In each case the blacks showed
every appearance of fright at the sight of the airship throbbing
along over their heads.
On passing over the lake, Ned Newton looked down and cried out
excitedly:
"Look! Elephants! They're in swimming, and the natives are shooting
them! Now's our chance, Tom!"
Mr. Anderson and Mr. Durban, after a quick glance, drew back
laughing.
"Those are hippopotami!" exclaimed the old elephant man. "Good
hunting, if you don't care what you shoot, but not much sport in it.
It will be some time yet before we see any elephants, boys."
Ned was rather chagrined at his mistake, but the African travelers
told him that any one, not familiar with the country, would have
made it, especially in looking down from a great height.
They sailed along about half a mile above the earth, Tom gradually
increasing the speed of the ship, as he found the machinery to be
working well. Dinner was served as they were crossing a high grassy
plateau, over which could be seen bounding a number of antelopes.
"Some of those would go good for a meal," said Mr. Durban, after a
pause during which he watched the graceful creatures.
"Then we'll go down and get some for supper," decided Tom, for in
that hot climate it was impossible to carry fresh meat on the
airship.
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