Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 1.djvu/248

 meet at Timbuctoo. In the south the indefatigable Living-stone was continually advancing towards the equator, and, since March, 1862, he had advanced with Mackenzie up the river Rovoonia. The century would certainly not pass away without Africa being compelled to reveal the secrets hidden in her breast for 6,000 years.

The interest of Dr. Ferguson's audience was more excited than ever when he made them acquainted with the details of his preparations. They wanted to verify his calculations, they argued, and the doctor entered frankly into the discussion.

Generally they were surprised by the relatively limited quantity of food carried. One day they questioned him on this point.

"Does that astonish you?" asked the doctor.

"Certainly it does."

"But for what length of time do you suppose I shall continue my journey? Whole months? That is a mistake on your part. If it be extended we shall be lost, and shall never get back at all. Are you not aware that it is only 3,500 miles, say 4,000 miles, from Zanzibar to Senegal coast? Now, at the rate of 240 miles in twelve hours, not nearly the speed of our railways, by day and night, seven days would be ample to cross the African continent."

"But then you will not be able to see anything, nor to make geographical observations, nor to take notes of the country."

"Well," replied the doctor, "if I be master of my balloon, if I can ascend or descend when I please, I shall be able to halt when I choose, and whenever the winds are so violent as to threaten my safety."

"And you will encounter them," said Captain Penney. "There are hurricanes there which rush at the rate of 240 miles an hour."

"So, you see," replied the doctor, "that at that pace you could cross Africa in twelve hours. You might start from Zanzibar and sleep at St. Louis."

"But," asked an officer, "is it possible that a balloon can be impelled at such a pace?"

"That has been proved," replied Ferguson.

"And the balloon resisted the pressure?"

"Perfectly. It occurred during the year 1804. Garnerin,