Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 1.djvu/296

 After having tried different elevations, the "Victoria" sailed away to the northeast at a moderate speed.

"We are in the right direction," said he, consulting the barometer as he spoke, "and scarcely 200 feet from the ground; the circumstances are most favorable to explore these unknown regions. Captain Speke, when proceeding to discover Lake Ukéréoné, went up more to the east in a straight line above Kazeh."

"Shall we go long in this direction?" asked Kennedy.

"Perhaps. Our aim is to strike a point near the sources of the Nile, and we have more than 600 miles to traverse to the extreme limit reached by the explorers from the north."

"And shall we not put our feet on the ground in order to stretch our legs?" said Joe.

"Yes, certainly. We must also be sparing of our larder, and on the way you will be able to provide us with fresh meats."

"As soon as ever you like, friend Samuel."

"We shall also have to replenish our supply of water. Who knows we may not be borne away towards barren districts? We must therefore take precautions."

At mid-day the "Victoria" was in 29° 15' long. and 3° 15' lat. It passed over the village of Uyofu, the northern boundary of Unyamwezi, abreast of the Lake Ukéréoné, which they had not hitherto been able to perceive. The tribes near the equator appear to be a little more civilized, and are governed by absolute monarchs, whose despotism is unlimited. Their very close union constitutes the province of Karaywah.

The three travelers decided that they would descend at the first favorable landing-place. They proposed to make a lengthy halt, and the balloon was to be carefully examined; so the flame of the blow-pipe was moderated. The grapnels, thrown from the car, soon came in contact with the high grass of an immense prairie; at a little distance it appeared to be covered with close verdure, but in reality the grass was seven or eight feet high.

The "Victoria" skimmed over the grass without bending it, like an immense butterfly. Nothing was in sight; it was like an ocean of verdure without a single wave.

"We may go a long time like this," said Kennedy. "I