Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/326

“But since Monsieur says it is so,” says Conseil, “you must believe him.”

“Besides, Ned, Captain Nemo showed me the tunnel. I was close to him in the pilot-house while he steered the Nautilus through the passage.”

“Do you hear, Ned?” asked Conseil.

“And since you have such good eyes, Ned,” I added, “you can perceive the piers of Port Saïd.”

The Canadian looked attentively at them.

“Well,” he said, “you are right, sir, and this captain is a wonderful fellow. We are in the Mediterranean. Good. We may talk of our own little business if you please, but so that we may not be overheard.”

I saw very well what the Canadian was driving at. In any case I thought it better that he should talk, since he wanted to do so, and we all sat down by the lamp, where we were less likely to be subject to the spray.

“Now, Ned, we are listening,” said I. “What have you to tell us?”

“It is not much,” he replied; “we are in Europe, and before Captain Nemo’s vagaries plunge us into the Polar Seas, I vote we quit the Nautilus.”

This style of conversation always embarrassed me. I did not wish to be any tie upon my friends, and at the same time I did not want to leave Captain Nemo. Thanks to him and his vessel, I was day by day increasing my studies, and I was re-writing my book respecting the submarine depths in those very depths themselves. Should I ever have such another chance to observe the wonders of the ocean? Certainly not; and I could not bear to leave the Nautilus before our round of exploration was completed.

“Friend Ned,” I said, “answer me frankly. Are you