tired of being on board? Do you regret the fate that placed you in Captain Nemo’s hands?”
The Canadian did not reply immediately; then folding his arms, he said:
“Frankly, then, I do not regret this voyage. I am very glad to have made it, but to have made it, it must have an end. That is my opinion.”
”It will come to an end, Ned!”
“When and where?”
“Where, I cannot say; when, I do not know; but I suppose it will end when we can learn nothing more from the sea. Everything must have an end in this world.”
“I agree with Monsieur, that when we have been all round the world, Captain Nemo will give us our liberty.”
“We have nothing to fear from the captain,” I said, “but I do not so far agree with Conseil’s ideas. We are master of the secret of the Nautilus, and I cannot expect that the captain will take the risk of releasing us and letting his secrets be known.”
“Then what do you expect?” inquired Ned.
“That circumstances may occur by which we may and ought to profit as well six months hence as now.”
“All very well, but where shall we be six months hence?”
“Here perhaps, or in China. You know the Nautilus is a rapid sailer. It can cross the seas as a swallow the air, or like an express train on land. It does not fear frequented seas. Who can tell whether we may not close with the coasts of France, England, or America, when an attempt to escape might be made with at least as much hope of success as now.”
“M. Aronnax,” said Ned Land, “your arguments won’t hold water. You speak of the future. We shall be here or
