“I do not know if they will or not,” replied Nemo, coldly. “However that may be, you already know the first application that I make of this precious agent. It gives us light with an equality and continuity equal to the sun. Now that clock is electric, and goes with a regularity that defies a thousand chronometers. I have divided it into twenty-four hours, like the Italian clocks, for, for me no night exists, and no day; nor sun, nor moon, but only this artificial light, which I produce from the depths of the sea. Look! at this moment it is 10 a.m.”
“Just so!”
“Here is another application of electricity. That dial hanging before us indicates the speed of the vessel. An electric cord places it in communication with the screw’s log, and the needle indicates the speed. Look here! at this moment we are going at the moderate speed of fifteen miles an hour.”
“It is, indeed, marvellous; and I see that you are right to employ this agent, which is destined to supersede wind, water, and steam.”
“We have not finished yet, M. Aronnax. If you like to follow me, we will go astern.”
I already was acquainted with the forward portion of the ship, which was divided into two parts in the centre. The salle-a-manger, separated from the library by a water-tight bulkhead; the library; the grand saloon, separated from the captain’s room by another watertight partition; this room and mine and an air-reservoir composed the forward portion—in all thirty-five yards in length. The bulkheads were pierced with doors, which could be
