The Canadian, Conseil, and I had no choice. Fifteen sailors surrounded the captain, and seemed to regard the approaching vessel with intense hatred. We felt that the same spirit of revenge animated them all.
I descended, and at that moment another shot hulled the Nautilus. I heard the captain cry out:
“Strike, you mad vessel; let fly your useless shot. You shall not escape the Nautilus. But you shall not perish here. Your wreck shall not mingle with that of the Avenger!”
I regained my cabin. The captain and the mate were still on the platform. The screw was put in motion. The Nautilus distanced her pursuer very quickly, and was soon out of range. But the chase continued, and Captain Nemo contented himself with keeping his distance.
About 4 p.m., I could not restrain the impatience and restlessness that was consuming me; I went to the foot of the staircase; the panel was open. I ventured upon the platform. The captain was walking up and down in a very excited manner. He kept looking at the man-of-war to leeward, about five or six miles away. He was sailing round it, and drawing the pursuit towards the east. But he did not attack it. Perhaps he hesitated to do so after all.
I wished to intercede once again. But I had hardly opened my mouth to Captain Nemo, when he silenced me.
“I am the law here; I am justice. I am the oppressed and yonder is the oppressor. Through him I have lost everything I loved, cherished, venerated: country, wife, children, father, mother. I have seen them all perish. All I hate is there. Be silent.”
I took a last look at the man-of-war now steaming at high pressure, and then I rejoined Conseil and Ned.
