There exist several explanations on the subject, M. Aronnax. Would you like to know the opinion of a chronicler of the fourteenth century? I plunged into the study of the conchological treasures hidden behind the glasses. I reveled also in great herbals filled with the rarest marine plants, which, although dried up, retained their lovely colors. Among these precious hydrophytes I remarked some vorticell?, pavonari?, delicate ceramies with scarlet tints, some fan-shaped agari, and some natabuli like flat mushrooms, which at one time used to be classed as zoophytes; in short, a perfect series of alg?. I must therefore take my part, and prepare for flight. My luggage was not heavy; my notes, nothing more. I told my companions what had passed. They were as much astonished as I, and equally at a loss how to account for it.
And now, sir, I leave you to your studies, added the captain; our course is E.N.E., our depth is twenty-six fathoms. Here are maps on a large scale by which you may follow it. The saloon is at your disposal, and with your permission I will retire. Captain Nemo bowed, and I remained alone, lost in thoughts all bearing on the commander of the Nautilus. The boat put off, and lifted by the six rowers, drew rapidly toward the dugong, which floated about two miles from the Nautilus. Certainly, sir. I looked in the direction of the vessel I had already seen. It was nearing the Nautilus, and we could see that it was putting on steam. It was within six miles of us.
And I can visit the celebrated islands where the Boussole and the Astrolabe struck? Yes, my boy; make preparations for me and yourself too. We leave in two hours. Twelve thousand, M. Aronnax. These are the only ties which bind me to the earth. But I had done with the world on the day when my Nautilus plunged for the first time beneath the waters. That day I bought my last volumes, my last pamphlets, my last papers, and from that time I wish to think that men no longer think or write. These books, professor, are at your service besides, and you can make use of them freely. Master is very good.