word from him; and, fearing that, in a dreadful fit of madness,
he might kill himself, watched him with constant devotion. One morning
(what date it was I could not say) I had fallen into a heavy sleep
towards the early hours, a sleep both painful and unhealthy, when I
suddenly awoke. Ned Land was leaning over me, saying, in a low voice,
"We are going to fly." I sat up.

"When shall we go?" I asked.

"To-night. All inspection on board the Nautilus seems to have ceased.
All appear to be stupefied. You will be ready, sir?"

"Yes; where are we?"

"In sight of land. I took the reckoning this morning in the
fog--twenty miles to the east."

"What country is it?"

"I do not know; but, whatever it is, we will take refuge there."

"Yes, Ned, yes. We will fly to-night, even if the sea should swallow
us up."

"The sea is bad, the wind violent, but twenty miles in that light boat
of the Nautilus does not frighten me. Unknown to the crew, I have been
able to procure food and some bottles of water."

"I will follow you."

"But," continued the Canadian, "if I am surprised, I will defend
myself; I will force them to kill me."

"We will die together, friend Ned."

I had made up my mind to all. The Canadian left me. I reached the
platform, on which I could with difficulty support myself against the
shock of the waves. The sky was threatening; but, as land was in those
thick brown shadows, we must fly. I returned to the saloon, fearing
and yet hoping to see Captain Nemo, wishing and yet not wishing to see
him. What could I have said to him? Could I hide the involuntary
horror with which he inspired me? No. It was better that I should not
meet him face to face; better to forget him. And yet---- How long
seemed that day, the last that I should pass in the Nautilus. I
remained alone. Ned Land and Conseil avoided speaking, for fear of
betraying themselves. At six I dined, but I was not hungry; I forced
myself to eat in spite of my disgust, that I might not weaken myself.
At half-past six Ned Land came to my room, saying, "We shall not see
each other again before our departure. At ten the moon will not be
risen. We will profit by the darkness. Come to the boat; Conseil and
I will wait for you."

The Canadian went out without giving me time to answer. Wishing to
verify the course of the Nautilus, I went to the saloon. We were
running N.N.E. at frightful speed, and more than fifty yards deep. I
cast a