“‘ It could not burn longer in this rarefied air!’ said Zambecarri.
“The moon had not risen; the atmosphere was plunged in horrible darkness.
“‘ I am cold, I am cold, Andreoli! What shall we do?’
“The unfortunate men slowly descended through a layer of white clouds.
“‘Hush!’ said Andreoli; ‘do you hear—‘
“‘ What?’ replied Zambecarri.
“‘A singular noise!’
“‘You are mistaken!’
“‘No!—Do you see those midnight travellers, listening to that incomprehensible sound? Have they struck against a rower? Are they about to be precipitated on the roofs? Do you hear it? It is like the sound of the ocean!’
“‘Impossible!’