海底兩萬里 第60期 第6章 開足馬力(2)

This magnificent radiance had to come from some force with a great illuminatingcapacity.

這種特別燦爛的光芒必定是從什么巨大的發(fā)光動力發(fā)出來的。

The edge of its light swept over the sea in an immense, highly elongated oval, condensing at the center into a blazing core whose unbearable glow diminished by degrees outward.

發(fā)光的部分在海面上形成一個巨大的橢圓形，拉得很長，橢圓形中心是白熱的焦點，射出不可逼視的光度，這光度漸遠漸淡，至于熄滅。

It's only a cluster of phosphorescent particles! exclaimed one of the officers.

那不過是無數(shù)磷分子的集合體。一位軍官說。

No, sir, I answered with conviction. Not even angel-wing clams or salps have ever given off such a powerful light.

不，我很有把握地答，富拉得或沙爾已之類的動物決不能發(fā)出這么強的光度。

That glow is basically electric in nature. Besides . . . look, look! It's shifting! It's moving back and forth! It's darting at us!

這種光只能是電力的光…看!看!它動了!它向前動，又向后移!它向我們沖采了!

A universal shout went up from the frigate.

戰(zhàn)艦上處處發(fā)出喊聲。

Quiet! Commander Farragut said. Helm hard to leeward! Reverse engines!

不要作聲，法拉古艦長說，把穩(wěn)舵，船迎著鳳：開倒車!

Sailors rushed to the helm, engineers to their machinery. Under reverse steam immediately, the Abraham Lincoln beat to port, sweeping in a semicircle.

水手們跑到舵旁邊，工程師們跑到機器旁邊。汽門立刻關掉了，林肯號從左舷轉了一百八十度。