Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1866-11-03

am an old man now, but there is one
incident WHICH occurred during the course
Of my early life that shall never forget.
I was only about twenty years of age
| when it happened, aud the fearful peril of
that one occurrence caused many Of my
| (the ny black hairs to assume the gray Of
age.
A we'll known aerouant residing at D
--, named DeLacy, was among the
FIRST Of those scientific men with whom l
became acquainted after my arrival in
tha, city. He owned large, elegant man
sion !" Ruo---, and being q great man
among the inhabitants, his rooms were
almost constantly filled with scientific
explorers, interested citizens, and eminent
! sch GLARS Of all grades. As be was not
married man, he threw open his door to
all, and patiently answered and explain
ed the numerous inquiries ,ha; were pro.
| pounded to him.
BY degrees became his bosom friend
| his afable manners, generous disposi-
ton, and ready intelec: gradually drew
me in ito his con slant society. He ev,nced
= great liking for me, aud at certain hours
Of ,he evening he would impe,atively
close doors to all .isitors, and leading
me to his private library, bring forth wine
and cigars, aud thus spend hours in cheer
ful, volatile conversation.
1t wss by these means remained much
longer 10 D. than al trst Intended,
but as my business did not preven, the
passing = few days leisure at each place
visited, | was in no great bury to resume
my journey to Paris.
Thus three weeks slipped by before
was hardly awrre Of it, and finally one
pleasant, clear morning l announced to
DcLscy my intention OF leaving his gay
| ~;.y fn- psria --- .--.---- .-~-~.--~
! IL ..r.~,uiated with me, begged aud
urged me by turns to postpone my depar-
ture little longer; but was gracously
firm ia my decision, and then be propos.
ed that l should allow him to convey me
,hitLer 10 his immense balloon.
was at first surprised by this strange
proposal. but the thought Of delightful
journey Of some twenty miles between
heaven and earth, on = pleasant day, WAS
to me both novel aud Interesting, and
l readiIy assented. But as the wind was
not favorable tha, day, we postponed the
journey until the next. DeLacy express.
ed his opinion tha, it would be fine day,
and that the wind would be in no,therly
direction toward Paris.
True to his conjecture, it was favorable,
and by eight O'Clock in the morning, his
immense balloon, "Come,' WAS being 10.
aa,ed in the spacious grounds adjoining
his residence. Many Of the inhabitants
having heard Of our intended ascension,
had begun to assemble on the grounds,
and within three hours some three hun
dred spectators were present.
Finally everything was in readiness for
The start, and The ropes were abou, 10 be
cut loose. We had taken our seats 10 the
finely furnished car, and were in excellent
spirits, in contemplation Of splendid
journey.
Del4acy had provided . 81 flicient mum.
Der Of warm garments, in which We were
to array ourselses when We reached that
attitude where they would be needed 10
protect our forms from the cold. My
friend was about to give the word to let
60, when . comnotion was heard among
the assembled crowd, aud 6nslly = tall
mau dressed in suit OF deep black, with
the exception Of high comic cal white hat,
emerged to view, shoutng:
"Hold ! hold y
DeLacy made gesture to that effect,
and IS the individual approached the car,
hs asked $: g.: ...
What is it, my man."
. ! understand you are starting for Par
is," was the reply. .a..s. e. =
1 zs we are, Sir: If 4 -... ~f-
"Have you any objections to take a
passenger-an aero tut by profession. /
desire to take fnal balloon trip ere
lesye tor. the United States. | should EN-
joy it very much, and US / am going to
Paris, | venture to ask permissi, II to &C.
company you.'
Very Well, Mons--wbat may call
your name?' asked DeLacy.
M. Canon, sir, N. Canon is my name
l have resided in Bordeaux until lately"
"Ah, yes, have heard Of yea,' cx-
claimed DeLscy, cordially. "As profrs-
sional brother, | am happy to acceie to
your request. Ny car IL ut your service,
sir .".