22. The beam of Captain Nemo

We look to the forest, not rise. My hand had stopped in its movement
toward the mouth, while Ned Land had theirs.
? A stone does not fall from heaven? Conseil said ?, unless a meteorite.
A second stone, perfectly round, which began hand Conseil one
tasty thigh dove, gave further weight to the observation that had just uttered.
We joined the three, and taking our guns got ready to repel all
attack.
? Are they monkeys? ? Ned Land.
Almost? He replied Conseil ?. They are wild.
-A Canoe? I said, while I was heading to the shore.
Convenient, indeed, it was to retreat, for about twenty natives armed with
bows and slings, had he-cho appeared beside some bushes, about a hundred steps
just, they are hiding the horizon to our right.
The canoe was about ten fathoms of us.
The savages approached without running but lavishing-shows us more
hostile, in the form of a shower of stones and arrows.
Ned Land had not resigned from their provi-sions, despite the imminent
danger, he did not take the flight without taking your pork and kangaroos.
It took just two minutes to reach the canoe. Car-palaver with our weapons and
provisions, dump it at sea and co-ger oars was a matter of an instant. We had not
still estranged or two cables when the savages, howling and gesticulating, they got
in the water until the cin-ture. He is hoping that his appearance would attract Nautilus platform
some men, I looked at him. But the enormous apparatus seemed uninhabited.
Twenty minutes later we climbed aboard. The Escoti-Llas were open. After tying
the canoe entered the Nautilus.
I went down the hall, which escaped a few chords. Captain Nemo was there,
playing the organ and plunged in a musical ecstasy.
? Captain.
He did not hear.
? Captain? I said again, touching his shoulder.
He shuddered and turned to me.
? Ah! Are you, Professor? How about your hunt? Has herbarium successfully?
Yes, Captain, but, unfortunately, we have attracted a troop of bipeds whose neighborhood
I find disturbing.
What kind of bipeds?
? Wild.
? Wild! ? A little Iró-nico said Captain Nemo, in a tone ?. And you wonder, sir
Professor, have found the earth-set foot in salt savages? And where there are no wild? AND
is-tos you call savages are they worse than others?
? But, Captain ...
? I have found them everywhere.
? Well? I said ?, if you do not want to receive them aboard the Nautilus, would do well to take
some precautions.
? Reassurance, professor, there is no need preocu-parse.
But, these Indians are very numerous.
? How many has had?
Maybe a hundred.
? Lord Aronnax replied Captain Nemo, whose de-two had landed again
on the keyboard ORGA-no ?, although all natives of the Papua meet in
this beach has nothing to fear from their attacks Nau-Tilus.
Captain fingers ran again for the instrument's keyboard and noticed that only
ne-gras hit the keys, which gave his melodies a typical ESCO-CES color.
Soon he forgot my presence and fell into a ensoña-ing that I did not try to dispel.
I climbed onto the platform. It had come at once night, because so low latitude the sun
It sets quickly, without cre-púsculo. He looked very confused because the island's profile
Gue-boroar, but the numerous fires that lit the beach showed that
Indians not abandon thought.
I remained alone for several hours. Thinking about those Indians, and without fear,
imperturba won the confidence of the captain-ble. I soon forgot to admire
splendors of the tropical night. Following the zodiacal stars, my thoughts flew
France, which was to be illuminated by those within hours.
The moon shone in the midst of the constellations of the zenith. Then I thought that the faithful and
Satellite complacent ha-Bria back to this same place two days later to le-Vantar
water and tear the Nautilus from its coral bed. Around midnight, watching everything
It was quiet, both at sea and on shore, went down to my cabin and fell asleep
peacefully.
The night passed without incident. The sight of mons-Truo was aground er Bay
frightening the Papuans, because the hatches that had remained open them Ofre-cyan
easy access to its interior.
On January 8, at six in the morning, I went up to the platform.
Through the morning mists, which were dissipating, the island was first and beaches
their peaks later.
The Indians were still there, more numerous than the day before. Perhaps five hundred or
six hundred. -Dose advantage of the low tide, some had advanced on the crests
reefs to less than two cables Nauti-lus. The easily distinguished. They were
true Papuans, athletic stature. Men splendid race, had a front
wide and high, thick nose, but not flattened, and very white teeth. Red color
they had their cabelle-ra woolly contrasted with shiny black bodies like
Nubians. The lobes of his ears, cut and distended, hung strung bones.
They were almost all de-knots. Among them I saw some women, dressed from the hips to
knees with a real crinoline sustained by a vegetable belt herbs.
Some bosses neck adorned with necklaces of red and white glass. Almost
All were armed with bows, arrows and-cudos, and carried back a kind of
network with foot-rounded dras that so deftly released their slings.
One of the leaders examined very carefully and cer-ca from the Nautilus. It must be a
"Mado" of high rank, as is tucked with a woven banana leaves, toothed on their
stained edges and bright colors.
He could easily bring down the indigenous, by Esca-sa distance that was, but
I thought it was better espe-rar demonstrations of hostility on their part. Among Euro-pean and
wild, they should be those that replicate and not attack.
Mientra lasted low tide, Indians roamed near Nautilus, without
be excessively noisy. I heard them frequently repeat the word assai, and, for their
gestures, I realized that I was invited to go ashore fir-me, an invitation that I thought should decline.
That day the canoe did not move, with great regret that Ned Land was unable to complete its
provisions. The skillful cana-dian spent his time preparing meats and
starches that had led the island Gueboroa.
When, about eleven o'clock, the crests of reefs began to disappear
under the waters of the ma-up area, returned to the wild beach, where their
number going to accrue. They were probably vinien-do of the neighboring islands or
Papua itself. But until then I had not seen a single canoe.
Having nothing better to do, I happened to dredge those waters, whose clarity
He could be seen in profusion with-chas, zoophytes and pelagic plants. In addition, there was the last day
the Nautilus would remain in those places, if they managed to stay afloat with
high tide of the day if-fore, as expected Captain Nemo.
I called then to Conseil, who brought me a slight drag, very similar to those used for
fishing oysters.
? And these savages? ? He asked Conseil ?. I do not look very fierce.
? No? Well, however, they are cannibals, boy.
Conseil? You can be cannibalistic and good person? He responded ?, as can be
glutton and honest. The one does not exclude the other.
Well, Conseil, I grant you that they honor antropófa-gos, and honestly to devour
their prisoners. Without em-ever, as I do not want anything to be eaten, not even siquie-ra
honestly, I prefer to stay alert, as the commander of the Nautilus does not seem
take any cautions-ing. And now, to work.
Actively we fished for two hours, but not take any rare piece. The dredge
She filled with abalone, harp, of melanias, and particularly some of the more
beautiful hammers I had seen until that day. Cogi-mos also some cucumbers,
pearl oysters and a do-dinner small turtles we booked for the pantry to
board.
But at the moment I least expected it, I put my hand on a wonder or,
rather, on a de-conformity naturally very difficult to find. Conseil had to take a
dredge blow and raising your device charged di-Versas quite ordinary shells,
when suddenly I saw his arm sink in the network, removing it a shell, and launch a
conchologist cry, that is, the cry more estri-dent that may cause throat
human.
What happens to the Lord? ? He asked Conseil, very sor-lit ?. Have you been bitten by something?
No, boy, although it would have gladly given a finger for my discovery.
What discovery?
? This shell? I said, showing him the object of my enthu-siasm.
? But if not more than a simple porphyria olive! Gender olive order of
pectinibranquios class of gasterópo-two families of mollusks.
Yes, Conseil, but instead of being rolled from right to left, it is left to
right.
-it's Posible?
Yes, boy, it is a senestrógira shell.
? Senestrógira A shell! ? Repeated Conseil, I-her heart pounding.
? Watch your turn!
? Ah! You can believe Mr. if I say that in my life I felt an emotion
like? he said Conseil, while taking the beautiful shell with a trembling hand.
And it was to be excited. It is known, in fact, and they have noted naturalists,
the trend right hand is a law of nature. The planets and their satellites perform their
movements of translation and rotation of iz-left-right. Man serves much
more often than your right hand on the left, and consequently their
instruments and appliances, stairs, locks, springs watches, etc. are
designed for the use of his right hand. Nature has generally followed the law
to curl their shells. All make it to the de-Recha, and when, by chance, your
coils do the opposite, the fans pay the price of gold.
We were engrossed in Conseil and I contemplated-ing our treasure, with which
I expected to enrich the museum, where a bloody stone thrown by a Indigestion-na, broke
the precious object in Conseil's hand.
As I threw a cry of despair, Conseil rushed to his rifle and pointed
with him waving a wild-ba deeply about ten meters from us. I wanted to stop-le
to shoot, but I could not and his shot shattered the bracelet charms dangling arm
the indigenous.
? Conseil! ? I screamed ?. Conseill
? So what! You do not see the man who was the cannibal has commenced the attack?
? A shell is not worth the life of a man? I said.
? Ah, the wretch! ? Said Conseil ?. I would have preferred sta-do that I would have broken
shoulder!
Conseil was sincere in saying this, but I did not share his opinion.
The situation had changed since made some urge-tes, no we would have given
account. Twenty canoes were now near the Nautilus. Canoes, long
narrow, well designed for walking, are equi-fought by a double
Rocker bamboo flo-Taba on the water surface. The rowers, naked, the
They handled skillfully, and I saw no progress without in-stillness.
It was evident that the Indians had already had relations with European and knew
their ships. But what po-Dian think of that long steel cylinder immobilized on the
bay, without masts or fireplace? Nothing good, judging by the respectful distance that
They had been kept has-ta then. However, his immobility was haberles ins-freak
a little confidence, and tried to get familiar with it. And it was precisely this that
suited to avoid. Nues-after weapons, devoid of detonation, were not the most suitable to das-
frighten the Indians, who only inspire res-overalls causing the crash. Without him
roar of thunder, lightning does not frighten men, although the danger is in the
rather lightning noise.
At that time, the canoes and very close to Nau-Tilus, a rain of arrows
It struck him.
? Diantre! It is hailing and perhaps un-nenado ENVE? hail Conseil said.
? You have to tell the Captain Nemo? I said ?, and I entered through the hatch.
I went down the hall. No one, and I ventured to lla-sea cabin door
Captain.
? Pass.
I went in and found Captain Nemo submerged in a sea of ​​calculations, including abounded
the x and other signs alge-braicos.
? Are you upset? ? I said, out of courtesy.
Yes, sir Aronnax, but I guess you have serious reasons to come see me, right?
? Very serious. The canoes of the natives have us ro-edges in particular and in a few minutes
we will be attacked by several hundred wild.
? Ah! ? Said Captain Nemo, as calmly ?, have come with their canoes?
? Yes sir.
? Well, just close the hatches.
? Precisely, and that's what came to tell.
? Nothing could be easier? Said Captain Nemo, while pressing an electric bell,
transmitting a command to the tri-dling.
? Already? He said after a few moments ?. The canoe is in place and hatches
closed. I guess you not fear that these gentlemen destroy some walls against
that nothing could howitzers of his frigate.
No, Captain, but still remains a danger.
? What?
? Tomorrow, at the same time, have to reopen the hatches to renew the air
Nautilus.
? That's right, since our ship breathes as CETA-ceos.
? Well, if Papuans occupy the pla-taforma at that time, I do not see how we can
keep them out.
So you going to board assumed.
? I'm sure.
? Well, to rise. I see no reason for impe-dírselo. At bottom, these Papuans
They are poor devils and do not want my visit to the island Gueboroa cost the life of one
one of these unfortunates.
I was about to retire, but Captain Nemo detained me and invited me to sit beside her.
He questioned me with interest about our excursions and hunting, and seemed not
com-light the need for beef so passionately felt by the harpooner. Then
conversation turned to other subjects and, without being more communicative, Captain Nemo
It was more friendly.
Among other things, we touch the issue of the status of the Nautilus aground precisely
the same narrow that Dumont d'Urville was nearly lost their boats. And
? purpose of Dumont d'Urville said Captain Nemo:
? It was one of his greatest sailors, one of the most intelligent navigators. To
you, the French Dumont d'Urville is as Captain Cook for the English. What
in-I Fortunio that the wise man! Having defied the ban-cos Ice South Pole,
Oceania reefs and ca-Pacific níbales to end up dying
miserably on a train! If this energetic man was given thinking du-ing the
last seconds of his life, can you imagine us-ted what would be your thoughts?
As he spoke, Captain Nemo seemed moved, and I signed the gesture to his credit.
Then, map in hand, we review the work of the French navigator, trips
circumnavigation, his double attempt the South Pole that earned him the discovery of the
Adelie Land and Luis Felipe and, finally, their maps hi-drográficos major
Oceania.
? What on the surface of the seas made its Dumont d'Urville? Said Captain
Nemo? I have done it in the in-ocean interior, and more complete and easier than him.
The Astrolabe and Zelée, constantly buffeted by hu-racanes could not
compete with Nautilus, quiet gabi-nete and truly sedentary work in
midst of the waters.
? And yet, Captain, there is a common point between the corvettes of Dumont d'Urville and
Nautilus.
? What?
? The that the Nautilus has run aground like them.
? The Nautilus has run aground? I replied coldly Captain Nemo ?. The Nautilus is
made to stand in the le-cho of the seas, and I will not have to undertake the painful
maneuvers that had to do Dumont d'Urville to shore up their boats. The Astrolabe and
the Zelée were to be lost, but my Nautilus no danger.
Skill-na, on the day and time indicated, the tide will raise soft-mind and recommence
navigating through the seas.
? Captain, I do not doubt ...
? Tomorrow? Said Captain Nemo, rising? after two hours and forty minutes
In the afternoon, the Nautilus is afloat and leave, without any breakdown, the Torres Strait.
Captain Nemo bowed slightly, a sign of des-ordered. I left and went back to my cabin,
where I found Conseil, who wished to know the result of my conversation with the captain.
? When I told him that his Nautilus was threatened by the natives of Papua, I
He responded very ironic-mind. So have confidence in him and go to sleep
tran-quilamente.
? The Lord does not need my services?
? No. What is Ned Land doing?
? The excuse me sir, but the friend Ned is doing a kangaroo pate to be
a marvel.
I went to bed and slept badly. Heard the noise made by trampling the wild
platform and their shrill cries. Thus he spent the night without the crew change in
least his usual behavior. The presence of the cannibals were concerned about both
as soldiers of a strong step ants for their palisades. I will-I vant
at six in the morning. They were not open Escoti-Llas to clear the air, but
They did operate the depot in-tos to supply several cubic meters of oxygen to
rarefied atmosphere of the Nautilus.
I was working in my room until noon without seeing a single moment the captain
Nemo. There seemed starting any operation carried on board. I still waited for
some time and then went to the living room. The clock showed two-thirty. Within ten
minutes the tide was at its height-canzar and if Captain Nemo had not he-cho
a rash promise, the Nautilus would be released. If this does not happen, it could be months
before leaving his bed of coral. But I soon felt the shudders pre-cursors
they waved the ship's hull. Then they were heard grinding the flanks of the same against
rough limestone reef.
At two hours and thirty-five minutes, Captain Nemo appeared in the saloon.
? We will sail? He said.
? Ah! ? I exclaimed.
? I have given the order to open the hatches.
? And the Papuans?
? The Papuans? ? Said Captain Nemo, rising from hom-bros.
? Are not you afraid that penetrate the Nautilus?
How could they do?
? Entering through the hatches.
? Lord Aronnax, do not enter just like that by Escoti-Llas the Nautilus, even when
They are open.
I looked.
? You do not understand, do not you?
? Indeed.
? Well, come and see.
I went to the central staircase at the foot of which was-Llaban Ned Land and Conseil, very
intrigued, watching some of the crew opened the Escoti-Llas.
Outside, they sounded cries of rage and horrific screams-tions.
Outside the gates were run. Twenty figures were ho-rribles our
view. But the first of the Indians who touched the stair railing, refused to
behind not know what invisible force, he fled-pantosos giving is tremendous screams and jumps.
Ten of its Mate-ros and was succeeded ten suffered the same fate.
Conseil was fascinated. Ned Land, carried their saw-slow instincts, rushed to the
ladder. But they touch the railing, he was shot down in turn.
? Mil hell! ? He bellowed ?. I was struck by lightning!
His cry explained everything to me. There was a railing, but a wire loaded
electricity. Whoever touched it suffered a tremendous jolt, which could be
mor-tal if Captain Nemo had thrown to the driver all of its electricity
apparatus. You could actually say that between his assailants and he had pitched a barrier
no one could fully electric impunity.
Papuans had withdrawn crazed with terror. We barely beating
laughter, comforted and friccionábamos the unfortunate Ned Land, who swore like a
possessed.
At that moment the Nautilus, raised by the waters, leaving his bed of coral in the
exact minute that the captain had set. Its propeller churned the water with a majestic
slowly. Its speed increased gradually. Navigating in surface and left healthy
except hazardous steps Torres Strait.