Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/276



CHAPTER II.

A NOVEL PROPOSITION OF CAPTAIN NEMO.

On the 28th February, when the Nautilus came up to the surface, in 9° 4′ N. lat., we were in view of land about eight miles westward. I noticed first a range of mountains about 2,000 feet high, whose forms were very uneven. After our position had been ascertained and reported, I found that we were close to Ceylon, the pearl which hangs from the lobe of the Indian peninsula.

I searched in the library for some book about this island, which is one of the most fertile in the world. I found a volume entitled, “Ceylon and the Cingalese.”

At that moment Captain Nemo appeared with the mate. The captain cast a hasty glance at the map, then turning to me, he said:

“Ceylon is celebrated for its pearl fisheries. Would you like to visit one of them?”

“Very much indeed, captain,” I replied.

“Well then, that is easily managed. Only, if we go to the fishery, we must go as fishermen. The annual search has not yet commenced, but never mind. I will give orders