But to suppose that our captain would rush into this river where he might be swept over the great cataract! That seemed impossible! I resolved to await the destroyers' closest approach and at the last moment I would decide.
Yet my resolution to escape was but half-hearted.

I could not resign myself thus to lose all chance of following up this mystery.

My instincts as a police official revolted.

I had but to reach out my hand in order to seize this man who had been outlawed! Should I let him escape me! No! I would not save myself! Yet, on the other hand, what fate awaited me, and where would I be carried by the "Terror," if I remained on board?
It was a quarter past six.

The destroyers, quivering and trembling under the strain of their speed, gained on us perceptibly.