The three
intrepid voyagers could observe the state of the barometer only by the
aid of a dark lantern. Zambecarri had not eaten daring twenty-four
hours; Grossetti was also fasting.
"'My friends,' said Zambecarri, 'I am benumbed with the cold; I am
exhausted; I must die;' and he fell senseless in the gallery.
"It was the same with Grossetti. Andreoli alone remained awake. After
long efforts he succeeded in arousing Zambecarri from his stupor.
"'What is there new? Where are we going? In which direction is the wind?
What time is it?'
"' It is two o'clock!'
"' Where is the compass?'
"'It has fallen out.'
"' Great God! the lamp is extinguished!'
"' It could not burn longer in this rarefied air!' said Zambecarri.
"The moon had not risen; the atmosphere was plunged in horrible
darkness.
"' I am cold, I am cold, Andreoli! What shall we do?'
"The unfortunate men slowly descended through a layer of white clouds.
"'Hush!' said Andreoli; 'do you hear--'
"' What?' replied Zambecarri.
"'A singular noise!'
"'You are mistaken!'
"'No!--Do you see those midnight travellers, listening to that
incomprehensible sound? Have they struck against a rower? Are they about
to be precipitated on the roofs? Do you hear it? It is like the sound of
the ocean!'
"'Impossible!'
"' It is the roaring of the waves!'
"' That is true!--Light! light!'
"After five fruitless attempts, Andreoli obtained it.
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