In 1857 he worked up farther to the northward,
and invested the fortification of Medina, built by the
French on the bank of the river. This stronghold was
defended by Paul Holl, who, for several months, without
provisions or ammunition, held out until Colonel Faidherbe
came to his relief. Al-Hadji and his bands then
repassed the Senegal, and reappeared in the Kaarta,
continuing their rapine and murder.--Well, here below us
is the very country in which he has found refuge with his
hordes of banditti; and I assure you that it would not be
a good thing to fall into his hands."
"We shall not," said Joe, "even if we have to throw
overboard our clothes to save the Victoria."
"We are not far from the river," said the doctor, "but
I foresee that our balloon will not be able to carry
us beyond it."
"Let us reach its banks, at all events," said the Scot,
"and that will be so much gained."
"That is what we are trying to do," rejoined Ferguson,
"only that one thing makes me feel anxious."
"What is that?"
"We shall have mountains to pass, and that will be
difficult to do, since I cannot augment the ascensional force
of the balloon, even with the greatest possible heat that I
can produce."
"Well, wait a bit," said Kennedy, "and we shall see!"
"The poor Victoria!" sighed Joe; "I had got fond
of her as the sailor does of his ship, and I'll not give her
up so easily.
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