The doctor, much disquieted, resolved to ascend so as to escape this dangerous proximity. He therefore dilated the hydrogen in his balloon, and it rapidly rose.
But the condors mounted with him, apparently determined not to part company.
"They seem to mean mischief!" said the hunter, c*****g his rifle.
And, in fact, they were swooping nearer, and more than one came within fifty feet of them, as if defying the fire-arms.
"By George, I'm itching to let them have it!" exclaimed Kennedy.
"No, d**k; not now! Don't exasperate them needlessly. That would only be exciting them to attack us!"
"But I could soon settle those fellows!"
"You may think so, d**k. But you are wrong!"
"Why, we have a bullet for each of them!"
"And suppose that they were to attack the upper part of the balloon, wha
