20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Page #5

That is not true.

They've done no harm.

Don't blame us because

the warship shelled you.

- I demand a fair trial.

- You've had your trial.

The sea brought you.

The sea shall have you back.

Mind your shovin'! Easy, mate!

But you cannot do this.

This is not civilised.

I'm not what is called

a civilised man, Professor.

I have done with society

for reasons that seem good to me.

Therefore, I do not obey its laws.

But I am as guilty as they are.

I will grant you

that both of them and me, too,

enlisted to track down

what we thought to be a monster.

But we are no more guilty

than the rest of the world.

I would consider that guilty enough.

You have a great deal

to learn, Professor.

Your book is brilliant,

but it lacks scope.

You've carried your work as far

as terrestrial science permits.

The real story of the ocean depths

begins where you left off,

wonders that defy

my powers of description.

The secrets that are mine alone,

but which I would be

willing to share with you.

At the expense of my companions' lives?

I'm sorry. You'd have

to choose between them and me.

Then I cannot accept.

Professor, I regret your choice.

Take him up!

- And secure for sea.

- Aye, sir.

- All stations ready! Prepare for diving.

- Yes, sir.

All stations ready. Prepare for diving.

Ahead slow.

- What's he up to, Professor?

- I don't know.

Trim your forward ballast.

Three degrees down.

Three degrees down.

All engines stop! Surface and stand by.

- Pick up those two men in the water.

- What about the other one?

Take them all below

and confine them to quarters.

I found out what I wanted to know.

Esmie. There. There.

There. Now, kiss.

Now, off you go, Esmie.

Come in, gentlemen.

Be seated, please.

Thank you.

Professor.

You may serve them.

Your clothes are being dried

and will be returned to you shortly.

In the meantime, avail yourselves

of my humble hospitality.

Humble, he calls it.

- You do right well for yourself, mate.

- You may call me Captain Nemo.

I'd like to express our gratitude, Captain.

We are grateful to be alive.

I want none of your gratitude.

You're all on strict probation,

and I'd advise you not to attempt escape.

You understand your position?

I don't know.

A prisoner has the right to escape.

- That is correct.

- And a guest don't need to.

I guess that makes us

a little bit of both.

Consider that a fortunate

compromise then, Mr Land.

I tolerate no guests

aboard the Nautilus,

and you already know

the fate of prisoners.

The food is delicious,

isn't it, Professor?

Oh, very good. Never tasted better.

There's a fork on your left, Mr Land,

or aren't you accustomed to utensils?

I'm indifferent to 'em.

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