So, sir, I rejoined, you give us simply the choice between life and death? This done, Captain Nemo pressed a knob, the wire of which communicated with the quarters of the crew. Four men appeared, and, not without some trouble, pushed the chest out of the saloon. Then I heard them hoisting it up the iron staircase by means of pulleys. I should say that its working does not require a large crew. But the accursed animal swam too at the rate of 18? miles.
Look! Look! exclaimed the Canadian. They approach; they aggravate me; they know that I cannot get at them! Ah, commander! your Nautilus is certainly a marvelous boat. By this time other poulps appeared at the port light. I counted seven. They formed a procession after the Nautilus, and I heard their beaks gnashing against the iron hull. I continued my work. These monsters kept in the water with such precision that they seemed immovable. Suddenly the Nautilus stopped. A shock made it tremble in every plate. Friend Ned, said I, I understand you; but you cannot reproach yourself. To have attempted to leave the Nautilus under the circumstances would have been folly.
Where and when? The Canadian shook his head, passed his hand across his forehead, and left the room without answering. I am certain of it. Ned Land's logic pressed me hard, and I felt myself beaten on that ground. I knew not what argument would now tell in my favor.