[CHAPTER XII.]
AT THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH.
Monsieur Roger, hiding his satisfaction, seemed to attach no importance to this request of Miette under the assent given by Paul. Wishing to profit by the awakened curiosity of his little friend, he hastened to continue, and said,—
"Who wants to bring me a bit of cork and a glass of water?"
"I! I!" cried Miette, running.
When Miette had returned with the articles, Monsieur Roger continued:
"I told you a moment ago that if balloons and smoke and clouds do not fall, it is because they find themselves in the midst of air which is heavier than they are. I am going to try an experiment which will make you understand what I have said."
Monsieur Roger took the cork, raised his hand above his head, and opened his fingers: the cork fell.
"Is it a heavy body?" said he. "Did it fall to the ground?"