It was better to admit this proposition than to discuss it, so I contented myself by saying:
“Wait events, and see. But till the time comes pray curb your impatience. We cannot act except by stratagem, and it is not in our power to create opportunities. So promise me that you will take things as they come, quietly.”
“I promise, sir,” replied Ned, in a tone but little reassuring. “Not a coarse nor violent word shall pass my lips, not a gesture shall be perceived, even if the table be not served with desirable regularity.”
“I have your promise, Ned,” I replied.
Our conversation ceased, and each of us began to reflect. For myself, I confess, notwithstanding the assurance of the harpooner, I did not delude myself. I did not admit those favourable chances of which Ned had spoken. To be so well manceuvred, the submarine boat must be well manned and equipped, and consequently in the event of a dispute we should get the worst of it. Besides, above all it was necessary to be at liberty, and we were not. I did not perceive any means of flight from this close prison. And if the strange commander of this vessel had a secret to preserve—which was at least probable—he would not permit us to be at large on board. Now whether he would get rid of us by violence, or land us safely upon some corner of the earth, was the question. All these hypotheses appeared to me extremely plausible, and one needed to be a harpooner to hope to regain his liberty.
I comprehended, moreover, that Ned Land’s intentions were by no means in keeping with his reflections. I heard him beginning to mutter strange oaths, and his
