Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne

The capital of Bornou -- The islands of the Biddiomahs -- The condors -- The doctor's anxieties -- His precautions -- An attack in midair -- The balloon covering torn -- The fall -- Sublime self-sacrifice -- The northern coast of the lake.

Since its arrival at Lake Tchad, the balloon had struck a current that edged it farther to the westward. A few clouds tempered the heat of the day, and, besides, a little air could be felt over this vast expanse of water; but about one o'clock, the Victoria, having slanted across this part of the lake, again advanced over the land for a space of seven or eight miles.