of the chariot was adorned with banners, and a superb festoon of laurel
that formerly shaded me on horseback. And now, having given you a very
concise description of my machine for travelling into Africa, which you
must allow to be far superior to the apparatus of Monsieur Vaillant, I
shall proceed to relate the exploits of my voyage.



CHAPTER XXIII

_The Baron proceeds on his voyage--Convoys a squadron to Gibraltar
--Declines the acceptance of the island of Candia--His chariot
damaged by Pompey's Pillar and Cleopatra's Needle--The Baron out-does
Alexander--Breaks his chariot, and splits a great rock at the Cape of
Good Hope._

Taking the reins in my hand, while the music gave a general salute, I
cracked my whip, away they went, and in three hours I found myself just
between the Isle of Wight and the main land of England. Here I remained
four days, until I had received part of my accompaniment, which I was
ordered to take under my convoy. 'Twas a squadron of men-of-war that had
been a long time prepared for the Baltic, but which were now destined
for the Mediterranean. By the assistance of large hooks and eyes,
exactly such as are worn in our hats, but of a greater size, some
hundredweight each, the men-of-war hooked themselves on to the wheels of
the vehicle: and, in fact, nothing could be more simple or convenient,
because they could be hooked or unhooked in an instant with the utmost
facility. In short, having given a general discharge of their artillery,
and three cheers, I cracked my whip, away we went, helter skelter,
and in six jiffies I found myself and all my retinue safe and in good