The enormous projectile was taken to the summit of Stony Hill. There enormous cranes seized it and held it suspended over the metal well.
This was an anxious moment. If the chains were to break under the enormous weight the fall of such a mass would inevitably ignite the gun-cotton.
Happily nothing of the sort happened, and a few hours afterwards the projectile-compartment rested on its pyroxyle bed, a veritable fulminating pillow. The only effect of its pressure was to ram the charge of the gun more strongly.
"I have lost," said the captain, handing the sum of 3,000 dollars to
President Barbicane.
Barbicane did not wish to receive this money from his travelling companion, but he was obliged to give way to Nicholl, who wished to fulfil all his engagements before leaving the earth.
"Then," said Michel Ardan, "there is but one thing I wish for you now, captain."
"What is that?" asked Nicholl.
"It is that you may lose your other two wagers. By that means we shall be sure not to be stopped on the road."