Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/316

 setting sun fell full upon the houses, making them appear so very white, while farther off some cabins of wood or reeds indicated the Bedaween quarter.

Djeddah was soon lost in the gloom, and the Nautilus descended beneath the phosphorescent water.

Next day, February 10th, many vessels appeared to windward. The Nautilus resumed her submarine navigation; but at midday, at the time for taking “bearings,” the sea was clear of ships as we came to the surface again. Accompanied by Ned and Conseil, I sat down upon the platform. The coast on the east side was half hidden by a thick mist.

Leaning against the launch, we were chatting on various topics, when Ned, extending his hand, said:

“Do you see anything over there, sir?”

“No, Ned,” I replied, “my eyes are not so good as yours.”

“Look steadily,” replied Ned, “a little above the lanthorn to starboard. Don’t you see something moving?”

“In fact,” I said, after gazing attentively in the direction indicated, “I do believe there is a long black body at the surface of the water.”

“Another Nautilus?” suggested Conseil.

“No,” said the Canadian; “if I mistake not, it is some marine animal.”

“Are there any whales in the Red Sea?” asked Conseil.

“Yes,” I replied, “they are sometimes met with.”

“It is not a whale,” said Ned, who still kept his gaze fixed upon the object. “Whales and I are such old acquaintances, that I cannot mistake them.”

“Let us wait,” said Conseil. “The Nautilus is going in that direction, we shall soon see what it is.”

The black object was soon within a mile of us. It