Afewsecondsthus，thenthetornadoconquered，orelserosehigherinpartialdefeat，fortheirprogresswasresumed，andcomparativequietreignedagain。
Thehighercloudscurvedbackward，affordingawiderviewoftheheavensfarabove，and，asalleyesturnedinstinctivelyinthatdirection，Brunoinvoluntarilyexclaimed：
\"Stilldaylight！Ithought——howlonghasthislasted？\"
\"It’sthemiddleo’nextweek；noless！\"positivelyaffirmedhisbrother。\"Don’ttellme！We’vebeeninhereasolidmonth，bymywatch！\"
Insteadofmakingreplysuchasmighthavebeenexpectedfromoneofhismathematicalexactness，ProfessorFeatherwitgaveacryofdismay，whilehurriedlymovingtoandfrointheircontractedquarters，forthetimebeingforgetfulofallotherthanthis，hisgreatloss。
\"Whatisit，unclePhaeton？\"askedBruno，risingtohiskneesinnaturalanxiety。\"Surelynothingworsethanhasalreadyhappenedtous？\"
\"Worse？Whatcouldbeworsethanlosingforever——thecamera，boys；whereisthecamera，Iaskyou？\"
Certainlynotwheretheprofessorwaslooking，andevenasheroaredforththatquery，hishearttoldhimthesadtruth；pastdoubting，theinstrumentuponwhoseaidhereliedtoplaceuponrecordthesemarvellousfacts，sothatallmankindmightseeandhavefullfaith，waslost，——thrownfromtheaerostat，tomeetwithcertaindestruction，whenthevesselfirstcamewithinthetornado’sterribleclutch。
\"Gone，——lost，——andnowwhowillbelievethatweever——oh，thisisenoughtocrushone’sverysoul！\"mournedtheprofessor，throwinguphishands，andsinkingbacktotheflooroftheflying-machineinalimpanddisheartenedheapforthetimebeing。
NeitherBrunonorWaldocouldfullyappreciatethatgrief，sincethoughtsandcareforselfwerestilltherulingpassionwithboth；butoncemoretheywerecalledupontodobattlewiththeswayingofthewinds，andonceagainweretheysavedonlythroughthatlife-givingcylinderofcompressedair。
Presently，theheart-brokenprofessorrallied，aswashisnature，and，withavisibleeffortputtinghisgreatlossbehindhim，endeavouredtocheeruphiscomradesinperil。
\"Sofarwehavepassedthroughalldangerwithoutreceivingmaterialinjury，——toourselves，Imean，——andsurelyitisnottoomuchtohopeforeventualescape？\"hesaid，earnestly，pressingthehandsofhisnephews，bywayofadditionalencouragement。
\"Yes，\"hesitatedBruno，withaninvoluntaryshiver，asheglancedaroundthemuponthosefuriouslyboilingclouds，thencastaneyeupward，towardsyonderclearsky。\"Yes，but——inwhatmanner？\"
\"What’llwedowhenthecyclonegoesbu’st？\"cutinWaldo，withdisagreeablebluntness。\"Itcan’tgoonforever，andwhenitsplitsup，——wherewillwebethen？\"
\"Iwishitlaywithinmypowertogiveyoufullassuranceonallpoints，mydearboys，\"theprofessormadereply。\"IonlywishI
couldensureyourperfectsafetybygivingmyownpoorremnantoflife——\"
\"No，no，unclePhaeton！\"criedthebrothers，inasinglebreath。
\"Howcheerfully，ifIonlymight！\"insistedtheprofessor，hishomelyfacewearinganexpressionofblendedregretandunboundedaffection。\"Butformeyouwouldneverhaveencounteredtheseperils，norever——\"
Againhewasinterruptedbythebrothers，andforcedtoleavethatregretunspokentotheend。
\"Onlyforyou，unclePhaeton，whatwouldhavebecomeofuswhenwewereleftwithoutparents，home，fortune？Onlyforyou，takingusinandtreatingusasthoughofyourownfleshandblood——\"
\"Asyouare，mygoodlads！Letitpass，then，butImustsaythatIdowish——well，well，letitpass，then！\"
Abriefsilence，whichwasspentingrippinghandsandwitheyesgivingpledgesofloveandundyingconfidence；thenProfessorFeatherwitspokeagain，inanentirelydifferentvein。
\"Ifnothingelse，wehaveexplodedonefallacywhichhasnevermetwithcontradiction，sofarasmypoorknowledgegoes。\"
\"Andthatis——what，unclePhaeton？\"
\"Observe，mylads，\"withawaveofhishandtowardsthosewhirlingwalls，andthenmakingadownwardmotion。\"Youseethatwearefloatinginapartialvacuum，yetwherethereisairsufficienttopreservelifeunderdifficulties。Andbylookingdownward——carefulthatyoudon’tfalloverboardthroughdizziness，though！\"
\"Looksasthoughwewerefloatingjustaboveabedofuglywind！\"
declaredWaldo，aftertakingalookbelow。
\"Precisely；theaerostatrestsuponanair-cushionamplysolidenoughtosustainfarmorethanourcombinedweight。Butwhatisthegenerallyacceptedview，mydearboys？\"
\"Youtell，forwedon’tknowhow，\"franklyacknowledgedWaldo。
\"Thanks。Yetyouarenowfarwiserthanallofthescientistswhohavewrittenandpublishedwholelibrariesconcerningthesestormformations，butwhosefallacieswearenowfullypreparedtoexplode，onceforall，throughknowledgewonbypersonalinvestigation——ahem！\"
Strangethoughitmayappear，theprofessorforgotthemutualdangerbywhichtheyweresurrounded，andtrottedoffonhishobby-horseinblissfulpride，payingnoattentiontothehideousuproargoingon，onlyraisinghisvoicehighertomakeitheardbyhisyouthfulauditors。
\"Thecommonbeliefisthat，whilethesetornadoesarehollow，eventhroughthetrunkortonguedowntoitscontactwiththeearth，thathollowiscausedbyaconstantsuction，throughwhichasteadystreamofdebrisisflowing，tobesownbroadcastformilesaroundafteremergingfromtheopentopoftheso-calledballoon。\"
\"Butitisn’tatalllikethat，\"eagerlycriedWaldo，pointingtowherethefragmentswereflowingupwardthroughthosewallsthemselves，yetfarenoughfromthathollowinteriortobebutindistinctlyseensaveonrareoccasions。\"Lookat’emscoot，willye？Oh，ifwecouldonlyclimbuplikethat！\"
ProfessorFeatherwitwaskeenlywatchingandcloselystudyingthatveryphenomenathroughall，andnowhegaveaqueerlittlechuckle，ashenoddedhisheadwithvigour，beforedrylyspeaking。
\"Well，itmightbedone；yes，itmightbedone，andthatwithnoveryseriousdifficulty，mylad。\"
\"How？Whynottryiton，then？\"
\"Tomeetwithinstantdeathoutside？\"sharplyqueriedBruno。\"Itwouldbesuicidaltomaketheattempt，evenifwecould；whichI
doubt。\"
Waldogaveasuddencry，pointingupwardwhere，farabovethatdestructivestorm，couldbeseenabraceofbuzzardsfloatingonmotionlesswings，whollyundisturbedbythetumultbelow。
\"Ifwewereonlylikethat！\"theladcried，longingly。\"Ifaflying-machinecouldbebuiltlikethoseturkey-buzzards！I
wish——well，Idosupposethey’reaboutthenastiestvarmintseverhatched，butjustnowI’dbewillingtoswap，andwouldn’taskanyboot，either！\"
Apparentlytheprofessorpaidnoattentiontothisboyishplaint，forhewasfumblinginthelocker，thenwithdrewhishandanduncoiledanordinaryfish-line，withpaintedfloatattached。
Beforeeitherbrothercouldaskaquestion，orevengiveaguessathispurpose，ProfessorPhaetonflunghookandcorkintothosecirclingcurrents，onlytohavethewholejerkedviolentlyoutofhisgrip，thelineflyingupward，tovanishfromthesightofall。
Thatjerkwaspowerfulenoughtocutthroughtheskinofhishand，buttheprofessorchuckledlikeonedelighted，ashesuckedawaythefewdropsofbloodbeforeadding：
\"Iknewit！ItCANbedone，andiftheworstshouldcometopass，whyshoulditnotbedone？\"
Beforeananswercouldbevouchsafedbyeitherofthebrothers，thepallswoopeddownuponthemoncemore，andagainthesupplyofnaturalairwasshutoff，whiletheirvesselwasrockedandswayedcrazily，justasthoughthedelayedendwasatlastuponthem。
Forseveralminutesthistortureendured，eachsecondofwhichappearedtobeanhourtothoseimperilledbeings，whosurelymusthaveperished，astheylaypinnedfasttotheflooroftheaerostatbythatpitilessweight，onlyforthepreciousair-tubesinconnectionwiththatcylinderofcompressedair。
Afteraseemingageoftormenttheawfulpressurewasrelaxed，leavingthetriogaspingandshivering，astheylaysidebyside，barelyconsciousthatlifelingered，forthemomentunabletolifthandorheadtoaideitherselforanother。
Inspiteofhisfargreaterage，ProfessorFeatherwitwasfirsttorally，andhisvoicewasaboutthefirstthingdistinguishedbythebrothers，astheirpowersbegantorally。
\"Shallwetakeourchances，dearboys？\"theprofessorwassaying，inearnesttones。\"Ibelievethereisamethodofescapingfromthishell-chamber，althoughofwhatmayliebeyond——\"
\"Itcan’twellbeworsethanthis！\"huskilygaspedBruno。
\"Anything——everything——justtogetouto’here！\"supplementedWaldo，foronceallspiritssubdued。
\"Itmaybedeathforusall，evenifwedogetoutside，\"gravelywarnedtheprofessor。\"Bearthatinmind，dearboys。Itmaybethatnotoneofuswillescapewithlife，after——\"
\"Howmuchbettertoremainhere？\"interruptedBruno。\"Ifeltdeathwouldbeamercy——then！AndI’driskanything，everything，ratherthangothroughsuchanotherordeal！Isay，——escape！\"
\"Metoo，allover！\"vigorouslydecidedWaldo，liftinghimselftobothkneesasheadded：\"Telluswhattodo，andhereIam，ondeck，uncle。\"
EvennowProfessorPhaetonhesitated，hiseyesgrowingdimmerthanusualastheyrestedupononefaceaftertheother，forrightwellheknewhowdeadlywouldbetheperilthusinvited。
But，asthebrothersrepeatedtheircry，heturnedawaytoswiftlyknotastrongtrail-ropetoaheavyirongrapnel，leavingtheotherendfirmlyattachedtoastanchionbuiltforthatexpresspurpose。
\"Holdfast，ifyouvaluelifeatall，dearboys！\"hewarned，thenadded：\"Heavenbekindtoyou，evenifmylifepaystheforfeit！
Now！\"
Withoutfurtherdelay，hecasttheheavygrapnelintothatmassofboilingvapour，thenfellflat，asanawfuljerkwasgiventheaerostat。
CHAPTERV。
THEPROFESSOR’SUNKNOWNLAND。
Therewasneithertimenoropportunityfortakingnotes，forthatlongropestraightenedoutinthefractionofasecond，throwingallprostrateastheflying-machinewasjerkedupwardwithawfulforce。
Allaroundthemragedandroaredthemightywinds，whilemissilesofalmosteverydescriptionpeltedandpoundedbothmachineandinmatesduringthosefewsecondsofextraordinaryperil。
Fortunatelyneithertheprofessornorhisnephewscouldfairlyrealisejustwhatwastakingplace，elsetheirbrainswouldhardlyhavestoodthetest；andfortunately，too，thatordealwasnotprotracted。
Ahideousexperiencewhileitlasted，thoseviciouscurrentsdraggingtheaerostatupwardoutoftheair-chamberbymeansofgrapnelandrope，thencastingallfarawayincompanywithwreckedtreesandbushes，andevensolidermaterials，allshroudedforatimeindustanddebris，whichhinderedtheeyesightofbothuncleandnephews。
ThroughitallthebrothersweredimlyawareofonefactunclePhaetonwasshrillybiddingthemclingfastandhavecourage。
Allatoncetheyfeltasthoughvomitedforthfromavolcanowhichalternatelybreathedfireandice，theclearlightofeveningburstingupontheiraching，smartingeyeswithactualpain，whilethathorridroarofwarringelementsseemedtopassawayinthedistance，leavingthem——where，andhow？
\"We’refallingto——mercifulheavens！Holdfast，all！\"screamedtheprofessor，desperatelystrivingtoregainfullcommandoftheirair-ship。\"Thetillerisjammed，but——\"
Toallseeming，theaerostathadsustainedsomefataldamageduringthatbrieferuptioncausedbytheprofessor’slittleexperiment，foritwaspitchingdrunkenlyendforend，refusingtoobeythehandofitsbuilder，bearingalltocertaindeathupontheearthfarbelow。
Halfstupefiedwithfear，thebrothersclungfasttothelife-lineandglareddownward，noting，inspiteofthemselves，howswiftlyyonderdarktree-topsandgraycragswereshootingheavenwardtomeetthemandclaimthesacrifice。
WithfierceenergyProfessorFeatherwitjerkedandwrenchedatthesteering-gear，utteringwordssuchashadlongbeenforeigntohislips，butthen——justwhendestructionappearedinevitable——awildcryburstfromhislungs，asabrokenbitofnativewoodcameawayinhislefthand，leavingtheleverfreeasofold！
Andthen，withadizzyingswoopandrapidrecovery，thegallantair-shipcamebacktoanevenkeel，sailingalongwithold-timegraceandease，barelyintimetoavoidworsemishapasthecrestofatalltreewasbrushedintheirpassage。
\"Saved，——saved，mylads！\"screamedtheprofessor，ashisheart-petsoaredupwardoncemoreuntilwellpastthedanger-line。\"Safeandsoundthroughall，——praisesbeuntotheLord，ourFather！\"
Neitherbrotherspokejustthen，fortheylaythereinhalfstupor，barelyabletorealisethewondroustruth：thattheirliveshadsurelybeensparedthem，evenasbyamiracle！
Thatswoopingturnnowbroughttheirfacestowardsthetornado，whichwasatleastacoupleofmilesdistant，rapidlymakingthatdistancegreaterevenwhilecontinuingitsworkofdestruction。
\"Andwe——wereinit！\"huskilymutteredBruno，hislidsclosingwithashiver，asheavertedhisface，unwillingtoseemore。
\"Heapsightworsethanbeinginthesoup，too，ifanybodyasksyou，\"declaredWaldo，beginningtorallybothinstrengthandinspirit。\"But——what’sthematterwiththeoldship，unclePhaeton？\"
Fortheaerostatwasindulgingitselfinsundrydistressinggyrations，prettymuchasaboy’skiteswoopsfromsidetoside，whenlackingintail-ballast，whiletheprofessorseemedunabletokeepthemachineundercompletecontrol。
\"Nothingserious，only——holdfast，all！Ibelieve’twouldbeaswelltomakeourdescent，forfearsomething——steady！\"
Justaheadthereappearedamorethanusuallyopenspaceintheforest，and，quiteasmuchbygoodluckasthroughactualskill，ProfessorFeatherwitsucceededinmakingalandingwithnomoreseriousmishapthansundrybruisesandalittleextrateeth-jarring。
Asquicklyaspossible，bothBrunoandWaldopitchedthemselvesoutofthepartiallydisabledaeromotor，theelderbrothergraspingthegrapnelandtakingacoupleofturnsofthestrongropearoundaconvenienttree-trunk，lesttheshipescapethemaltogether。
\"Noneed，mygallantboy！\"assuredtheprofessor，aninstantlater。\"Alliswell，——allISwell，thankstoanover-rulingProvidence！\"
Inspiteofthisexpressedconfidence，hehurriedlylookedoverhispetmachine，takingnoteofsuchinjuriesashadbeenreceivedduringthatremarkablejourney，onlygivingoverwhenfairlysatisfiedthatalldamagemightbereadilymadegood，afterwhichtheaerostatwouldbeastrustworthyasuponitsfirstvoyageonhigh。
Then，graspingthebrotherseachbyahand，hesmiledgenially，thenliftedeyesheavenward，toamomentlatersinkuponhiskneeswithbowedheadandhandsfoldedacrosshisbosom。
BrunoandWaldoimitatedhisaction，and，thoughnoaudiblewordswerespoken，neverweremoreheartfeltprayerssentupward，nevermoregratefulthanksgivenuntotheMostHigh。
Boy，youth，andmanalikeseemedfairlyawedintosilenceforthenextfewminutes，unabletososooncastoffthespellwhichhadfallenuponthem，oneandeach，whenrealisinghowmercifullytheirliveshadbeenspared，evenafterallearthlyhopehadbeenabandoned。
Asusual，however，Waldowasfirsttorally，and，aftersilentlymovingaroundtheaerostat，uponwhichtheprofessorwasalreadybusilyatworkbythelastgleamsofthevanishedsun，hepaused，legsseparated，andhandsthrustdeepintopockets，headperkingononesideashespoke，drawlingly：
\"Isay，unclePhaeton？\"
\"Whatisit，Waldo？\"
\"It’llneverdotobreatheevenahintofallthis，willit？\"
\"Whyso，pray？\"
\"Whoeverhearditwouldswearwewerebald-headedliarsrightfromStorytown！Andyet，——diditreallyhappen，orhaveIbeendreamingallthewaythrough？\"
ProfessorFeatherwitgaveabrief，drychuckleatthis，risingerecttocastadeliberateglancearoundtheirpresentlocation，thenspeaking：
\"WithoutIamgreatlymistaken，mydearboy，youwillhavestillothermarvelloushappeningstorelateerewereturntowhatis，rightfullyorwrongfully，calledcivilisation。\"
\"Isthatso？Thenyoureallyreckon——\"
\"Foronething，mylad，wearenowfairlyentereduponaterraincognita，sofarasourownraceisconcerned。Inotherwords，——behold，theOlympics！\"
BothBrunoandWaldocasttheireyesaround，butonlyacircumscribedviewwastheirs。Theshadesofeveningweresettlingfast，andonallsidestheycouldseebutmightytrees，ruggedrocks，amountainstreamfromwhosepebblybedcameasoothingmurmur。
\"Nothingsomightymuchtobragof，anyway，\"irreverentlyquothWaldo，afterthatshort-livedscrutiny。\"Itwouldn’tfetchadollaranacreatauction，andformypart，——wonderwhenthegongwillsoundforsupper？\"
Thatblunthintwaseffective，and，lettingthesubjectdropforthetimebeing，eventheprofessorjoinedinthehurryforaneveningmeal，towhichoneandallfeltabletodofulljustice。
Althoughsomerainhadfallenatthispointaswell，noseriousdifficultywasexperiencedinkindlingafire，whileWaldohadlittletroubleinheapingupabounteoussupplyoffuel。
Throughcountlessagestheforestmonarchshadbeensheddingtheirsuperfluousboughs，whilehereandtherelayanentiretree，overthrownbysomeunknownpower，anduponwhichthebrothersmadeheavyrequisition。
ProfessorFeatherwittookfromthelockerasupplyoftinnedgoods，togetherwithapatentcoffee-potandfrying-pan，soconvenientwherespaceisscarceandstowage-roomprecious。
Withwaterfromthelittleriver，ittookbutafewminutesmoretoscenttheeveningwithgratefulfumes，afterwhichtheadventuroustriosquattedthereintheruddyglow，eating，sipping，chatting，nowandagainforcedtogivethanksfortheirreallymiraculouspreservationafterallhumanhopeshadbeenexhausted。
AlthoughProfessorFeatherwitwasbutlittlelessthankfulforthewondrousleniencyshownthem，hecouldnotaltogetherrefrainfrommourningthelossofhiscamera，withitsmanysnap-shotsatthetornadoitself，tosaynothingofwhathemighthavesecuredinaddition，whileridingthestormsomarvellously。
Moretotakehisthoughtsawayfromthatlossthanthroughactualcuriosityinthesubjectofferedbywayofsubstitute，Brunoaskedforfurtherlightupontheso-calledterraincognita。
\"Ofcourseitisn’treallyanunknownland，though，unclePhaeton？\"headded，almostapologetically。\"Inthisage，anduponourowncontinent，suchathingisamongtheimpossibilities。\"
\"Indeed？And，pray，howlongsincehasitbeenthatyouwould，withatleastequalpositivity，havedeclareditimpossibletoenteratornadowhileinwildestcareer，yetemergefromitwithlifeandlimbintact？\"
\"Yes，uncle，but——thisisdifferent，byfar。\"
\"Inonesense，yes；inanother，no，\"affirmedtheprofessor，withemphaticnod，brushingthetipsofhisfingerstogether，ashemovedbacktoassumeamorecomfortablepositioninsidetheair-ship，thenquicklypreparingapipeandtobaccoforhisregularafter-mealsmoke。
Abriefsilence，thentheprofessorspoke，clearly，distinctly：
\"Washingtonhashergreatunknownland，quiteasmuchashastheinteriorofDarkestAfrica，myboys，besidesenjoyingthispeculiaradvantage：whileadventurouswhitemenhavetraversedthosebenightedregionsineverydirection，eventhoughlittlepermanentgoodmayhavebeenaccomplished，thisterraincognitaremainsvirgininthatparticularsenseoftheword。\"
\"Youmean，uncle？\"
\"ThathereintheOlympicregionyouseewhatisliterallyanunknown，unexploredscopeofcountry，asforeigntothefootofmankindasitwascountlessagesgoneby。Sofarashistoryreads，neitherwhitemannorredhaseverventuredfairlywithintheselimits；amountainouswastewhichrisesfromthelevelcountry，withintenorfifteenmilesoftheStraitsofSanJuandeFuca，inthenorth，thePacificOceaninthewest，Hood’sCanalintheeast，andthebarrensand-hillslyingtothefarsouth。
\"ThisirregularrangeisknownuponthemapastheOlympics，and，risingtotheheightoffromsixtoeightthousandfeet，shutinavastunexploredarea。
\"TheIndianshaveneverpenetratedit，sofarascanbeascertained，fortheirtraditionssaythatitisinhabitedbyaveryfiercetribeofwarriors，beforewhosemightandstrangeweaponsnotoneofthecoasttribescanstand。\"
\"OneoftheLostTribesofIsrael，shouldn’twonder，\"drawlinglyvolunteeredWaldo，stiflingayawn，andforcedtorubhisinflamedeyeswithasurreptitiouspaw。
ProfessorFeatherwit，thoughplainlyabsorbedinhiscurioustheory，wasyetquicktodetectthisevidenceofweariness，andlaughedabit，withchangeofbothtoneandmanner，ashespokefurther：
\"Thatformsbutapartialintroductorytomylecture，dearlads，butperhapsitmightbeaswelltopostponetherestforamorepropitiousoccasion。Youhaveundergonesoretrials，bothof——Hark！\"
Somesoundcametohiskeenears，whichthebrothersfailedtocatch，butastheybenttheirheadsinlistening，anothernoisecame，whichprovedstartlingenough，inallconscience，——ashrill，maniacalscreech，whichsentcoldchillsrunningracesupeachspine。
CHAPTERVI。
ABRACEOFUNWELCOMEVISITORS。
Instinctivelythebrothersdrewnearereachother，asthoughformutualprotection，eachonelettinghanddroptobeltwherearevolverwashabituallycarried，butwhichwaslackingnow，thankstothegreathastewithwhichtheyhadtakenwingattheapproachofthetornado。
\"Whatisit？Whatcanitmean？\"askedBrunoandWaldo，almostinthesamebreath，asthosefierceechoesdiedawayinthedistance。
ProfessorFeatherwitmadenoimmediatereply，butbytheglowofyondercamp-firehefumbledinsidethemagiclocker，fetchingforthfirearms，thenspeakinginhushedtones：
\"Wait。Listenfor——Iknewit！\"
Fromtheoppositequartercamewhatmighteasilyhavebeenanechoofthatfirstwildscreech，onlylouder，longer，moresavage，ifsuchathingbepossible。
Preparedthoughtheynowwere，neitherbrothercouldrefrainfromshrinkingandshuddering，sohideouslythatcrysoundedintheirears。Buttheirunclespokeincool，cleartones：
\"Thereisnothingsupernaturalaboutthat，mylads。Apantherormountainlion，Idaresay，scentingthefumesofourcookery，andcomingtoclaimashare。\"
\"Thenitisn’t——Nothingspookish，unclePhaeton？\"venturedWaldo，inslightlyunsteadytones。
Theprofessorgaveswiftassuranceuponthatpoint，and，rallyingasfewyoungsterswouldhavedoneunderlikecircumstances，thebrothersgraspedtheweaponssuppliedtheirhands，waitingandwatchingforwhatwastocome。
Once，twice，thricethosesavagecallsechoedfarandwide，butwitheachrepetitionlosingaportionoftheirterrors；andknowingnowthatprowlingbeastssurelyweredrawingnighthecamp-fire，theflyingmachinewasabandonedbythetrio，alldrawingclosertothefire，whichmightprovenoslightprotectionagainstattack。
Thenfollowedaperiodofuttersilence，duringwhichtheireyesrovedrestlesslyaround，strivingtosightthefour-footedenemyereanactualattackcouldbemade。
ProfessorFeatherwitwasfirsttoglimpseapairofgreenisheyesinsilentmotion，and，givingalowhissofwarningtohisnephews，thatsamesoundservingtocheckfurtherprogressonthepartofthewildbeast，hisshortriflecametoalevel，thenemittedapeculiarsound。
Onlythekeenestofearscouldhavenotedthat，foronlythefractionofaninstantlaterfollowedasharpexplosion，thedarknessbeyondbeingbrieflylitupbyayellowishglare。
\"That’senough，——bewareitsmate！\"criedtheprofessor，keenlyalertforwhatevermightensue；butthewordswerebarelyacrosshislipswhen，withavicioussnarl，afurryshapecameflyingthroughtheair，knockingFeatherwitoverasheinstinctivelyduckedhisheadwitharmflyingupasadditionalguard。
Bothmanandbeastcameverynearfallingintothefireitself，andthereensuedawild，confusedscramble，outofwhichthebrotherssingledtheirenemy，Waldoopeningfirewitharevolver，atcloserange，eachshotcausingtheliontoyellandsnarlmostferociously。
Acat-likerecovery，thenthefatalleapmighthavefollowed，fortheconfusedprofessorwasrisingtohisfeetagain，fairlyinfrontoftheenragedbrute；butereworsecame，WaldoandBrunoweretotherescue，onefiringasrapidlyaspossible，hisbrotherdrivingakeen-bladedknifetotheveryhiltjustbackofthatquiveringforearm。
Onemadwrestle，inwhichbothladswereoverthrown，thenthegauntandmuscularbrutestretcheditslengthinashiveringthroe，deadevenwhileitstrovetoslay。
Justastheprofessorhurriedtothefront，beseechinghisboystokeepoutofperiliftheylovedhim；atwhichWaldolaughedoutright，althoughneverhadhefeltawarmerloveforthesameodd-speaking，queer-actingpersonagethanrightatthatmoment。
\"I’mallright；how’sitwithyou，sir？And——Bruno？\"
\"Withoutascratchtorememberitby，\"promptlyassertedtheelderbrother，likewiseregaininghisfeetandtakinghastyaccountofstock。\"Nofaultofhis，though！\"givingthatcarcassakickashespoke。\"Mygracious！Icaughtjustoneglimpseofthem，andIwasreadytomakeaffidavitthateachfangwouldmeasureafoot，whilehisclaws——\"
\"Wouldpassthroughanelephantandclinchontheotherside，\"
declaredWaldo，stoopingfarenoughtoliftoneofthosearmedpaws。\"But，Isay，Bruno，howawfullytheyhaveshrunk，sincethen！\"
Whethersointendedornot，thischaracteristicbreakcausedamutuallaugh，and，astherewasneithersoundnorsignoffurtherdangerfromlikesource，oneandallsatisfiedtheircuriositybyminutelyinspectingthehugebrute，stirringupthefireforthatpurpose。
\"Anuglycustomer，indeed，ifwehadgivenhimanythinglikeafairshow，\"gravelyutteredtheprofessor。\"Onlyforyourpromptassistance，mydearboys，whatwouldhavebecomeofpoorme？\"
\"Weactedonourownaccount，aswell，pleaseremember，uncle。
Andevenso，afterallyouhavedoneforussince——\"
\"Whatwasityoushotat，unclePhaeton？\"interruptedWaldo，whowasconstitutionallyaversetoaughtwhichsavouredofsentiment。
\"Anotheroneofthese——littlesquirrels，wasit？\"
Snatchingupablazingbrand，theladmovedoffinthatdirection，whirlingthetorcharoundhisheaduntilitburstintoclearflame，thenloweringitclosertoabloodyheapoffurandpowerfullimbs，togiveashortejaculationofwonderingawe。
Itwasaheadlessbodyuponwhichhegazed，raggedfragmentsofskinandafewsplintersofbonealoneremainingtotellthatasolidskullhadsorecentlybeenthereon。
ProfessorPhaetongaveanotherofhispeculiarlittlechuckles，ashedrewnear，thenpattedthecompactlittleriflewithwhichhehadwroughtsuchextraordinarywork：aweaponofhisowninvention，aswerethedynamite-filledshellstomatch。
\"AlthoughIamratherpunymyself，boys，withthisneatlittlecontrivanceIcouldfairlywellholdmyownagainstmanorbeast，\"hemodestlyaverred。
\"AmodernDavid，\"gravelyaddedBruno，whileWaldochimedinwith：
\"WhatadandyJacktheGiant-killeryouwouldhavebeen，unclePhaeton，ifyouhadonlylivedinthegoodolddays！Iwish——andyetIdon’t，either！Ofcourse，itmighthavebeenjollyoldsportrightthen，butnow，——where’dIbe，to-day？\"
\"Adayonwhichhashappenedamiraclefarmoremarvellousthanallthathasbeensetdowninfairylandromance，mydearson，\"
earnestlyspoketheprofessor。\"Andwhentheastoundingtruthshallhavebeenpublished，broadcast，throughoutallChristendom，whatpraises——\"
\"Howthoroughlyweshallbebrandedliars，andfalsificationersfrom’wayupthecrick’！\"explodedtheyoungster，makingawrygrimaceandmovingontoviewtheheadlesslionfromadifferentstandpoint。
\"Hemeanswell，unclePhaeton，\"assuredBruno，inloweredtones。
\"Hewouldnotknowinglyhurtyourfeelings，sir，but——mayIspeakout？\"
\"Whynot？\"quickly。\"SurelyIamnotonetostandinaweof，lad？\"
\"Onetobelovedandreverenced，rather，\"withpoorlyhiddenemotion；thenrallying，toadd，\"Butwhenonefindsitimpossibletorealiseallthathashappenedthisafternoon，whenonefeelsafraidtoevenmakeaneffortatsuchbelief，howcantheboybeblamedforfeelingthatallotherswouldpronounceusmador——wilfulliars？\"
ProfessorPhaetonsawthepoint，andmadeawrygrimacewhileroughinguphispompadourandbrushinghiscloselytrimmedbeardwithdoubtfulhand。Afterall，wasthewholetruthtobeeverspoken？
\"Well，well，wecandeterminemoreclearlyafterfullyweighingthesubject，\"hesaid，turningbacktowardstheflying-machine。
\"And，afterall，whathashappenedtousthusfarmaynotseemsoutterlyincredibleafterourexplorationsarecompleted。\"
\"Ofthisregion，doyoumean，sir？\"
\"OftheOlympicmountains，andalltheirmountainouschainmayencompass，——yes，\"curtlyspokethemanofhopes，steppinginsidetheaerostattoperfecthisarrangementsforthenight。
Waldotookgreaterpleasureinviewingthemountainliontowardswhosedestructionhehadsoliberallycontributed，butwhenhespokeofremovingtheskin，Brunoobjected。
\"Whytakesomuchtroublefornothing，Waldo？Evenifwecouldstowthepeltsawayonboard，theywouldmakeafarfromagreeableburden。AndifwhatIfancyliesbeforeusistocometrue，themorelightlyweareweighted，themorelikelywearetocomesafelyto——well，callitcivilisation，justforachange。\"
\"ThenyoubelievethatunclePhaetonisreallyinearnestaboutexploringthisregion，Bruno？\"
\"Hemostassuredlyis。Didyoueverknowhimtospeakidly，ortobeotherwisethaninearnest，Waldo？\"
\"Well，ofcourseuncleisallright，but——sometimes——\"
Afriendlypalmslippedoverthoselips，cuttingshortthespeechwhichmightperchancehaveleftastingbehind。Andyettheworthyprofessorhadnomoreenthusiasticacolytethanthissamerecklessspeakingyoungster，whenthetruthwasalltold。
Leavingtheanimalswheretheyhadfallen，forthetimebeing，thebrotherspassedovertowhererestedtheaeromotor，findingtheprofessorbusilyengagedinriggingupaseriesoffinewires，completelysurroundingtheflying-machine，saveforonenarrow，gate-likearrangement。
\"Beginningtofeelasthoughyoucouldturninforallnight，eh，myboys？\"camehischeerygreeting。
\"Well，somehowIdofeelasthough’thesandman’hadbeenmakinghisroundsratherearlierthancustomary，\"drylysaidWaldo，winkingrapidly。\"Ibelievetheremusthavebeenabitmorewindastirto-daythancommon，althoughneitherofyoumayhavenoticedthefact。\"
ProfessorFeatherwitchuckledsoftlywhileatwork，butneitherhenorBrunomadereplyinwords。Andthen，hisarrangementsperfectedsaveforclosingthecircuit，whichcouldonlybedoneafterallhandshadenteredtheair-ship，hespoketothepoint：
\"Come，boys。You’vehadaroughbitofexperiencethisday，andtheremaybestillfurthertroubleinstore，hereinthisunknownland。Bettermakesureofafullnight’srest，andthushaveareservefundtodrawuponincaseofneed。\"
Therewasplentyofsoundcommonsenseinthisadjuration，and，onlytakingtimetoprocureacanoffreshwaterfromyonderstream，thetwoyoungsterssteppedwithinthatcharmedcircle，permittingtheiruncletoclosethecircuit，andthentestthequeercontrivancetomakesureallwasworkingnicely。
Aconfusedsoundbrokeforth，resemblingthefarawaytootingoftinhorns，whichblendedinharmoniouslywiththeringingofnearerbells，allproducinganoisewhichwaswarrantedtoarousetheheaviestsleeperfromhissoundestslumber。
\"Thatwillgivefairwarningincaseanyintruderdriftsthisway，\"declaredtheprofessor，chucklingly，thensinkingdownandwrappinghimselfupinaclose-wovenblanket，similartothoseemployedbytheboys。
\"Evenaghost，oragoblin，doyoureckon，unclePhaeton？\"
\"Shouldsuchattempttointrude，yes。Gotosleep，youyoungrascal！\"
Butthatprovedtobefarmorereadilyspokenthanlivedupto。
Notbutthatthebrotherswereweary，jaded，andsoreofmuscleenoughtomakeeventhethoughtofslumberagreeable；buttheirrecentexperiencehadbeensothrilling，sonerve-straining，sofarapartfromtheordinaryroutineoflife，thathourspassedereeitherladcouldfairlylosehimselfinsleep。
Still，whenunconsciousnessdidstealovertheirwearybrains，itprovedtobeallthemorecomplete，andafterthatneitherBrunonorWaldostirredhandorfootuntil，wellafterthedawnofanewday，ProfessorFeatherwitshookfirstoneandthentheother，cryingshrilly：
\"Turnout，youngsters！Anewday，andplentyofworktobedone！\"
CHAPTERVII。
THEPROFESSOR’SGREATANTICIPATIONS。
Astretchandayawn，whichinWaldo’scaseendedinaprolongedhowl，whichwouldnothavedisgracedeitheroftheirfour-footedvisitorsofthepastevening，thenthebrothersGillespiesprungforthfromtheflying-machine，enteringuponaraceforthebrawlingmountainstream，\"shedding\"theirgarmentsastheyran。
\"Firstmanin！\"criedBruno，whoseclothesseemedtoslipoffthemorereadily；butWaldowasnottobeoutdonesoeasily，and，recklessoftheconsequences，heplungedintotheeddyingpool，withfullyhalfofhisdaylightrigstillinplace。
Thewaterprovedtobeconsiderablydeeperthaneitherbrotherhadanticipated，andWaldovanishedfromsightforafewseconds，thenreappearingwithlustypuffandsplutter，shakingthepearlydropsfromhisclose-clippedcurls，whileranting：
\"Anothervilefabricationnailedtothestandardoftruth，andclinchedbythehammerof——ouch！\"
Awildflounder，thentheyoungsterfairlydoubledhimselfup，actingsostrangelythatBrunogavealittlecryofalarm；buteretheelderbrothercouldtakefurtheraction，Waldoswunghisrightarmupwardandoutward，sendingagoodlysizedtroutflashingthroughtheairtotheshore，cryinginboyishenthusiasm：
\"Gloryingreatchunks！Iwanttocamprighthereforayeartocome！Willyelookatthatnow？\"
Brunohadtododgethatwrithingmissile，and，beforehecouldfairlyrecoverhimself，Waldohadflounderedashore，leavingayeastyturmoilinhiswake，butthenthrowingupadrippinghand，andspeakinginanexaggeratedwhisper：
\"Whist，boy！Onyourlife，notsomuchastheghostofawhimper！Thehole’sramjammedchuckfulloftrout，andwe’llhaveamealfitforthegodsif——where’smyfishingtackle？\"
Brunopickedupthetrout，soqueerlybroughttolight，reallysurprised，butfeigningstillfurther，ashemadehisexamination。
\"ItreallyISatrout，and——howlonghaveyoucarriedthisaboutinyourclothes，WaldoGillespie？\"
\"Notlongenoughforyoutobuildadecentjokeoverit，brothermine。Justhappenedso。Triedtoramitsnoseinoneofmypockets，andofcourseIhadtotakehiminoutofthewet。
Pool’sjustfullofthem，too，andIwouldn’twonderif——oh，quityourtalking，anddosomething，can’tyou，boy？\"
Vigorouslythoughhespoke，Waldowoundupwithashiverandsharpchatterofteethasthefreshmorningairstruckthroughhisdrippinggarments。Hegaveacoltishprance，asheturnedtoseekhisfishingtackle；but，unfortunatelyforhishopesofspeedysport，theprofessorwasnighenoughtobothseeandhear，andatoncetookchargeoftherecklessyoungster。
\"Wettothehide，anduponanemptystomach，too！Youfoolishchild！Come，striptothebuff，andputonsomeofthesegarmentsuntil——herebythefire，Waldo。\"
Andthustakenintow，theladwasforcedtoslowlybutthoroughlytoasthispersonbesidethefreshlystartedfire，ruefullywatchinghisbrotherdeftlyhandlerodandline，inaremarkablyshortspaceoftimekillingtroutenoughtofurnishallwithabounteousmeal。
\"AndIwasthediscoverer，whileyoureapallthecredit，haveallthefun！\"dolefullylamentedWaldo，whenthecatchwasdisplayedwithanostentationwhichmayhavecoveredjustatinybitofmalice。\"I’llputatinearonyou，AmerigoVespucius！\"
\"Allright；we’llhaveamerrygotogether，afteryou’vecleanedthetroutforcooking，lad，\"laughedhiselder。
Waldogazedreproachfullyintothatbrightfaceforabriefspace，thenbowedheadinjoinedhands，tosobinheartfeltfashion，hissturdyframeshakingwithpoorlysuppressedgrief——ormirth？
Brunopassedanarmcaressinglyoverthoseshoulders，murmuringwordsofcomfort，earnestlypromisingtoneversinagaininlikemanner，providedhecouldfindforgivenessnow。Andthen，withdefttouch，thatsamehandheldhisgarmentfarenoughforitsmatetoletslipawrigglingtroutadownhisbrother’sback。
Waldohowledandjumpedwildly，asthecoldmorselslippedalonghisspine，andduckingoutofreach，theelderjestercalledback：
\"Landhim，boy，andyou’vecaughtanotherfish！\"
Althoughlaughingheartilyhimself，ProfessorFeatherwitdeemeditapartofwisdomtointerferenow，and，erelong，mattersquieteddown，allhandsengagedinpreparingthemorningmeal，forwhichallteethwerenowfairlyonedge。
Ifgoodnaturehadbeenatalldisturbed，longbeforethatbreakfastwasdespatcheditwasfullyrestored，andofthetrio，Waldoappearedtobethemostenthusiasticoverpresentprospects。
\"Why，justthinkofit，willyou？\"hedeclaimed，aswellasmightbewithmouthfullofcrisplyfriedmountaintrout。\"wherethegamecomesbeggingforyoutobowlitover，andtheveryfishtrytojumpintoyourpockets——\"
\"Ordownyourback，Amerigo，\"interjectedBruno，withagrin。
\"Buttonup，oryou’llturntobeaSorry-cus——tomer，oldman，\"
cametheswiftretort，withaportentousfrown。\"But，jokingaside，whynot？Withsuchhuntingandfishing，I’dbewillingtosignacontractforaroundyearinthisregion。\"
\"Tosaynothingofexploration，andsuchdiscoveriesasnaturallyattendupon——\"
\"Thenyoureallymeanitall，unclePhaeton？\"
Leaningbackfarenoughtopluckahandfulofgreenleaves，whichfairlywellservedthepurposeofanapkin，ProfessorFeatherwitbroughtforthpipeandpouch，maintainingsilenceuntilthefragranttobaccowaswellalight。Thenhegaveavigorousnodofhishead，toutter：
\"Ithasbeenthedearestdreamofmylifeformoreyearsgonebythanyouwouldreadilycredit，mylads；or，infact，thanIwouldbewhollywillingtoconfess。AnditwaswithaneyesingletothisveryadventurethatIlabouredtodeviseandperfectyondermachine。\"
\"Amarvelinitself，unclePhaeton。Onlyforthat，wherewouldwehavebeen，yesterday？\"seriouslyspoketheelderGillespie。
\"Iknowwherewewouldn’thavebeen：insidethatblessedcy-nado！\"
\"Norhere，whereyoucancatchbrooktroutinyourclotheswithoutthetroubleoftakingthemoff，youngster。\"
\"Andwhereyou’llcatchaprecioushiding，withoutyouletupharpingonthatoldstring；it’swayoutoftunealready，oldman，\"
\"Titfortat。Excuseus，please，unclePhaeton。We’relikecoltsinfreshpasture，thismorning，\"brightlyapologisedBruno，forboth。
Apparentlytheprofessorpaidnoattentiontothatbitofsparringbetweenhisnephews，staringintotheglowingcamp-firewitheyeswhichsurelysawmorethanyellowcoalsorruddyflamescouldpicture；eyeswhichburnedandsparkledwithallthefiresofdistantyouth。
\"Thedearestdreamofallmylife！\"herepeated，inhalfdreamytones，onlytorousehimself，withaastartandshouldershake，aninstantlater，forcingabrightsmileasheglancedfromfacetoface。\"Andwhynot？Howbettercouldmylastyearsbeemployedthaninpiercingthecloudsofmystery，anddoubt，andsuperstition，withwhichthisvasttracthasbeenenvelopedforuncountedages？\"
\"Isitreallysounknown，then，unclePhaeton？\"hesitatinglyaskedBruno，touched，inspiteofhimself，bythatintenselyearnesttoneandexpression。\"Ofcourse，IknowwhattheIndianssay；theyarefullofarudesortofsuperstitiousawe，which——\"
\"Whichisoneofthesurestproofsthattruthformsafoundationforthatverysuperstition，\"quicklyinterjectedtheprofessor。
\"Itisanundisputedfactthattherearehundredsuponhundredsofsquaremilesofterraincognita，lyinginthiscornerofWashingtonTerritory。Nowhitemaneverfairlypenetratedthesewilds，evensofaraswemayhavebeencarriedwhileridingthetornado。Or，ifso，heassuredlyhasneverreturned，ormadeknownhisdiscoveries。\"
\"Providedtherewasanythingbeyondtheordinarytoseeorexperience，shouldn’tweadd，uncle？\"suggestedWaldo，modestly。
\"Thereis，——theremustbe！Nomatterhowwildlyimprobabletheirtraditionsmayseeminourjudgment，itonlytakescalminvestigationtobringafairfoundationtolight。Inregardtothisvastscopeofcountry，gowhereyouwillamongthenatives，questionwhomyouseefit，astoitssecrets，andyouwillmeetwiththesameresults：adeep-seatedawe，abeliefwhichcannotbeshaken，thatherestrangemonstersbreedandflourish，matchedinmagnitudeandpowerbyanarmedraceofhumanbeings，beforewhoseawfulmightothertribesarebutasantsinthepathwayofanelephant。\"
Waldoletescapealow，prolongedwhistleofmingledwonderandincredulity，butBrunogavehimacovertkick，himselftoodeeplyinterestedtobearwithacarelessinterruptionjustthen。
\"Ofcoursetheremaybesomethingofexaggerationinallthis，\"
admittedtheenthusiasticprofessor。\"Undoubtedly，thereisatleastafairspiceofthat；but，evenso，enoughremainstobothwakenandholdourkeenestinterest。Listen，andtakeheed，mygoodlads。
\"Youhaveoftenenough，oflatedays，noticedthesemountains，andifyouremarktheiraltitude，thevastscopeofcountrytheydominate，thepositiontheyfill，youmustlikewiserealiseoneotherfact：thatanimmensequantityofsnowinwinter，raininspringandautumn，surelymustfallthroughouttheOlympics。
Understand？\"
\"Certainly；whynot，unclePhaeton？\"
\"Thentellmethis：wheredoesallthemoisturegoto？Whatbecomesofthesurpluswaters？Foritisanacknowledgedfactthat，thoughriversandbrookssurelyexistintheOlympics，notoneofeitherflowsawayfromthiswidetractofcountry！\"
Theprofessorpausedforaminute，tolethiswordstakefulleffect，thenevenmorepositivelyproceeded：
\"Youmaysay，whatIhavehadothersofferbywayofsolution，thatallisdrainedintoamightyinlandseaorenormouslake。
Grantingsomuch，whichIreallybelievetobethetruthasfarasitgoes，whydoesthatlakeneveroverflow？Ofallthatsurelymustdrainintoitsbasin，bethatenormouslywideanddeepasitmay，howmuchcouldordinaryevaporationdisposeof？
Onlyaninfinitesimalportion；scarcelyworthmentioninginsuchconnection。Then，——whatbecomesofthesurplusage？\"
Anotherpause，duringwhichneitherGillespieventuredasolution；thentheprofessorofferedhisownsuggestion：
\"Itmustflowoffinsomemanner，andwhatothermannercanthatbethan——throughasubterraneanconnectionwiththePacificOcean？\"
Brunogaveashortejaculationatthis，whileWaldobrokeforthinwords，afterhisownparticularfashion：
\"JulesVerneredivivus！Whycan’tWEtakeatripthroughthecentreoftheearth，or——or——anyotherlittleoldthinglikethat？\"
\"Withthetankofcompressedairasalife-preserver？\"laughedBruno，inturn。\"Thatmightserve，but；unfortunately，wehaveonlytheone，andwearethreeinnumber，boy。\"
\"Onlytwo，now；I’msquelched！\"sighedthejester，faintly。
Iftheprofessorheard，heheedednot。Stillstaringwithvacantgazeintothefire，hisfacebearingaraptexpressioncurioustosee，hebrokeintoalmostunconsciousspeech：
\"Anenormousinlandsea！Wherefloatthemightyichthyosaurus，themegalosaurus，incompanywiththegiganticplesiosaurus！Uponwhoseslopingshoresdisporttheenormousmastodon，thestatelymegatherium，thetremendous——eh？\"
ForWaldowasnowafoot，brandishingagreatbranchbrokenfromadeadtree，utteringvaliantwar-whoops，anddealingtremendousblowsuponanimaginaryenemy，spoutingatthetopofhisvoiceafrenziedjargon，whichneitherhisauditorsnorhimselfcouldpossiblymakesenseoutof。