110
A SUBMERGED CONTINENT.
templating the vast plain by the gleam of the lava, which at times glowed with intense brilliancy. Loud noises were clearly transmitted by the water, and were echoed with majestic fulness of sound.
The moon now appeared across the waters, and threw her pale rays over the engulfed continent. It was but a gleam, but it had a wonderful effect. The captain rose, threw a last look at the immense plain, and then signalled to me to return.
We rapidly descended the mountain. The mineral forest once passed, we could perceive the lantern of the Nautilus shining in the distance like a star. The captain made directly for it, and we got on board just as the first rays of dawn were brightening the surface of the ocean.
