For two hours we followed these sandy plains, then fields of algae very disagreeable to cross.

Candidly, I could do no more when I saw a glimmer of light, which, for a half mile, broke the darkness of the waters.

It was the lantern of the Nautilus.

Before twenty minutes were over we should be on board, and I should be able to breathe with ease, for it seemed that my reservoir supplied air very deficient in oxygen.

But I did not reckon on an accidental meeting which delayed our arrival for some time.
I had remained some steps behind, when I presently saw Captain Nemo coming hurriedly towards me.