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 island called Reka arose close to Nea-Kamenni, and since these three islands have been united.”

“And the canal in which we now are?” I asked.

“There it is,” replied Captain Nemo, indicating it on a map of the Archipelago. “You see that I have put down all the newest islands.”

“But this canal will some day be filled up, surely?”

“Very likely, M. Aronnax, for since 1866 eight little islands of lava have risen opposite the harbour of St. Nicholas, in Palea-Kamenni. It is, therefore, evident that Nea and Palea will be joined together some day. If in the Pacific there are infusoria, which form continents, here it is by eruptive phenomena. You can see, sir, what work is being done beneath the waves.”

I turned to the window. The Nautilus was not going fast. The heat became almost unbearable. The white appearance of the sea had given place to a red tinge, which colour was due to salts of iron. Notwithstanding the hermetic ceiling of the saloon, an almost insupportable smell of sulphur was present, and I could perceive that the bright red of the flames completely overcame the electric light.

I felt in a bath. I was choking. I was almost broiled. I really did feel as if I were cooking!

“We cannot remain in this boiling-water any longer,” I said.

“No,” replied the captain, calmly, “it would be scarcely prudent.”

An order was passed along—the Nautilus went about, and soon left the furnace at a distance. A quarter of an hour later, we were breathing at the surface of the sea.

It occurred to me, that if Ned Land had selected those