Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/129

 “But when the parts were made it was necessary to put them together.”

“I established my workshops in a desert island in the open sea. There my workmen—that is to say, the brave companions whom I have instructed and got together—and I built our Nautilus. When we had finished, we destroyed by fire every trace of our work. I would have destroyed the island had I been able.”

“Then I may conclude that the price of the vessel was very great.”

“M. Aronnax, a ship of iron costs 1,155 francs per ton. The Nautilus cost 1,500. That is, therefore, 1,687,000 francs cost. Allow two millions for the fittings, and four or five millions for the works of art and collections, and you have the total.”

“A last question, Captain Nemo.”

“What is it?”

“I suppose you are very rich?”

“Infinitely wealthy, Monsieur. I could without inconvenience pay the ten milliards of the French debt.”

I looked steadily at this extraordinary individual as he spoke thus. Was he taking advantage of my credulity? The future will show!