“Yes; I wish it settled finally. Speak for me, in my name only, if you like.” “But I so seldom meet him. He avoids me.” “That is all the more reason for you to go to see him.” I went to my room. From thence I meant to go to Captain Nemo’s. It would not do to let this opportunity of meeting him slip. I knocked at the door. No answer. I knocked again, then turned the handle. The door opened, I went in. The Captain was there. Bending over his work-table, he had not heard me. Resolved not to go without having spoken, I approached him. He raised his head quickly, frowned, and said roughly, “You here! What do you want?” “To speak to you, Captain.” “But I am busy, sir; I am working. I leave you at liberty to shut yourself up; cannot I be allowed the same?” This reception was not encouraging; but I was determined to hear and answer everything. “Sir,” I said coldly, “I have to speak to you on a matter that admits of no delay.” “What is that, sir?” he replied, ironically. “Have you discovered something that has escaped me, or has the sea delivered up any new secrets?” We were at cross-purposes. But, before I could reply, he showed me an open manuscript on his table, and said, in a more serious tone, “Here, M. Aronnax, is a manuscript written in several languages.