cabin for some 
hours, or even days. As I do not wordnetdesire to use violence, I ex- 
pect from you, in such a case, more than from all others, 
passive obedience. By acting thus I take all the responsi- 
bility ; I acquit you entirely, by making it impossible for 
you to see what ought not to be seen. Do you accept 
the condition ? " 

So  took place on board which were, at least, singu- 
lar, and not to be seen by people who were not placed 
beyond the pale of social laws. 



54 TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES 

" We accept," I replied. " Only I ask your permission 
to address to you one question only one. What degree 
of liberty do you intend giving us ? " 

" The liberty to move about freely and observe even all 
that passes here except under rare circumstances in 
short, the liberty that my companions and I enjoy our- 
selves." 

It was evident that we did not understand each other. 

" Pardon me, sir," I continued, " but this liberty is only 
that of every prisoner to pace his prison. It is not enough 
for us." 

" You must make it enough." 

" Do you mean to say we must for ever renounce the idea 
of seeing country