the elegant and rapid porpoise, indefatigable clown of the sea, and sword-fish three yards long, those intelligent prophets of storms, whose formidable weapons now and then struck the glass of the saloon panels. Smaller fish also appeared, which flashed amidst the luminous waters.
There was a fascination in this dazzling spectacle. Perhaps some atmospherical condition increased the brilliancy of the phenomenon. Some storm perhaps, from which the Nautilus, so low down, was secure, and so lay peacefully in the midst of calm waters.
Thus we proceeded, incessantly being charmed by some new marvel. Conseil observed and classed the zoophytes, the articulates, the molluscs, and fish. The days passed rapidly away, and I no longer took note of them. Ned, as usual, employed himself in finding out some additions to our table. Like snails, we were fastened to our shell; and I can state that it is not difficult to become a perfect snail.
Therefore this life appeared to us easy and natural, and we were no longer thinking of a different existence on land, when an event suddenly recalled us to the strangeness of our position.
On the 18th January the Nautilus was in long. 105° and 15° S. lat. The weather was threatening, the sea rough, and the wind blew strongly from the east. The barometer had for some days predicted an approaching storm.
I was on the platform when the mate was taking the usual angles. I was awaiting, as usual, for the customary sentence to be pronounced, but that morning another phrase, equally incomprehensible, was uttered. Almost
