These fancies, hitherto put in the background, and to which they had attached little importance, now began to prey upon their already excited feelings. Doctor Ferguson, always cool and collected, spoke of other things and other people, but even he struggled in vain to dissipate the prevailing sadness; he could not overcome that.
As some fears had been expressed respecting the safety of the doctor and his companions, they slept that night on board the Resolute. At 6 A. M. they quitted their cabin and landed on the island of Koumbeni. The balloon floated gracefully in the light easterly breeze. The bags of earth had been replaced by twenty sailors. Captain Penney and his officers were present at this last solemn farewell.
At this moment Kennedy walked up to the doctor, and took his hand. "Is it really decided, Samuel, that you are going?"
"It is really decided, my dear Dick."
"I have done all I could to hinder your voyage?"
"Everything!"
"Then my conscience is clear, and I shall go with you!"
"I was sure you would," replied the doctor, as the tears started to his eyes.
The moment for the final adieu had now arrived. The captain and his officers all embraced their courageous friends, not excepting the worthy Joe, proud and joyful that day. All the sailors wished to shake hands with Doctor Ferguson.
At nine o'clock the three traveling companions took their places in the car. The doctor lighted his blow-pipe, and heated it so as to produce a high temperature. The balloon, which had hitherto remained in equilibrio, began to sway. The sailors were obliged to slacken the ropes they held. The car ascended twenty feet.
"My friends," cried the doctor, coming forward and waving his hat, "let us give our aërial vessel a name which carries happiness everywhere—let us call it the 'Victoria!'"
A ringing cheer was the reply. "God save the Queen! Hurrah for Old England!"
At this moment the ascending force reached a tremendous pitch. Ferguson, Kennedy, and Joe waved a last adieu to their friends.
