Robur the Conqueror by Jules Verne
page 109 of 217 (50%)
page 109 of 217 (50%)
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hill like the most important of the forts of Paris on the slope of
Mont Valerien. "That would be Venice," said Phil Evans, "if we were in Europe." "And if we, were in Europe," answered Uncle Prudent, "we should know how to find the way to America." The "Albatross" did not linger over the lake through which the river flows, but continued her flight down the valley of the Hydaspes. For half an hour only did she descend to within thirty feet of the river and remained stationary. Then, by means of an india-rubber pipe, Tom Turner and his men replenished their water supply, which was drawn up by a pump worked by the accumulators. Uncle Prudent and Phil Evans stood watching the operation. The same idea occurred to each of them. They were only a few feet from the surface of the stream. They were both good swimmers. A plunge would give them their liberty; and once they had reached the river, how could Robur get them back again? For his propellers to work, he must keep at least six feet above the ground. In a moment all the chances pro and con were run over in their heads. In a moment they were considered, and the prisoners rushed to throw themselves overboard, when several pairs of hands seized them by the shoulders. They had been watched; and flight was utterly impossible. This time they did not yield without resisting. They tried to throw |
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