Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/289

 trysting-place of pearl-fishers. So, as Captain Nemo had said, we had arrived a month too soon.

At six o’clock the day broke with that suddenness peculiar to tropical climes. The sun’s rays pierced the bank of clouds on the eastern horizon, and the orb ascended rapidly in the heavens, I could now see the land distinctly, with the trees scattered here and there upon it.

The launch approached the island of Manaar, which trended to the south. Captain Nemo rose from his seat, and gazed over the sea.

At a sign from him the anchor was let go, and the chain ran out; but not far, for the depth was not much more than a yard; and just here was the highest portion of the pearl-oyster beds. The launch immediately swung to the ebb-tide.

“Well, here we are, M. Aronnax,” said the captain. “You see this bay is well enclosed. Here, in a month’s time, will assemble numerous fishing-boats, and in these waters the divers will go boldly to work. This bay is wonderfully formed for this kind of fishing. It is protected from the strongest winds, and the sea is never very high, which is a favourable circumstance for the divers. We will now put on our dresses, and commence our excursion.”

I made no reply, and, all the time gazing at the “suspected” sea of sharks, I was assisted into my dress by one of the sailors. Captain Nemo and my companions were also inducted into their habiliments. None of the sailors of the Nautilus were to go with us.

We were soon clothed up to the neck in the india-rubber garments, and the air apparatus was fastened to our shoulders by braces. There was no necessity to use the Ruhmkorff lighting apparatus. Before putting on my helmet I spoke to the captain about it.