Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/290

 “They would be useless,” he said, “as we shall not go to any great depth, and the sunlight will suffice for us. Besides, it would not be very prudent to carry an electric lamp under these waters. The light might attract some dangerous inhabitants inopportunely.”

As Captain Nemo spoke, I turned towards Ned and Conseil. They had already put on their helmets, and could neither hear nor reply.

One last question I must address to the captain.

“Our arms,” I said; “what about our guns?”

“Guns, for what?” he said. “Do not mountaineers attack bears with daggers? and is not the steel more certain than lead? Here is a true bit of steel for you. Stick it in your waist-belt and let’s go.”

I again looked at my freindsfriends [sic]. They were also furnished like ourselves, and besides the dagger, Ned Land brandished an enormous harpoon, which he had placed in the boat before we left the Nautilus. Then following the captain’s example, I put on my head-piece, and the air-reservoirs immediately began to act.

An instant after the sailors let us gently down into the water, and at about ten yards from the surface we touched a fine sand.

Captain Nemo signed to us; we followed him, and descending a gentle slope, we disappeared under the waves.

Once beneath the water, the fearsome ideas I had hitherto indulged disappeared, and I was quite calm. The ease with which I was able to move, gave me confidence, and the unusual sights around me captivated my imagination.

The sun already gave us sufficient light. The smallest objects were perceptible. After walking for ten minutes, we were about six yards beneath the surface, and the sand became more level. [sic]