“Yes, all hail to that great French citizen,” I replied, quite startled by how emphatically Captain Nemo had just spoken.
“Unfortunately,” he went on, “I can’t take you through that Suez Canal, but the day after tomorrow, you’ll be able to see the long jetties of Port Said when we’re in the Mediterranean.”
“In the Mediterranean!” I exclaimed.
“Yes, professor. Does that amaze you?”
“What amazes me is thinking we’ll be there the day after tomorrow.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes, captain, although since I’ve been aboard your vessel, I should have formed the habit of not being amazed by anything!”
“But what is it that startles you?”
“The thought of how hideously fast the Nautilus will need to go, if it’s to double the Cape of Good Hope, circle around Africa, and lie in the open Mediterranean by the day after tomorrow.”
“And who says it will circle Africa, professor? What’s this talk about doubling the Cape of Good Hope?”