fresh water by 1, I find 1281000 as the density of the Atlantic, 1261000 that of the Pacific, 1301000 that of the Mediterranean———”
“Ah!” thought I, “he has sailed in the Mediterranean.”
“In the Ionian Sea 1181000, and 1291000 in the Adriatic.”
The Nautilus certainly did not avoid the crowded seas of Europe, and I judged from this that it would carry us, perhaps before very long, towards the more civilised lands. I fancied that Ned Land would appreciate this very highly.
For a long time the days passed in experiments of all kinds, to ascertain the saltness of the sea-water at different temperatures—its electrisation, its colouration, its transparency; and under all circumstances Captain Nemo displayed an ingenuity which was only equalled by his great politeness to me. Then for many days I did not see him, and I remained almost isolated on board.
On the 16th January the Nautilus appeared to sleep at a few metres only beneath the surface. The electric apparatus was not at work, and the screw being immovable, she drifted at the will of the currents. I supposed that the machinery was being repaired, such a course being necessary after the late violent working.
My companions and I were witnesses of a curious spectacle that day. The side panels of the saloon were open, and as the lamp of the Nautilus was not alight, a vague obscurity reigned in the water. The stormy and clouded sky could give but little light even to the first beds of the waters.
