“In lighthearted countries, people joked about this phenomenon, but such serious, practical countries as England, America, and Germany were deeply concerned.”

“A true Englishman doesn't joke when he is talking about so serious a thing as a wager.”

“As for difficulties," replied Ferguson, in a serious tone, "they were made to be overcome.”

“And this accident came about...?"Through nature's unpredictability not man's incapacity. No errors were committed in our maneuvers. Nevertheless, we can't prevent a loss of balance from taking its toll. One may defy human laws, but no one can withstand the laws of nature.”

“Ned Land: I wouldn't be surprised if they were cannibals; but I can assure you they won't eat me without my having something to say about it!Conseil: Keep calm, Ned, keep calm. You're getting angry before there is any need to. We're not in the pot yet!”

“If there were no thunder, men would have little fear of lightning.”

“It was obvious that the matter had to be settled, and evasions were distasteful to me.”