A seaman could not be mistaken, and I told the Canadian all that had passed during his sleep. You are examining my shells, professor? Unquestionably they must be interesting to a naturalist; but for me they have a far greater charm, for I have collected them all with my own hand, and there is not a sea on the face of the globe which has escaped my researches. Captain Nemo conducted me to the poop of the Nautilus, and took me into a cabin situated near the sailors' quarters. Those are cachalots-terrible animals, which I have sometimes met in troops of two or three hundred. As to those, they are cruel, mischievous creatures; they would be right in exterminating them.
Can nothing save him? And if, he added, the offer he made you this day was never to be renewed, would you accept it? Captain Nemo's first care was to recall the unfortunate man to life again. I did not think he could succeed. I hoped so, for the poor creature's immersion was not long; but the blow from the shark's tail might have been his death-blow. It is marvelous! and I see, captain, you were right to make use of this agent that takes the place of wind, water, and steam.
A difficult enterprise. The year 1866 was signalized by a remarkable incident, a mysterious and inexplicable phenomenon, which doubtless no one has yet forgotten. Not to mention rumors which agitated the maritime population, and excited the public mind, even in the interior of continents, seafaring men were particularly excited. Merchants, common sailors, captains of vessels, skippers, both of Europe and America, naval officers of all countries, and the governments of several states on the two continents, were deeply interested in the matter. I have told you, Ned. At that moment Captain Nemo opened a door which stood opposite to that by which I had entered the library, and I passed into an immense drawing-room splendidly lighted.