You do not fear, I imagine, that these gentlemen could stave in walls on which the balls of your frigate have had no effect ?" "No, Captain; but a danger still exists." "What is that, sir ?" "It is that to-morrow, at about this hour, we must open the hatches to renew the air of the Nautilus.

Now, if, at this moment, the Papuans should occupy the platform, I do not see how you could prevent them from entering." "Then, sir, you suppose that they will board us ?" "I am certain of it." "Well, sir, let them come.

I see no reason for hindering them.

After all, these Papuans are poor creatures, and I am unwilling that my visit to the island should cost the life of a single one of these wretches." Upon that I was going away; But Captain Nemo detained me, and asked me to sit down by him.

He questioned me with interest about our excursions on shore, and our hunting; and seemed not to understand the craving for meat that possessed the Canadian.