"As I can descend at pleasure and obtain water on my route, my journey is practically indefinite.
"There is my secret, gentlemen; it is very simple, and, like all simple things, it cannot but succeed. My plan is only the extension and contraction of the gas in the balloon, which necessitates no wings nor mechanical power of motion. A stove to produce changes of temperature and a blow-pipe to warm it are neither heavy nor in the way. I believe that I have overcome all the serious difficulties of the undertaking."
Here Doctor Ferguson ended his discourse, and was heartily applauded. No one had any objections to advance. Everything appeared provided for and carried out.
"Nevertheless," said the captain, "it may be very dangerous."
"What does that matter," rejoined the doctor, "if it be practicable?"
CHAPTER XI
ARRIVAL AT ZANZIBAR
Favoring breezes had hurried the Resolute towards her destination. The Mozambique Channel proved particularly kind to her. The sea voyage was held as a good omen for the success of the air journey. Everyone on board wished for the moment of arrival, and vied in assisting Doctor Ferguson in his final preparations.
At length the vessel came in sight of the town of Zanzibar, situated upon the island of the same name, and on the 15th April, at 11 a. m., she cast anchor in the harbor.
Zanzibar belongs to the Imaum of Muscat, an ally of England and France, and it is certainly a beautiful possession. The harbor shelters a great number of ships hailing from neighboring ports. The island is only separated from the mainland by a channel about thirty miles wide.
Zanzibar enjoys a large traffic in gum, ivory, and, above all, ebony, for it is a celebrated slave market. Here are concentrated all the booty taken in the battles which are being incessantly waged by the chiefs in the interior. This traffic extends to the whole eastern coast, almost up to the Nile region, and M. Lejean has seen them carrying on the traffic close to the French consul's residence.
