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 opportune were we in sight of the coast of England or France, but in the Papuan Archipelago it is a different thing; and we can always fall back upon it if the Nautilus is not floated, which I look upon as a very serious question.”

“But may we not go ashore at least. Here is an island, and there are trees. Beneath those trees are animals in which are cutlets and steaks, to which I would gladly introduce my teeth.”

“Now here Ned is right,” said Conseil, “and I agree with him. Cannot Monsieur obtain permission to land, so that we may not lose the habit of walking on dry land altogether?”

“I could ask him,” I said, “but he will refuse.”

“Well, Monsieur, risk it, and we shall then know how far we may count upon the captain’s good nature.”

To my great surprise, Captain Nemo made no objection, and accorded his permission in a most polite and gracious manner, without even exacting any promise of return. But a walk in New Guinea was somewhat dangerous, and I would have advised Ned Land not to attempt it. Better be a prisoner on board the Nautilus than fall into the hands of the natives.

The launch was placed at our disposal for the next morning. I did not inquire whether Captain Nemo would accompany us. I thought that none of the crew would be “told off,” and that Ned Land would be sufficient to steer the boat. Moreover, the land was only two miles off; and it was only “child’s play” for the Canadian to steer a boat amongst the reefs so fatal to large vessels. Next morning the boat was launched by