"That's not important," the captain replied evasively. "The Nautilus suffered a collision that cracked one of the engine levers, and it struck this man. My chief officer was standing beside him. This man leaped forward to intercept the blow. A brother lays down his life for his brother, a friend for his friend, what could be simpler? That's the law for everyone on board the Nautilus. But what's your diagnosis of his condition?"
-- Qu'importe ! répondit évasivement le capitaine. Un choc du _Nautilus_ a brisé un des leviers de la machine, qui a frappé cet homme. Mais votre avis sur son état ? »