Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 1.djvu/349

 "So, Samuel, there is neither rain nor wind for us, at least."

"I fear not, it keeps up very high."

"Well, Samuel, so we are going to hunt this cloud, which will not break over us?"

"I do not think that would do much good," replied the doctor; "that would expend a quantity of gas and water. But in a position such as ours, it will not do to neglect anything; we will go up higher."

The doctor developed a tremendous heat from the blow-pipe, and the balloon soon rose under the influence of the expanded hydrogen.

About 1,500 feet from the ground, they encountered a thick mass of cloud, and entered into a thick mist pervading at this height, but they did not find the least breath of wind. The fog even appeared to be deprived of moisture, and objects exposed to contact with it were scarcely wetted. The "Victoria," enveloped in this vapor, perhaps proceeded a little faster there, but that was all.

The doctor was with sadness considering the very meager result obtained from his maneuver, when he heard Joe cry out in surprised accents:

"Oh! look here!"

"What is it, Joe?"

"Oh, sir! oh, Mr. Kennedy! is not that extraordinary!"

"What have you there?"

"We are not alone here! There are intruders; they have stolen our invention from us."

"Has he gone mad?" asked Kennedy.

Joe stood as immovable as a statue.

"I think the lad is suffering from sunstroke," said the doctor, turning towards him.

"What do you say?" said he.

"Look there, sir," said Joe, indicating a certain direction.

"By St. Patrick!" cried Kennedy, in his turn, "that is scarcely creditable. Samuel, Samuel, look here!"

"I see," replied the doctor quietly; "another balloon, with other travelers like ourselves."

In fact, 200 paces distant, a balloon was floating in the air, with car and travelers complete. It was following exactly the same route as the "Victoria."