“A hunt!” exclaimed Ned.
“And in the forests of the island of Crespo!” added Conseil.
“Oh, then the gentleman is going on [v]terra firma?” asked Ned Land.
“That seems to be clearly indicated,” said I, reading the letter once more.
“Well, we must accept,” said Ned. “Once more on dry land, we shall know what to do. Indeed, I shall not be sorry to eat a piece of fresh venison.”
I contented myself with replying, “Let us see where the island of Crespo is.”
I consulted the [v]planisphere and in 32° 40´ north latitude, and 157° 50´ west [v]longitude, I found a small island recognized in 1801 by Captain Crespo, and marked in the ancient Spanish maps as Rocca de la Platta, or Silver Rock.
I showed this little rock lost in the midst of the North Pacific to my companions.
“If Captain Nemo does sometimes go on dry ground,” said I, “he at least chooses desert islands.”
Ned Land shrugged his shoulders without speaking, and Conseil and he left me. After supper, which was served by the steward, mute and impassive, I went to bed, not without some anxiety.