Jules Verne

“ But for my sake tell me by what supernatural aberration of mind you were induced to write New Zealand instead of Australia?"
"Well, upon my oath," said Paganel, "it is--"
But the same instant his eyes fell on Mary and Robert Grant, and he stopped short and then went on:
"What would you have me say, my dear Glenarvan? I am mad, I am an idiot, an incorrigible fellow, and I shall live and die the most terrible absent man. I can't change my skin."
"Unless you get flayed alive." ”

“ Why had the DUNCAN come to the eastern coast of New Zealand? How was it not in the hands of Ben Joyce? By what providential fatality had God brought them in the track of the fugitives?
Why? how? and for what purpose? Tom was stormed with questions on all sides. The old sailor did not know which to listen to first, and at last resolved to hear nobody but Glenarvan, and to answer nobody but him.
"But the convicts?" inquired Glenarvan. "What did you do with them?"
"The convicts?" replied Tom, with the air of a man who does not in the least understand what he is being asked. ”

“ He stumbled and fell, accidentally catching hold of a rope with both hands in his fall.
Suddenly a tremendous explosion was heard. The forecastle gun had gone off, riddling the quiet calm of the waves with a volley of small shot. ”