"My plan!"
"What plan?"
"The plan for counteracting the effect of the shock at the departure of the projectile!"
"Indeed?" said Michel Ardan, looking at the captain out of the corner of his eye.
"Yes! water! simply water, which will act as a spring—ah! Maston," cried Barbicane, "you here also?"
"Himself," replied Ardan; "and permit me to introduce to you at the same time the worthy Captain Nicholl!"
"Nicholl!" cried Barbicane, who jumped up at once. "Pardon me, captain, I had quite forgotten—I am ready!"
Michel Ardan interfered, without giving the two enemies time to say anything more.
"GO WITH ME, AND SEE WHETHER WE ARE STOPPED ON OUR JOURNEY."