terrestrial science permitted. But you do not know everything, and have not seen everything. Allow me to tell you that you will not regret the time you may pass on board with me. You are about to sail through a world of wonders. Astonishment and stupefaction will be the prevailing feelings you will experience. You will not easily get tired of the never-ceasing spectacle before you. I am about to make a new tour of the submarine world—perhaps the last, who knows?—to study, as far as possible, at the bottom of those seas through which I have so frequently coursed, and you shall be my companion. From this day you will enter upon a new existence; you will see what no man has ever seen—for my companions and myself do not count—and our planet, thanks to me, shall yield its deepest secrets to you.”
I could not deny it. The captain’s words had a great effect upon me. I was assailed at my weak point, and forget, at the moment, that the contemplation of these wonderful things could not compensate for my lost liberty. However, I counted upon the future to solve this question, so I answered:
“Monsieur, if you have quarrelled with humanity, I like to think that you have not renounced every human feeling. We are shipwrecked people, received charitably on board your vessel, we do not forget that. As for me, I am not sure but that, if the interests of science will permit me to forget the want of freedom, I can promise myself that our intercourse will be very pleasant.”
I fancied that the commander would tender me his hand to ratify our agreement. He did not do so, and, for his sake, I was sorry for it.
