It was not a mere phosphoric phenomenon.

The monster emerged some fathoms from the water, and then threw out that very intense but mysterious light mentioned in the report of several captains.

This magnificent irradiation must have been produced by an agent of great SHINING power.
The luminous part traced on the sea an immense oval, much elongated, the centre of which condensed a burning heat, whose overpowering brilliancy died out by successive gradations.
"It is only a massing of phosphoric particles," cried one of the officers.
"No, sir, certainly not," I replied.

"That brightness is of an essentially electrical nature.

Besides, see, see! it moves; it is moving forwards, backwards; it is darting towards us!" A general cry arose from the frigate.
"Silence!" said the captain.