But this hard substance might be a bony covering like those possessed by some antediluvian animals; and I might be free to class it amongst amphibious animals—the tortoises and alligators. But the black surface that supported us was smooth and polished, not imbricated. It gave out a metallic sound when struck, and, incredible as it may appear, it seemed to me to be composed of riveted iron plates. No doubt about it. The animal, the monster, the phenomenon which had puzzled the entire scientific world, upset and mystified the minds of sailors in both hemispheres, was a greater wonder still—a phenomenon constructed by human agency.
I should not have been nearly so much astonished by the discovery of the most fabulous and mythological of animals. However extraordinary the being may be that is from the hands of the Creator, it can be understood; but to discover all at once, under one’s very eyes, the human realisation of the impossible, was sufficiently startling. But we must not hesitate. Here we were sitting upon the top of a species of submarine boat, which presented, so far as we could judge, the form of an immense fish of iron. This was Ned Land’s opinion. Conseil and I could not classify it.
“But,” said I, “he must contain within him the machinery for locomotion, and a crew to direct his course.”
“Certainly,” replied the Canadian; “and nevertheless, during the three hours I have been here, I have perceived no signs of life.”
“The boat has not moved?”
“No, M. Aronnax; it has lain rocked by the waves, but has not otherwise moved.”
