“That is all the more reason for you to go to see him.” I went to my room. From thence I meant to go to Captain Nemo’s. It would not do to let this opportunity of meeting him slip. I knocked at the door. No answer. I knocked again, then turned the handle. The door opened, I went in. The Captain was there. Bending over his work-table, he had not heard me. Resolved not to go without having spoken, I approached him. He raised his head quickly, frowned, and said roughly, “You here! What do you want?” “To speak to you, Captain.” “But I am busy, sir; I am working. I leave you at liberty to shut yourself up; cannot I be allowed the same?” This reception was not encouraging; but I was determined to hear and answer everything. “Sir,” I said coldly, “I have to speak to you on a matter that admits of no delay.” “What is that, sir?” he replied, ironically. “Have you discovered something that has escaped me, or has the sea delivered up any new secrets?” We were at cross-purposes. But, before I could reply, he showed me an open manuscript on his table, and said, in a more serious tone, “Here, M. Aronnax, is a manuscript written in several languages. It contains the sum of my studies of the sea; and, if it please God, it shall not perish with me. This manuscript, signed with my name, complete with the history of my life, will be shut up in a little floating case. The last survivor of all of us on board the _Nautilus_ will throw this case into the sea, and it will go whither it is borne by the waves.” This man’s name! his history written by himself! His mystery would then be revealed some day. “Captain,” I said, “I can but approve of the idea that makes you act thus. The result of your studies must not be lost. But the means you employ seem to me to be primitive. Who knows where the winds will carry this case, and in whose hands it will fall? Could you not use some other means? Could not you, or one of yours——” “Never, sir!” he said, hastily interrupting me. “But I and my companions are ready to keep this manuscript in store; and, if you will put us at liberty——” “At liberty?” said the Captain, rising. “Yes, sir; that is the subject on which I wish to question you. For seven months we have been here on board, and I ask you to-day, in the name of my companions and in my own, if your intention is to keep us here always?” “M. Aronnax, I will answer you to-day as I did seven months ago: Whoever enters the _Nautilus_, must never quit it.” “You impose actual slavery upon us!” “Give it what name you please.” “But everywhere the slave has the right to regain his liberty.” “Who denies you this right? Have I ever tried to chain you with an oath?” He looked at me with his arms crossed.