Consider, then, what must be the resistance of their bony structure, and the strength of their organisation to withstand such pressure!" "Why!" exclaimed Ned Land, "they must be made of iron plates eight inches thick, like the armoured frigates." "As you say, Ned.

And think what destruction such a mass would cause, if hurled with the speed of an express train against the hull of a vessel." "Yes--certainly--perhaps," replied the Canadian, shaken by these figures, but not yet willing to give in.
"Well, have I convinced you ?" "You have convinced me of one thing, sir, which is that, if such animals do exist at the bottom of the seas, they must necessarily be as strong as you say." "But if they do not exist, mine obstinate harpooner, how explain the accident to the Scotia ?".