Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/93

 cussions which have arisen in Europe and America about you. You are not aware that the various collisions you have caused have evoked public observation in both continents. I spare you the numerous hypotheses by which people have endeavoured to explain the inexplicable phenomenon of which you alone possess the secret. But you must know that in pursuing you the Abraham Lincoln’s crew were under the impression that they were pursuing some powerful marine monster, of which it was necessary to rid the ocean at any cost.”

A half-sigh parted the lips of the stranger; then, in a calmer tone he said:

“Monsieur Aronnax, can you affirm that your frigate would not have followed and fired at a submarine vessel as well as a monster?”

This question caused me some little embarrassment, for certainly Commodore Farragut had not hesitated. He would have deemed it his duty to destroy an apparatus of the kind as well as a gigantic narwhal.

“So you perceive, Monsieur,” said the stranger, “that I have a right to treat you as enemies.”

I did not reply, and for a good reason. Where was the use to answer a proposition, when force could overcome a thousand arguments.

“I have hesitated for a long time,” said the commander. “There is no reason why I should extend my hospitality to you. If I leave you, I have no interest in seeing you again. If I replace you upon the platform outside, upon which you took refuge, I can sink beneath the surface and forget that you ever existed. Have I not this right?”

These thoughts chased rapidly across my mind,