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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea — Chapter 42 — Page 4

But I declare to you that I have had enough of the South Pole, and I will not follow him to the North. What is to be done, Ned, since flight is impracticable just now? We must speak to the Captain, said he; you said nothing when we were in your native seas. I will speak, now we are in mine. When I think that before long the Nautilus will be by Nova Scotia, and that there near New foundland is a large bay, and into that bay the St. Lawrence empties itself, and that the St. Lawrence is my river, the river by Quebec, my native townwhen I think of this, I feel furious, it makes my hair stand on end. Sir, I would rather throw myself into the sea! I will not stay here! I am stifled! The Canadian was evidently losing all patience. His vigorous nature could not stand this prolonged imprisonment. His face altered daily; his temper became more surly. I knew what he must suffer, for I was seized with home-sickness myself. Nearly seven months had passed without our having had any news from land; Captain Nemos isolation, his altered spirits, especially since the fight with the poulps, his taciturnity, all made me view things in a different light. Well, sir? said Ned, seeing I did not reply. Well, Ned, do you wish me to ask Captain Nemo his intentions concerning us? Yes, sir. Although he has already made them known?