water was not very drinkable, and possessed a flavor of natron.
While the doctor was noting down the result of his experience, the report of a gun resounded beside him. Kennedy had not been able to resist sending a bullet at a monstrous hippopotamus, which quietly disappeared at the sound of the discharge, and the conical bullet did not appear to have caused him the least inconvenience.
"You had better have harpooned him," said Joe.
"How?"
"With one of our grapnels. That would have been a good hook for such an animal."
"By Jove!" cried Kennedy, "Joe has really got an idea."
"Which I trust you will not put into execution," replied the doctor. "The animal would quickly hurry us where we should be helpless."
"Particularly now that you have decided upon the quality of the water of Lake Tchad."
"Is that fish good to eat, Mr. Ferguson?"
"Your fish, Joe, is a mammiferous animal of the pachyderm species; his flesh is excellent, they say, and is an article of commerce amongst the lake tribes."
"Then I regret that Mr. Dick's bullet was not more effectual."
"This animal is only vulnerable in the belly and between the thighs; the bullet did not even break the skin. But, if the ground be suitable, we shall halt, and at the southern end of the lake there Kennedy will find a full menagerie, and he can indemnify himself at his ease."
"Well, I hope that Mr. Dick will do a little hippopotamus hunting. I want to taste this amphibious animal. It is no use coming into the center of Africa if we are to live upon snipe and partridges just as if we were in England!"
CHAPTER XXXII
THE FALL
After arriving at Lake Tchad, the "Victoria" met a current which carried it more to the west, some clouds tempered the heat, and occasionally a breeze was felt over
