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CHAPTER XVI.

A WALK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA.

little cabin was, properly speaking, the arsenal and the vestry of the Nautilus. A dozen diving costumes hung upon the walls ready for use.

Ned Land, on seeing them, manifested a decided objection to adopt one.

“But,” I said, “the forest of Crespo is under the sea, Ned.”

“Ah,” said the harpooner, disappointed as he saw his dream of fresh meat disappear. “And are you going to get into one of those dresses, M. Aronnax?”

“I must do so, Ned.”

“Well, you are free to do so, of course,” said he shrugging his shoulders; “but unless I am compelled to do so, I won’t, I can tell you.”

“No one will force you, Master Ned,” said Captain Nemo.

“And is Conseil going to risk his life, too?”

“I go where Monsieur goes,” replied Conseil.

At a sign from the captain two men came forward to assist us in donning the heavy waterproof dresses. They