Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/148

 de la Plata,” or “Silver Rock.” We were then about 1,800 miles from our starting-point, and the course of the Nautilus was now rather S.E.

I pointed out to my companions the little rock situated in the midst of the Pacific Ocean.

“If Captain Nemo is going to land at all,” I said, “he has chosen the very smallest of desert islands.”

Ned Land nodded without speaking, and then he and Conseil left me to myself. After supper, which was served by the silent and impassible steward, I retired—but much pre-occupied.

Next morning I perceived that the Nautilus was stationary. I dressed hastily and proceeded to the saloon.

There I found Captain Nemo. He was awaiting me. He got up, saluted me, and asked whether it would suit me to accompany him.

As he made no allusion to his absence during the last eight days, neither did I, and merely replied that my companions and myself were ready to go with him.

“But, Monsieur,” said I, “I must ask you a question.”

“Ask it, M. Aronnax,” said he, “and if I can reply to it, I will.”

“How is it that you who have renounced all intercourse with the earth, can possess woods in the island of Crespo?”

“The woods I possess,” he replied, “require no light nor heat from the sun. No lion, tiger, panther, nor any other quadruped inhabits them. They are known