Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/87

 “On the contrary, sir,” replied the Canadian, who would not give in, “we ought to do something.”

“Well, what?”

“Save ourselves—try to escape!”

“To escape from a prison on land is difficult; but to get out of a submarine prison, appears to me impracticable.”

“Now, friend Ned,” said Conseil, “what do you say to Monsieur? I cannot believe that an American is ever at a loss.”

The harpooner, visibly embarrassed, was silent. Flight under the circumstances was out of the question. But a Canadian is half a Frenchman, and master Land showed that by his reply.

“So, M. Aronnax,” he said, after some minutes’ consideration, “you do not know what people ought to do who cannot escape from their prison?”

“No, my friend.”

“It is very simple—they ought to arrange in what manner they will remain.”

“By Jove,” said Conseil, “I think you are better inside than either above or below!”

“But having overcome gaolers, keys, and bolts?”

“What, Ned, is it possible that you are seriously contemplating escape from this vessel?”

“Very seriously, indeed,” replied the Canadian.

“Impossible!”

“Why so, sir? Some favourable opportunity may arise; and I do not see why I should not profit by it If there are not more than twenty men on board, they will not be able to resist two Frenchmen and a Canadian, I suppose?”