Part 2 Chapter 21 Summary

Aronnax feels disquieted by the way Captain Nemo says the word "Avenger." The word and the anger in his voice seem to suit the basest part of his personality. Aronnax feels that Captain Nemo is filled with some hatred no one can understand.

The Nautilus is out at sea when Aronnax and Ned Land hear gunshots that seem to be coming from a distant ship. They cannot make out her flag or identity. Aronnax believes the ship is firing at them. He lets his imagination take over: ships must know about the Nautilus by now, based on the experience of the Abraham Lincoln. Ned Land says he will jump ship and the other one will no doubt pick him up.

Ned Land starts to wave his bandana at the ship. Captain Nemo pushes Land to the floor. He announces his intention...