The doctor was anxiously watching for the least cloud
on the horizon. He feared, above all things, a change in
the atmosphere. Should he be thrown back toward the
Niger, what would become of him? Besides, he remarked
that the balloon tended to fall considerably. Since the
start, he had already lost more than three hundred feet,
and the Senegal must be about a dozen miles distant.
At his present rate of speed, he could count upon
travelling only three hours longer.
At this moment his attention was attracted by fresh
cries. The Talabas appeared to be much excited, and
were spurring their horses.
The doctor consulted his barometer, and at once discovered
the cause of these symptoms.
"Are we descending?" asked Kennedy.
"Yes!" replied the doctor.
"The mischief!" thought Joe
In the lapse of fifteen minutes the Victoria was only
one hundred and fifty feet above the ground; but the
wind was much stronger than before.
The Talabas checked their horses, and soon a volley
of musketry pealed out on the air.
"Too far, you fools!" bawled Joe. "I think it would
be well to keep those scamps at a distance."
And, as he spoke, he aimed at one of the horsemen
who was farthest to the front, and fired.
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