Part 1 Chapter 18 Summary

Aronnax is enjoying his morning walk in terrestrial air when Captain Nemo joins him. The sailors on the Nautilus are casting nets for fish. Captain Nemo again talks about his mystical relationship with the sea. He asks Aronnax if he knows anything about the depth of the ocean. Aronnax gives estimates, but Captain Nemo is more knowledgeable.

After that Aronnax does not see Captain Nemo for weeks. He enjoys his studies and never tires of looking at the sea through the panels of the saloon. November passes into December. Aronnax is enjoying "the most wonderful sights on the globe" in their long southwesterly journey.

One night as Aronnax is reading a good book, Ned Land interrupts. He feels irritated but gets up to see what Ned Land has to show him. It is a large black mass illuminated in the lights...