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Updated: June 15, 2025
"If master were to tell our story," said Conseil, "perhaps these gentlemen may understand some words." I began to tell our adventures, articulating each syllable clearly, and without omitting one single detail. I announced our names and rank, introducing in person Professor Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and master Ned Land, the harpooner.
Then, addressing me directly, as if to drive away an ugly thought: "Professor Aronnax," he asked me, "do you know the depth of the ocean floor?" "At least, captain, I know what the major soundings tell us." "Could you quote them to me, so I can double-check them as the need arises?" "Here," I replied, "are a few of them that stick in my memory.
"Well, captain, what the ancients hesitated to undertake, Mr. de Lesseps is now finishing up; his joining of these two seas will shorten the route from Cadiz to the East Indies by 9,000 kilometers, and he'll soon change Africa into an immense island." "Yes, Professor Aronnax, and you have every right to be proud of your fellow countryman.
"I studied in London, Paris, and New York back in the days when I was a resident of the earth's continents." "But how were you able to build this wonderful Nautilus in secret?" "Each part of it, Professor Aronnax, came from a different spot on the globe and reached me at a cover address.
"And you, Professor Aronnax, are you going to stick yourself inside these clothes?" "It has to be, Mr. Ned." "Have it your way, sir," the harpooner replied, shrugging his shoulders. "But speaking for myself, I'll never get into those things unless they force me!" "No one will force you, Mr. Land," Captain Nemo said. "And is Conseil going to risk it?" Ned asked.
"My friends," I answered, making a sign for them to enter, "you are not in Canada, but on board the Nautilus, fifty yards below the level of the sea." "But, M. Aronnax," said Ned Land, "can you tell me how many men there are on board? Ten, twenty, fifty, a hundred?" "I cannot answer you, Mr. Land; it is better to abandon for a time all idea of seizing the Nautilus or escaping from it.
Speak just for me, strictly on my behalf, if you want." "But I rarely encounter him. He positively avoids me." "All the more reason you should go look him up." "I'll confer with him, Ned." "When?" the Canadian asked insistently. "When I encounter him." "Professor Aronnax, would you like me to go find him myself?" "No, let me do it. Tomorrow " "Today," Ned Land said. "So be it.
What do you mean?" "I mean we can't go forward, backward, or sideways. I think that's the standard definition of 'trapped, at least in the civilized world." "So, Professor Aronnax, you think the Nautilus won't be able to float clear?" "Only with the greatest difficulty, captain, since the season is already too advanced for you to depend on an ice breakup."
"M. Aronnax, we must attempt some desperate means, or we shall be sealed up in this solidified water as in cement." "Yes; but what is to be done?" "Ah! if my Nautilus were strong enough to bear this pressure without being crushed!" "Well?" I asked, not catching the Captain's idea. "Do you not understand," he replied, "that this congelation of water will help us?
"It's marvelous," I replied, "and I truly see, captain, how right you are to use this force; it's sure to take the place of wind, water, and steam." "But that's not all, Professor Aronnax," Captain Nemo said, standing up. "And if you'd care to follow me, we'll inspect the Nautilus's stern."
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