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The Toilers of the Sea: Lethierry

Deruchette lived with her uncle, Mess Lethierry, a man at once good-natured, intolerant, superstitious, and progressive. In his wandering days Lethierry had befriended Rantaine, an adventurer, who repaid this kindness by running off with 50,000 francs of Lethierry's, the savings of forty years and intended for Deruchette's dowry.

However, Deruchette had still his steamboat, the Durande. She at least would not fail him. Other steamboats failed, but not his Durande--this because of her wonderful engines. The master of the Durande was Sieur Clubin, who had built up a reputation for high respectability. He was a capable, prudent seaman and a wonderful swimmer. Also he was a man who knew how to bide his time.