Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 1.djvu/346

 perceptible, became more like a breath than a breeze, and they could prophesy the moment when this breath would itself die away.

The doctor tried to overcome the weariness of the position. He retained the self-possession and coolness of a man inured to hardship. Glass in hand, he scanned the horizon in every direction. He perceived the east hills insensibly disappear, and the last traces of vegetation vanish away. Before him stretched the wide extent of the desert.

The responsibility which devolved upon him affected him a great deal, and the more as he sought to conceal the feeling. Those two men, Dick and Joe, friends both, he had brought from a distance almost by the force of friendship and duty. Had he done rightly? Was not this to attempt forbidden paths? Was not he in this journey attempting to pass the limits of the impossible? Had not Providence reserved the knowledge of this ungrateful continent for future generations.

All these thoughts, as he grew less hopeful, increased in his mind, and by an irresistible association of ideas, Samuel reasoned himself beyond his logic, and his better sense. After having made up his mind that there was nothing that it behooved him to do, he began to ask himself what he ought to do. Was it impossible to return? Did not some upper currents exist which would carry them back to less torrid climates. Sure of the regions passed, he was ignorant of the country in front. His conscience reproached him, and he determined to explain the circumstances frankly to his companions, and tell them the worst. He would show them what he had done, and what remained to do. If absolutely necessary, they might return—attempt to do so at least. What was their opinion?

"I have no opinion other than my master's," said Joe. "What he can endure, I can endure; or better than he. Where he goes I will go."

"And you, Kennedy?"

"I, my dear Samuel? I am not a man to despair; no one ignores less than I do the dangers of this expedition, but I have not particularly desired to examine them since the moment I determined to meet them with you. I am yours, body and soul. Under the circumstances, my ad-