self up, and, clutching the cordage, remounted beside his companions.
"It was not more difficult than that," he said.
"My brave Joe—my friend!" exclaimed the doctor, with emotion.
"It was not for you I did it," said Joe, "it was for Mr. Dick's rifle. I have owed him something ever since that affair with the Arab. I like to pay my debts, and now we are quits," added he, handing the sportsman his favorite gun. "I should have been very sorry to have seen you separated."
Kennedy shook him warmly by the hand without speaking.
The "Victoria" had only to descend, which was not difficult. It was soon within 200 feet of the ground and in equilibrium. The earth showed traces of convulsion, and presented many hillocks very difficult to avoid at night with a balloon not under control. Night fell rapidly, and, notwithstanding his objections, the doctor was constrained to halt till morning.
"We will search for a favorable place," said he.
"Ah," replied Kennedy, "you have decided at last?"
"Yes. I have been thinking of a plan which I am about to put into execution. It is only six o'clock. We have plenty of time. Throw out the grapnels, Joe."
Joe obeyed, and the two anchors hung suspended from the car.
"I can see a vast forest," said the doctor, "we shall run above it, and make fast to some tree. I would not consent to pass the night on the ground for anything."
"Why cannot we descend?" asked Kennedy.
"For what reason? I repeat it would be dangerous to separate. Besides, I require your aid in a difficult operation."
The "Victoria" skimmed the tops of the trees, and did not fail to "pull up" quickly; the anchors had caught, the wind fell as evening advanced, and the balloon remained almost motionless above the vast extent of foliage formed by the tops of the forest of sycamores.
