Sir, I said, I realize that because you have not had contact with the rest of the would, you do not know that the accidents between various ships and you submarine have caused a great deal of anxiety in America and Europe. People are now quite frightened to cross the oceans. The Abraham Lincoln was sent out to destory some mysterious sea monster so the seas would once again be safe.

The captain showes a quick smile on his face before replying.

Professor Aronnax, he replied, that ship would have attempted to destory my submarine if its captain had had the opportunity to. Therefore, I must treat you as my enemies.

I could say nothing.

Being that you were on that ship, intending to destory me, the captain continued, I could leave you in the ocean to drown now, and forget that you ever existed, as you are my enemies, planning to do the same to me. That would be my right.

Perhaps it is the right of a savage, I answered, but not that of gentleman.