That morning, the 3rd of December, they were awakened by a joyful but unexpected noise. It was the crowing of a cock in the interior of their vehicle.
Michel Ardan was the first to get up; he climbed to the top of the projectile and closed a partly-open case.
"Be quiet," said he in a whisper. "That animal will spoil my plan!"
In the meantime Nicholl and Barbicane awoke.
"Was that a cock?" said Nicholl.
"No, my friends," answered Michel quickly. "I wished to awake you with that rural sound."
So saying he gave vent to a cock-a-doodle-do which would have done honour to the proudest of gallinaceans.
The two Americans could not help laughing.
"A fine accomplishment that," said Nicholl, looking suspiciously at his companion.
"Yes," answered Michel, "a joke common in my country. It is very Gallic.
We perpetrate it in the best society."