“Then, M. Aronnax, I propose a curious excursion.” “Propose, Captain?” “You have hitherto only visited the submarine depths by daylight, under the brightness of the sun. Would it suit you to see them in the darkness of the night?” “Most willingly.” “I warn you, the way will be tiring. We shall have far to walk, and must climb a mountain. The roads are not well kept.” “What you say, Captain, only heightens my curiosity; I am ready to follow you.” “Come then, sir, we will put on our diving-dresses.” Arrived at the robing-room, I saw that neither of my companions nor any of the ship’s crew were to follow us on this excursion. Captain Nemo had not even proposed my taking with me either Ned or Conseil. In a few moments we had put on our diving-dresses; they placed on our backs the reservoirs, abundantly filled with air, but no electric lamps were prepared. I called the Captain’s attention to the fact. “They will be useless,” he replied. I thought I had not heard aright, but I could not repeat my observation, for the Captain’s head had already disappeared in its metal case. I finished harnessing myself. I felt them put an iron-pointed stick into my hand, and some minutes later, after going through the usual form, we set foot on the bottom of the Atlantic at a depth of 150 fathoms. Midnight was near.