The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1866-08-18

| am IN old man now, but there is one in
cident which occurred during the course O
my early life that | shall never forget.
was oE.y about twenty years Of age when il
happened, and the fearful PERIL Of that one
occurrence caused many Of my Chem black
hairs to assume the gray Of age.
A well known erunant residing at D.
named DeLacy, was among the first Of those
scientific men with whom | became ac-
quainteG after my arrival in that city. lie
owned large elegant mansion in Rue -,
and being a great man among the inhabi-
tants, his rooms were almost constantly
filed with scientific explorers, interested
cItizens and eminent scholars of all grades.
As he was not married man, he threw
open his door to all, and patiently answered
and explained the numerous inquiries that
were "propounded unto him "
BY degrees ! became his bosom friend
his affable manners, generous disposition,
and ready intellect gradually drew me into
bis constant society. He evinced great
liking for me, and at certain hours Of the
evening he would imperatively Gloss his
doors to all visitors, and leading De to his
private library, bring forth wine and cigars,
and thus spend hours in cheerful, volatile
conversation.
1t was by these means | remained much
longer 10 D than at first intended,
but as my business did not prevent me pass
ing q few days leisure at each place visited,
| was in no greaeshurry to resume my jour
ney to Paris.
He expostulated with me, begged and
urged me by turns to postpone my depar-
turs little longer but | was graciously
finn IN my decision, and thea he proposed
that / should allow him to convey me
thther in his immense balloon.
Was at first surprised by this strange
proposal, but the thought Of a delightful
Journey, of some twenty miles between hea-
ven and earth, on pleasant day, was to me
both no,el and interesting, and readily as
sented. But as the wind was not favorable
that day, We postponed the Journey until the
next De LacYAexpressed his opinion that
it would be 61fe day, and that the wind
would be ip northerly direction toward
Paris.
True 10 his conjecture it was favorable,
and by eight o'clock in the morning. his i'm
menss balloon Comet" was being inflated
in the spacious garden adjoining his resi-
dence Many of the inhabitants having
heard Of our intended ascension, had began
to assemble on the grounds, and within thres
hours some three hundred spectators were
present.
Finally everything was in readiness fol
the start, and the ropes were about to bt
cut loose. We had taken our seats in the
finely furnished car, and were in excellen
spirits, in contemplation Of splendid jour
lney.
De Lacy had provided . sufficient number
of warm garments, 10 which wewere TO ar
ray ourselves when we reached that altitude
where they would be needed to protect ou
forms from the cold. Ny friend was abou
to give the word to let go, when commo
ton was heard among the assembled crowd
aud finally tall man dressed in suit 0
deep black, with the exception Of higl
conical white hat, emerged to view, shout
ing
"Hold hold u
n De Lacy made gesture to that effect, an
as the individual approached the car, b
asked:
"What is it, my man ?"
4 81 understand you start for Paris" wa
the reply.
"We do SIR"
"Have you any objections to taking pas
Isenger-an seronaut BY profession. | desir
Ito take a final balloon trip ere leave for th
United States. should enjoy IT very muc
land as am going to Paris, | ventured
3 ask permission to accompany you.'
!, "Very well, Mons - what may ca
your name 2" asked De Lacy.
NJ. Canon, sir, M. Canon is my name.
: have resided in Bordeaux until lately"
"Ah, yes, have heard OF you,' sxclain
cd De Lacy, cordially. As = proiession'
Quest NV car Is at your service, sir"
! while this briet conversation was goin
/. Ian Iscarefully studied the features Of U
new aomsr, and was anything Da. please
witLS+is appearance. There was Z sasne x: l
wildness in his eye, which mace me tnin y
Il a. all the n.niacs I ever read of. From 4
IT, a--- r ---n.;u.l a dislika for the ma,