Generally, when we can proceed no further, we have return still open to us; but here return was as impossible as advance, for every pass had closed behind us; and for the few moments when we were stationary, we were likely to be entirely blocked, which did indeed happen about two o’clock in the afternoon, the fresh ice forming around its sides with astonishing rapidity. I was obliged to admit that Captain Nemo was more than imprudent. I was on the platform at that moment. The Captain had been observing our situation for some time past, when he said to me: “Well, sir, what do you think of this?” “I think that we are caught, Captain.” [Illustration] The Nautilus was blocked up “So, M. Aronnax, you really think that the Nautilus cannot disengage itself?” “With difficulty, Captain; for the season is already too far advanced for you to reckon on the breaking of the ice.” “Ah! sir,” said Captain Nemo, in an ironical tone, “you will always be the same. You see nothing but difficulties and obstacles. I affirm that not only can the Nautilus disengage itself, but also that it can go further still.” “Further to the South?” I asked, looking at the Captain. “Yes, sir; it shall go to the pole.” “To the pole!” I exclaimed, unable to repress a gesture of incredulity. “Yes,” replied the Captain, coldly, “to the Antarctic pole—to that unknown point from whence springs every meridian of the globe.