The way of describing this unlooked-for scene, the history of the patriot1 ship, told at first so coldly, and the emotion with which this strange man pronounced the last words, the name of the Avenger2, the significance of which could not escape me, all impressed itself deeply on my mind. My eyes did not leave the Captain, who, with his hand stretched out to sea, was watching with a glowing eye the glorious wreck3. Perhaps I was never to know who he was, from whence he came, or where he was going to, but I saw the man move, and apart from the savant. It was no common misanthropy which had shut Captain Nemo and his companions within the Nautilus, but a hatred4, either monstrous5 or sublime6, which time could never weaken. Did this hatred still seek for vengeance7? The future would soon teach me that. But the Nautilus was rising slowly to the surface of the sea, and the form of the Avenger disappeared by degrees from my sight. Soon a slight rolling told me that we were in the open air. At that moment a dull boom was heard. I looked at the Captain. He did not move. "Captain?" said I.
He did not answer. I left him and mounted the platform. Conseil and the Canadian were already there. "Where did that sound come from?" I asked. "It was a gunshot," replied Ned Land.
I looked in the direction of the vessel8 I had already seen. It was nearing the Nautilus, and we could see that it was putting on steam. It was within six miles of us. "What is that ship, Ned?" "By its rigging, and the height of its lower masts," said the Canadian, "I bet she is a ship-of-war. May it reach us; and, if necessary, sink this cursed Nautilus." "Friend Ned," replied Conseil, "what harm can it do to the Nautilus? Can it attack it beneath the waves? Can its cannonade us at the bottom of the sea?" "Tell me, Ned," said I, "can you recognise what country she belongs to?" The Canadian knitted his eyebrows9, dropped his eyelids10, and screwed up the corners of his eyes, and for a few moments fixed11 a piercing look upon the vessel. "No, sir," he replied; "I cannot tell what nation she belongs to, for she shows no colours. But I can declare she is a man-of-war, for a long pennant12 flutters from her main mast." For a quarter of an hour we watched the ship which was steaming towards us. I could not, however, believe that she could see the Nautilus from that distance; and still less that she could know what this submarine engine was. Soon the Canadian informed me that she was a large, armoured, two-decker ram13. A thick black smoke was pouring from her two funnels14. Her closely-furled sails were stopped to her yards. She hoisted15 no flag at her mizzen-peak. The distance prevented us from distinguishing the colours of her pennant, which floated like a thin ribbon. She advanced rapidly. If Captain Nemo allowed her to approach, there was a chance of salvation16 for us. "Sir," said Ned Land, "if that vessel passes within a mile of us I shall throw myself into the sea, and I should advise you to do the same." I did not reply to the Canadian's suggestion, but continued watching the ship. Whether English, French, American, or Russian, she would be sure to take us in if we could only reach her. Presently a white smoke burst from the fore17 part of the vessel; some seconds after, the water, agitated18 by the fall of a heavy body, s
plashed the stern of the Nautilus, and shortly afterwards a loud explosion struck my ear. "What! they are firing at us!" I exclaimed. "So please you, sir," said Ned, "they have recognised the unicorn19, and they are firing at us." "But," I exclaimed, "surely they can see that there are men in the case?" "It is, perhaps, because of that," replied Ned Land, looking at me. A whole flood of light burst upon my mind. Doubtless they knew now how to believe the stories of the pretended monster. No doubt, on board the Abraham Lincoln, when the Canadian struck it with the harpoon20, Commander Farragut had recognised in the supposed narwhal a submarine vessel, more dangerous than a supernatural cetacean. Yes, it must have been so; and on every sea they were now seeking this engine of destruction. Terrible indeed! if, as we supposed, Captain Nemo employed the Nautilus in works of vengeance. On the night when we were imprisoned21 in that cell, in the midst of the Indian Ocean, had he not attacked some vessel? The man buried in the coral cemetery22, had he not been a victim to the shock caused by the Nautilus? Yes, I repeat it, it must be so. One part of the mysterious existence of Captain Nemo had been unveiled; and, if his identity had not been recognised, at least, the nations united against him were no longer hunting a chimerical23 creature, but a man who had vowed24 a deadly hatred against them. All the formidable past rose before me. Instead of meeting friends on board the approaching ship, we could only expect pitiless enemies. But the shot rattled25 about us. Some of them struck the sea and ricochetted, losing themselves in the distance. But none touched the Nautilus. The vessel was not more than three miles from us. In spite of the serious cannonade, Captain Nemo did not appear on the platform; but, if one of the conical projectiles27 had struck the shell of the Nautilus, it would have been fatal. The Canadian then said, "Sir, we must do all we can to get out of this dilemma28. Let us signal them. They will then, perhaps,
understand that we are honest folks." Ned Land took his handkerchief to wave in the air; but he had scarcely displayed it, when he was struck down by an iron hand, and fell, in spite of his great strength, upon the deck. "Fool!" exclaimed the Captain, "do you wish to be pierced by the spur of the Nautilus before it is hurled29 at this vessel?" Captain Nemo was terrible to hear; he was still more terrible to see. His face was deadly pale, with a spasm30 at his heart. For an instant it must have ceased to beat. His pupils were fearfully contracted. He did not speak, he roared, as, with his body thrown forward, he wrung31 the Canadian's shoulders. Then, leaving him, and turning to the ship of war, whose shot was still raining around him, he exclaimed, with a powerful voice, "Ah, ship of an accursed nation, you know who I am! I do not want your colours to know you by! Look! and I will show you mine!" And on the fore part of the platform Captain Nemo unfurled a black flag, similar to the one he had placed at the South Pole. At that moment a shot struck the shell of the Nautilus obliquely32, without piercing it; and, rebounding33 near the Captain, was lost in the sea. He shrugged34 his shoulders; and, addressing me, said shortly, "Go down, you and your companions, go down!" "Sir," I cried, "are you going to attack this vessel?" "Sir, I am going to sink it." "You will not do that?" "I shall do it," he replied coldly. "And I advise you not to judge me, sir. Fate has shown you what you ought not to have seen. The attack has begun; go down." "What is this vessel?" "You do not know? Very well! so much the better! Its nationality to you, at least, will be a secret. Go down!" We could but obey. About fifteen of the sailors surrounded the Captain, looking with implacable hatred at the vessel nearing them. One could feel that the same desire of vengeance animated35 every soul. I went down at the moment another projectile26 struck the Nautilus, and I heard the Captain exclaim: "Strike, mad vessel! Shower your useless shot! And then,
you will not escape the spur of the Nautilus. But it is not here that you shall perish! I would not have your ruins mingle36 with those of the Avenger!" I reached my room. The Captain and his second had remained on the platform. The screw was set in motion, and the Nautilus, moving with speed, was soon beyond the reach of the ship's guns. But the pursuit continued, and Captain Nemo contented37 himself with keeping his distance. About four in the afternoon, being no longer able to contain my impatience38, I went to the central staircase. The panel was open, and I ventured on to the platform. The Captain was still walking up and down with an agitated step. He was looking at the ship, which was five or six miles to leeward39. He was going round it like a wild beast, and, drawing it eastward40, he allowed them to pursue. But he did not attack. Perhaps he still hesitated? I wished to mediate41 once more. But I had scarcely spoken, when Captain Nemo imposed silence, saying: "I am the law, and I am the judge! I am the oppressed, and there is the oppressor! Through him I have lost all that I loved, cherished, and venerated--country, wife, children, father, and mother. I saw all perish! All that I hate is there! Say no more!" I cast a last look at the man-of-war, which was putting on steam, and rejoined Ned and Conseil. "We will fly!" I exclaimed. "Good!" said Ned. "What is this vessel?" "I do not know; but, whatever it is, it will be sunk before night. In any case, it is better to perish with it, than be made accomplices43 in a retaliation44 the justice of which we cannot judge." "That is my opinion too," said Ned Land, coolly. "Let us wait for night." Night arrived. Deep silence reigned45 on board. The compass showed that the Nautilus had not altered its course. It was on the surface, rolling slightly. My companions and I resolved to fly when the vessel should be near enough either to hear us or to see us; for the moon, which would be full in two or three days, shone brightly. Once on board the ship, if we could not preven
t the blow which threatened it, we could, at least we would, do all that circumstances would allow. Several times I thought the Nautilus was preparing for attack; but Captain Nemo contented himself with allowing his adversary46 to approach, and then fled once more before it. Part of the night passed without any incident. We watched the opportunity for action. We spoke42 little, for we were too much moved. Ned Land would have thrown himself into the sea, but I forced him to wait. According to my idea, the Nautilus would attack the ship at her waterline, and then it would not only be possible, but easy to fly. At three in the morning, full of uneasiness, I mounted the platform. Captain Nemo had not left it. He was standing47 at the fore part near his flag, which a slight breeze displayed above his head. He did not take his eyes from the vessel. The intensity48 of his look seemed to attract, and fascinate, and draw it onward49 more surely than if he had been towing it. The moon was then passing the meridian50. Jupiter was rising in the east. Amid this peaceful scene of nature, sky and ocean rivalled each other in tranquillity51, the sea offering to the orbs52 of night the finest mirror they could ever have in which to reflect their image. As I thought of the deep calm of these elements, compared with all those passions brooding imperceptibly within the Nautilus, I shuddered53. The vessel was within two miles of us. It was ever nearing that phosphorescent light which showed the presence of the Nautilus. I could see its green and red lights, and its white lantern hanging from the large foremast. An indistinct vibration54 quivered through its rigging, showing that the furnaces were heated to the uttermost. Sheaves of sparks and red ashes flew from the funnels, shining in the atmosphere like stars.
I remained thus until six in the morning, without Captain Nemo noticing me. The ship stood about a mile and a half from us, and with the first dawn of day the firing began afresh. The moment could not be far off when, the Nautilus attacking its adversary, my companions and myself should for ever leave this man. I was preparing to go down to remind them, when the second mounted the platform, accompanied by several sailors. Captain Nemo either did not or would not see them. Some steps were taken which might be called the signal for action. They were very simple. The iron balustrade around the platform was lowered, and the lantern and pilot cages were pushed within the shell until they were flush with the deck. The long surface of the steel cigar no longer offered a single point to check its manoeuvres. I returned to the saloon. The Nautilus still floated; some streaks56 of light were filtering through the liquid beds. With the undulations of the waves the windows were brightened by the red streaks of the rising sun, and this dreadful day of the 2nd of June had dawned.
At five o'clock, the log showed that the speed of the Nautilus was slackening, and I knew that it was allowing them to draw nearer. Besides, the reports were heard more distinctly, and the projectiles, labouring through the ambient water, were extinguished with a strange hissing57 noise. "My friends," said I, "the moment is come. One grasp of the hand, and may God protect us!" Ned Land was resolute58, Conseil calm, myself so nervous that I knew not how to contain myself. We all passed into the library; but the moment I pushed the door opening on to the central staircase, I heard the upper panel close sharply. The Canadian rushed on to the stairs, but I stopped him. A well-known hissing noise told me that the water was running into the reservoirs, and in a few minutes the Nautilus was some yards beneath the surface of the waves. I understood the manoeuvre55. It was too late to act. The Nautilus did not wish to strike at the impenetrable cuirass, but below the water-line, where the metallic59 covering no longer protected it.
We were again imprisoned, unwilling60 witnesses of the dreadful drama that was preparing. We had scarcely time to reflect; taking refuge in my room, we looked at each other without speaking. A deep stupor61 had taken hold of my mind: thought seemed to stand still. I was in that painful state of expectation preceding a dreadful report. I waited, I listened, every sense was merged62 in that of hearing! The speed of the Nautilus was accelerated. It was preparing to rush. The whole ship trembled. Suddenly I screamed. I felt the shock, but comparatively light. I felt the penetrating63 power of the steel spur. I heard rattlings and scrapings. But the Nautilus, carried along by its propelling power, passed through the mass of the vessel like a needle through sailcloth!
I could stand it no longer. Mad, out of my mind, I rushed from my room into the saloon. Captain Nemo was there, mute, gloomy, implacable; he was looking through the port panel. A large mass cast a shadow on the water; and, that it might lose nothing of her agony, the Nautilus was going down into the abyss with her. Ten yards from me I saw the open shell, through which the water was rushing with the noise of thunder, then the double line of guns and the netting. The bridge was covered with black, agitated shadows.
The water was rising. The poor creatures were crowding the ratlines, clinging to the masts, struggling under the water. It was a human ant-heap overtaken by the sea. Paralysed, stiffened64 with anguish65, my hair standing on end, with eyes wide open, panting, without breath, and without voice, I too was watching! An irresistible66 attraction glued me to the glass! Suddenly an explosion took place. The compressed air blew up her decks, as if the magazines had caught fire. Then the unfortunate vessel sank more rapidly. Her topmast, laden67 with victims, now appeared; then her spars, bending under the weight of men; and, last of all, the top of her mainmast. Then the dark mass disappeared, and with it the dead crew, drawn68 down by the strong eddy69.
I turned to Captain Nemo. That terrible avenger, a perfect archangel of hatred, was still looking. When all was over, he turned to his room, opened the door, and entered. I followed him with my eyes. On the end wall beneath his heroes, I saw the portrait of a woman, still young, and two little children. Captain Nemo looked at them for some moments, stretched his arms towards them, and, kneeling down, burst into deep sobs70.
这种说话方式，这个意外场面，这艘爱国战舰的历史事件，开头是淡淡他讲述，但是当这个古怪人物说出他最后几句话的时候，却已满怀激动的情绪。这个“复仇号”的名字，这个名字的意义，特别引起我的注意；这一切结合起来，深深打动我的心神。我的眼光不离开船长，注视着他。他，两手向海伸出，火热的眼睛看那光荣战舰的残海或者我永远不知道他是谁，从哪里来，到哪里去，但我愈来愈清楚地把这个人从仅是有学问的学者当中区分出来了。把尼摩船长和他的同伴们关闭在诺第留斯号船壳中的，并不是一种普通的愤世情绪，而是一种时间所不能削弱的，非常奇特的，非常崇高的仇恨。这种仇恨还是要找报复吗？将来不久就要让我知道。
可是，诺第留斯号慢慢地回到海而上来，我看着复仇号的模糊形象渐渐消失。不久，有些轻微的摇摆给我指出，我们是浮在自由空气中的水面上了。
这时候，有一种轻微的爆炸声发出。我眼看着船长，船长直立不动。
“船长？”我说。
他不回答。
我离开他，到平台上去。康塞尔和加拿大人比我先在乎台上了。
“哪里的爆炸声？"我问。
“是一下炮响。"尼德·兰回答。
我眼光向我早先见到的那只汽船的方位望去。它向诺第留斯号驶来，人们看到它加大气压，迅速追赶。它距我们只有六海里。
“尼德，那是什么船？”
“看它的帆索船具，看它的桅杆高度，”加拿大人回答，“我敢打赌那是一艘战舰。它希望追上我们，必要的话，把诺第留斯号这怪物击沉！"“尼德朋友，”康塞尔说，“它可能对诺第留斯号加以伤害吗？它可能做水下攻击吗？“它可能炮轰海底吗？”
“尼德，您告诉我，”我说，“您能认出这船的国籍吗？"“不，”他回答，“先生，我不能认出它是属于哪一国籍。
它没有挂旗。但我可以肯定，它是一艘战舰。”
在一刻钟的时间内，我们继续观察这只向我们驶来的大船。但是，我不能相信它从这个距离就能认出诺第留斯号，更不能相信它会知道这个潜水艇是什么。不久加拿大人通知我，那是一艘大战舰，有冲角，有两层铁甲板。浓厚的黑烟从它的两座烟囱喷出来。它的帆彼此挤得很紧，跟帆架错杂在一起。帆架上没有悬挂任何旗帜。距离还远，不能辨认它的信号旗的颜色，这信号旗像一条薄带在空中飘扬。它迅速前来。如果尼摩船长让它近前，那么一个得救的机会就在我们面前了。
“先生，”尼德·兰说，“这船距我们一海里的时候，我就跳到海中去，我同时建议您跟我一样做。”
我不回答加拿大人的提议，我继续注视那船，眼看它愈来愈大了。不管它是英国船、法国船、美国船、俄国船，如果我们能到船上，它一定很欢迎我们。
“请先生好好回忆一下”康塞尔于是说，“上一次我们游水的经验。先生完全可以相信我，如果先生觉得跟着尼德朋友走是合适的话，我会把先生驮到那船边去的。"我正要回答的时候，一道白烟从战舰的前部发出，几秒钟后，有一件重东西落下，把水搅乱，水花飞溅到诺第留斯号的后部。不一会儿，爆炸声传到我耳中来。
“怎么？他们向我们开炮！”我喊。
“勇敢的好人！”加拿大人低声说。
“他们并不把我们当作攀附在海上漂流破船的遇难人！"“请先生原谅……好，”康塞尔把再打来的一个炮弹溅在他身上的水扑下去的时候说，“请先生原谅，他们认出这条独角鲸，他们炮打独角鲸哩。”
“可是他们要看清楚，”我喊，“他们面对着的是人呢。”
“或者正是为这个呢！”尼德·兰眼盯着我回答。
我心中得到了全面的启示。肯定的，人们现在已经知道。应该怎样看待这个所谓怪物的存在。无疑的，当它跟林肯号接触，加拿大人用鱼叉打它的时候，法拉古司令认出这条独角鲸实际是一只潜水船，比神怪的鲸科动物更危险的东西。对，事情应该是这样，无疑的，在所有的海面上，人们现在正追逐这可怕的毁灭性机器：是的，我可以这样假定，如果尼摩船长拿诺第留斯号来进行报复，那当然很可怕！那一夜，我们被禁在我们的小房中，在印度洋上，它不是攻击了某些船只吗？那个葬在珊瑚墓地的人，他不是因为诺第留斯号所引起的冲击的牺牲者吗？是的，我一再说。看来事情确实是这样。尼摩船长的神秘生活的一部分被揭露出来了。他的身份虽然没有证明，但至少，联合起来反对它的国家，现在是追打一个不是空想的怪物，而是对各国有深仇宿恨的人：整个怕人可怪的这段往事都在我眼前现出来。在这只追赶前来的船上，我们碰不见朋友，我们只见到无情的敌人。可是，更多的炮弹在我们周围落下。有些碰在水面上，只碰一下就跳起来，落在距离很远的海面不见了。没有一颗打中诺第留斯号。
那艘铁甲舰距我们只有三海里了。不管它的猛烈炮击，尼摩船长并不到平台上来。可是，如果一颗这种锥形炮弹正规地打在诺第留斯号船壳上，可能是它的致命伤。
加拿大人于是对我说。
“先生，我们应当尽力想法，解除我们月前的危俭。我：们发出信号吧！天塌下也不管了！人们或者明白我们是正直善良的人！”
尼德·兰拿出他的手中，在空中招遥但他刚把手中打开来，虽然他有非常大的气力，但他马上就被一只铁一般的手掀倒在平台板上。
“浑东西！”船长喊，“你要我在诺第留斯号冲击那只战船之前，先把你钉在它的冲角上吗？"尼摩船长，听他的说话已经很可怕，看他的脸孔更是可怕。他的脸孔由于心脏的痉挛而变得苍白，看来他的心脏跳动是暂时停止了一下的。他的瞳人可怕地抽缩着。他的声音不是说话，而是吼起来了。他身向前弯，手下扭住加拿大人的肩头。然后把加拿大人放下，回头对着那把炮弹向我们周围雨点般打来的战船，用他强大的声音喊：“啊！你知道我是谁，你这被诅咒的国家的船！我不需要你的旗就认得你！你看！我给你看我的旗！”
尼摩船长在平台前头展开一面旗，这旗跟他在南极插下的相同。这时候，一颗炮弹纵斜地打到诺第留斯号船身上，但没有能损伤它，炮弹跳到船长附近，又落入海中了。
尼摩船长耸耸两肩。他向着我，用干脆的语气对我说：“下去，下去，您和您的同伴们都下去。”
“先生，”我喊，“您要攻打那船吗？”
“先生，我要把它打沉。”
“您不要做这事！"
“我要做，”尼摩船长冷冷地回答，“您休想给我下判断，先生。命运注定给您看见了您不应该看见的事情。对方的攻击开始了，我的反击是很可怕的。您进去。”
“这艘船是哪一国的？”
“您不知道吗？那么！最好！至少，它的国籍对您来说是一个秘密。您下去。”
加拿大人、康塞尔和我，我们只能服从。十五六个诺第留斯号船上的水手围绕着船长，带着十分坚决的仇恨情绪注视那艘向他们追来的战舰。我下去的时候，又有一颗炮弹落在诺第留斯号身上，我听到船长喊：“打吧，疯狂的战舰！尽情放出你无用的炮弹来！你决躲不过诺第留斯号的冲角。但你不应该在这个地点灭亡！
我不愿你的残骸跟复仇号的光荣残骸相混！”
我回到房中。船长和他的副手留在平台上。推进器转动起来，诺第留斯号迅速避开，到战舰炮弹射程不能及的地方。但它仍然继续追来，尼摩船长仅仅使它保持一定距离。
下午四点左右，使我非常苦恼的那种焦急不安的情绪，再也抑制不住我自己了，我又到中央楼梯那边去，嵌板开着。
我冒险到平台上。船长脚步激动地还在那里踱来踱去。他注视在他后面五六海里的战舰。他像野兽一般，在战舰周围转来转去，把它引到东方，让它追来。不过他并不回击。
他或者还是迟疑不决吗？我想作一次最后的努力。但我刚要开口，他就不许我说话，要我禁声。他对我说：“我是权利！我是正义！我是被压迫的，瞧，那就是压迫者！由于他，所有一切我热爱过的，亲热过的，尊敬过的，祖园、爱人、子女、我的父亲、我的母亲，他们全死亡了！所有我仇恨的一切，就在那里！您不许说话！”
我眼光最后向那艘战舰看一下，它正加紧追来。随后我找到尼德和康塞尔，我喊道：“我们逃走！”
“好。”已德说，“战舰是哪一国的？”
“我不知道。不管它是哪一国的，黑夜来临前它一定要被击沉。总之，与其充当还不知道是否正义的报复行为的同谋人，倒不如跟它一起死亡。"“这正是我的意见，”尼德·兰冷淡地回答，“我们等到黑夜再说。"黑夜来了。船上只是一片深沉的静默。罗盘指出诺第留斯号没有改变它的方向。我听到它的推进器转动，规律迅速地搅打海水。它浮在水波上，水波的轻微摆动时而使它转向这一边，时而使它转向那一边。
我的同伴和我，我们决心在战舰相当近前的时候就逃出去，或者我们可以被听到，或者我们可以被看见，因为月亮过三天就圆了，照得很亮。一经到了战舰上面，就是我们不能阻止危害它的袭击，至少我们是做了环境许可我们做的一切。有几次，我以为诺第留斯号就要下手攻击了。但它仅仅让它的敌手近前来，并且过一会后，它又作逃避的姿态。
黑夜的一部分时间平安地度过。我们等待时机，准备行动。我们差不多不说话，因为情绪十分激动。尼德·兰真想跳到海中去。我强迫他等待。照我的看法，诺第留斯号要在水面上攻击这艘带双层甲板的战舰，这样就不仅可能，并已容易逃走。
早晨三点，我心中很不安，到平台上去。尼摩船长并没有走开。他站在船前头，挨近他的旗，旗受微风吹动，在他头上招展。他两眼不离开那艘战舰。他目光炯炯，有如电照，好像是吸引它，诱惑它，像驳船一样更确实可靠地把它位过来！那时月亮经过子午线。木星升起在东方。在这和平的大自然中间，天空和海洋彼此竞赛安静，大海给黑夜的月轮当作一面最美丽的明镜，恐怕这面明镜从没有这样美地把月亮的影子照出来呢。当我想到海天一色的深沉安静，跟所有酝酿在极其渺小的诺第留斯号里面的愤怒相比，较，我感到我整个生命都颤抖了。战舰在距我们两海里的地方。它驶前来，老是向着那表示诺第留斯号所在的磷光追来。我看见战舰绿色和红色的表示方位的灯光，以及挂在前面大桅椅上的白色船灯。模糊的反射光线显出它上面的船具，同时指出它的火力过度猛烈。一阵一阵的火花，一 团一团燃着的煤渣，从它的烟囱中喷出来，像星光一样，散人空中。
我这样一直在那里呆到早晨，尼摩船长好像一直就没有看见我。战舰跟我们还有一海里半的距离，到第一次曙光出现的时候，它的炮声又隆隆响起来。诺第留斯号攻击它的敌人，我的同伴和我，我们要永远离开我不敢加以判断的这个人的时刻，看来不久就到了。
我正要下去通知他们的时候，船上副手走到平台上，有：好几个水手跟着他。尼摩船长没有看见他们，或不愿看见他们。当时就采取了可以称为诺第留斯号的“战斗准备”的某些措施；这些措施很简单。先把在平台周围作为栏杆的线网放下来：同样，探照灯和领航人的笼间也藏到船身里面，仅仅挨着船身露出在水面。这条长形钢板雪前烟的外部，连一个可能阻碍它行动的突出部分，现在也没有了。
我回到客厅中。诺第留斯号老是浮出水面。清晨的曙光有些渗入到水中。由于海浪的波动，玻璃窗受到初升太阳的红光，呈现生动活泼的气象。这可怕的6月2日开始了。五点，我看测程器，知道诺第留斯号的速度减慢了。我明白它是故意让敌人接近。并且炮声也一阵一阵响得更猛烈。炮弹滚人周围水中，发出奇异的呼啸声，对准海中射击“朋友们，”我说，“时候到了。大家握一握手，愿上帝保护我们！"尼德·兰很坚定，康塞尔很镇静，我神经紧张，差不多抑制不住自己。我们走人图书室。当我推开那扇对着中央楼梯笼间的门的时候，我听到上层嵌板忽然关闭了。加拿大人奋身跳到梯阶上去，但我把他拉祝很熟悉的一声呼啸，使我知道水被吸人船上的储水池中来。是的，不一会，诺第留斯号就潜入水面下几米的深处。
我明白了它的行动目标；我们现在要行动已经迟了。
诺第留斯号不想从坚固的铁甲上来攻打这艘有双层甲板的战舰；它是要在那战舰的浮标线下面，它的钢壳不能保护它的边缘地方来进行袭击。我们又被关起来，要被迫做正在准备中的凶恶惨剧的见证人。并且，我们差不多也没有时间来思考。我们躲到我的房间里面，大家面面相觑，一句话不说。我心中十分恍忽：思想也停滞了。我这时的处境就像等待某一种可怕的爆炸那样，十分难受。我等待着，注意听，我只有靠听觉来生活了！
可是，诺第留斯号的速度显然增大了。它现在采取的是前进的速度：它的整个船壳都颤抖了。突然我大喊一声。冲撞发生了，但相对较轻。我感到那钢铁冲角的穿透力量。我听到拉开来和送进去的声音。但诺第留斯号在推进器的强力推动下，从这艘战舰身上横冲过去，就像帆船上的尖杆穿过布帆那样！我简直忍不住了。我像疯子一样，神经完全错乱，我跑出我的房间，急急走进客厅中。尼摩船长在客厅中。沉默、忧郁、冷面无情，他通过左舷的嵌板，两眼注视看。一个庞大的物体沉到水底下来，诺第留斯号跟它一起下降到深渊中要亲眼看一看它临死时的惨痛。距我十米远，我看见这只船壳裂开，海水像雷鸣一般涌进去，然后水淹了两列大炮和吊床舱房。甲板上满是往来乱动的黑影。海水涌上来。那些受难的不幸的人都跳到桅墙网上，抓住桅墙，在水中挣扎，扭弯肢体。这简直就是突然被整个大海侵进来的人类蚂蚁窝！
我麻痹了，像被临死的痛苦僵化了，头发竖起来了，两眼睁得很大，呼吸急促喘不过来，没有气息，没有声音，我也两眼盯着看！一种不可抗拒的吸引力使我紧紧贴在玻璃上面！
那艘巨大战舰慢慢地下沉。诺第留斯号追随着它，窥伺着它的所有动作。忽然战舰上发生了爆炸。被压缩的空气把战舰的甲板轰跑了，就像船舱中着了火一样。海水涌入的力量十分强大，影响到诺第留斯号，它也倾斜了。这么一来，那艘不幸受害的战船就迅速地下沉。它的桅槁架满挤着遇难人，首先现出来，其次是它的横木架，上面有一串一串的人把它压得弯曲了，最后是那大桅顶。然后，那沉黑的巨体沉没水中，跟它一起，这一群死尸组成的船员都被强大无比的漩涡拉下……我转过头来看尼摩船长。这个可怕的裁判执行人，是真正的仇恨天神，眼睛老是盯着看。当一切都完了，尼摩船长向他的房门走去，把门打开，走进房中。
我眼看着他。在他房间里面的嵌板上，他的那些英雄人物的肖像下面，我看到一个年纪还轻的妇人和两个小孩的肖像。尼摩船长两眼看这肖像一下，向像中人伸出两只胳膊，同时跪着，抽咽起来。
收听单词发音 |
1
patriot
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| n.爱国者，爱国主义者 | |
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avenger
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| n. 复仇者 | |
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wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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eyebrows
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| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
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eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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pennant
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| n.三角旗；锦标旗 | |
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ram
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| (random access memory)随机存取存储器 | |
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funnels
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| 漏斗( funnel的名词复数 )； （轮船，火车等的）烟囱 | |
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hoisted
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| 把…吊起，升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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fore
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| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
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agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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unicorn
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| n.(传说中的)独角兽 | |
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harpoon
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| n.鱼叉；vt.用鱼叉叉，用鱼叉捕获 | |
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imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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cemetery
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| n.坟墓，墓地，坟场 | |
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chimerical
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| adj.荒诞不经的，梦幻的 | |
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vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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projectile
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| n.投射物，发射体；adj.向前开进的；推进的；抛掷的 | |
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projectiles
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| n.抛射体( projectile的名词复数 )；（炮弹、子弹等）射弹，（火箭等）自动推进的武器 | |
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dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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hurled
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| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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spasm
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| n.痉挛，抽搐；一阵发作 | |
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wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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obliquely
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| adv.斜； 倾斜； 间接； 不光明正大 | |
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rebounding
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| 蹦跳运动 | |
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shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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leeward
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| adj.背风的；下风的 | |
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eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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mediate
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| vi.调解，斡旋；vt.经调解解决；经斡旋促成 | |
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42
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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43
accomplices
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| 从犯，帮凶，同谋( accomplice的名词复数 ) | |
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retaliation
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| n.报复，反击 | |
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45
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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46
adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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meridian
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| adj.子午线的；全盛期的 | |
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51
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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52
orbs
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| abbr.off-reservation boarding school 在校寄宿学校n.球，天体，圆形物( orb的名词复数 ) | |
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53
shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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54
vibration
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| n.颤动，振动；摆动 | |
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manoeuvre
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| n.策略，调动；v.用策略，调动 | |
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streaks
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| n.（与周围有所不同的）条纹( streak的名词复数 )；（通常指不好的）特征（倾向）；（不断经历成功或失败的）一段时期v.快速移动( streak的第三人称单数 )；使布满条纹 | |
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57
hissing
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| n. 发嘶嘶声, 蔑视 动词hiss的现在分词形式 | |
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58
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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metallic
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| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
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unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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stupor
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| v.昏迷；不省人事 | |
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62
merged
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| （使）混合( merge的过去式和过去分词 )； 相融； 融入； 渐渐消失在某物中 | |
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63
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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64
stiffened
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| 加强的 | |
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65
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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66
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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68
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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eddy
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| n.漩涡，涡流 | |
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sobs
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| 啜泣（声），呜咽（声）( sob的名词复数 ) | |
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