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 incarcerated until I shall judge it desirable to release you.”

“You are master here,” I replied, looking at him steadily. “But may I ask you a question?”

“No, Monsieur.”

There was no disputing this. I had not to discuss, but to obey. Any resistance was impossible.

I descended into the cabin occupied by Conseil and Ned, and told them of the captain’s resolve. I will leave you to imagine how my tidings were received by the Canadian. However, there was no time for explanations. Four of the crew appeared at the door and conducted us to the cell in which we had passed our first night on board the Nautilus.

Ned Land wished to expostulate, but the door was shut upon him for all reply.

“Will Monsieur tell me what all this means?” asked Conseil.

I related all that had passed. They were as much astonished, but no more enlightened than I was. I fell into a reverie, and the strange expression of fear in Captain Nemo’s face haunted me. I was quite incapable of putting two logical ideas together, and I had lost myself in the most absurd hypotheses, when I was aroused by Ned saying:

“Hullo! Breakfast is served.”

And as a fact the table was prepared. Captain Nemo had evidently given this order at the time he directed the increase of the speed.

“Will Monsieur permit me to recommend him something?”

“Yes, Conseil,” I replied.