6 开足马力(2)

This magnificent radiance had to come from some force with a great illuminatingcapacity. 这种特别灿烂的光芒必定是从什么巨大的发光动力发出来的。

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.

发光的部分在海面上形成一个巨大的椭圆形,拉得很长,椭圆形中心是白热的焦点,射出不可视的光度,这光度渐远渐淡,至于熄灭。

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

那不过是无数磷分子的集合体。一位军官说。

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,富拉得或沙尔已之类的动物决不能发出这么强的光度。

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

这种光只能是电力的光…看!看!它动了!它向前动,又向后移!它向我们冲采了!

A universal shout went up from the frigate.

战舰上处处发出喊声。

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

不要作声,法拉古舰长说,把稳舵,船迎着凤:开倒车!

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

水手们跑到舵旁边,工程师们跑到机器旁边。汽门立刻关掉了,林肯号从左舷转了一百八十度。