come on board your vessel,” said
he, “will you have the kindness to inform me whither you are
bound?”
You may conceive my astonishment on hearing such a question
addressed to me from a man on the brink of destruction and to
whom I should have supposed that my vessel would have been
a resource which he would not have exchanged for the most
precious wealth the earth can afford. I replied, however, that we
were on a voyage of discovery towards the northern pole.
Upon hearing this he appeared satisfied and consented to come
on board. Good God! Margaret, if you had seen the man who thus
capitulated for his safety, your surprise would have been boundless.
His limbs were nearly frozen, and his body dreadfully emaciated
by fatigue and suffering. I never saw a man in so wretched a
condition. We attempted to carry him into the cabin, but as soon
as he had quitted the fresh air he fainted. We accordingly brought
him back to the deck and restored him to animation by rubbing
him with brandy and forcing him to swallow a small quantity. As
soon as he showed signs of life we wrapped him up in blankets
and placed him near the chimney of the kitchen stove. By slow
degrees he recovered and ate a little soup, which restored him
wonderfully.
Two days passed in this manner before he was able to speak, and I
often feared that his sufferings had deprived him of understanding.
When he had in some measure recovered, I removed him to my
own cabin and attended on him as much as my duty would
permit. I never saw a more interesting creature: his eyes have