You attacked me.

You came to surprise a secret which no man in the world must penetrate--the secret of my whole existence.

And you think that I am going to send you back to that world which must know me no more?
Never! In retaining you, it is not you whom I guard--it is myself." These words indicated a resolution taken on the part of the commander, against which no arguments would prevail.
"So, sir," I rejoined, "you give us simply the choice between life and death ?" "Simply." "My friends," said I, "to a question thus put, there is nothing to answer.

But no word of honour binds us to the master of this vessel." "None, sir," answered the Unknown.
Then, in a gentler tone, he continued: "Now, permit me to finish what I have to say to you.

I know you, M.
Aronnax.