Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas

by Jules Verne

I wouldn’t be at all surprised; but I will not be eaten without protest!’

lol

A broad‑bladed knife that an American always carries with him. [JV]

lol

There was no sign of any change in our situation and I seriously wondered whether our fate might be to live in this cell indefinitely.

they never mentioned toilets in such novels back then

‘Now, Ned, my friend,’ said Conseil, ‘what do you say to monsieur’s argument? I cannot believe that an American is ever at a loss for words.’

lol

On its surface immoral rights can still be claimed, men can fight, devour each other, and commit all the earth’s atrocities. But 30 feet below the surface their power ceases, their influence fades, their authority disappears. Ah, sir, live, live in the heart of the sea! Independence is possible only here! Here I recognize no master! Here I am free!’

This is not so any more, Jules, if it ever was.

‘What about the savages?’ asked Conseil. ‘If monsieur pleases, they do not seem to me to be very ill-intentioned after all.’ ‘They are cannibals, my good fellow.’ ‘One can be a cannibal and a good man,’ replied Conseil, ‘just as one can be a glutton and honest. One does not exclude the other.’ ‘All right, Conseil, I concede that they are honest cannibals, and that they eat their prisoners honourably.