Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/247



CHAPTER XXIV.

THE REALMS OF CORAL.

Next day I awoke, and my head was wonderfully clear. To my great surprise I was in my own room. My companions doubtless had been taken to their cabin without being more aware of the transfer than I was. They were quite as ignorant as I was respecting the occurrences of the night, and I could only hope that chance would develop the mystery at some future time. I then thought I would leave my chamber; but was I free, or still a prisoner? Free. I opened the door and went out upon the central staircase. The panels were now open. I reached the platform.

Ned Land and Conseil met me there. I questioned them; they knew nothing. Wrapped in such a heavy slumber that they remembered nothing, they had been much surprised to find themselves in their cabin.

All this time the Nautilus was as quiet and mysterious as ever. It floated at the surface and progressed slowly. Nothing was changed on board. Ned Land kept his eyes fixed upon the sea; it was deserted. The