Part 1 Chapter 8 Summary

Aronnax is convinced that they have been captured by pirates. The three men have climbed a ladder into utter darkness. Ned Land grumbles in frustration. They seem to be in a small room about ten by twenty feet with a table and chairs. Suddenly a bright light comes on that hurts their eyes.

Two men appear in the room. They are dressed in otter fur and speak in some strange language. Aronnax tries speaking in French and English. Conseil speaks in German and then Aronnax tries Latin. Nothing works. The two strangers leave. Ned Land thinks they are rascals. Aronnax says they are not English, French or German, but their dark complexions and mannerisms lead him to think they are Spanish, Arabian or Indian.

A man in a steward's uniform brings them clothes of every sort. While Land, Conseil and Aronnax...