Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1866-12-21

both novel and interesting. and l readily
assentcd., But as the wind was not favor
able that day, We postponed the journey
until the next. DeLacy expressed his Op-
,nion that i would be fine day, and that
the wind would be in q northerly direction
towards Paris.
True tn his conjccturcs it was favorable
and by eight o'clock IN the morning, llls
immense BALLOON, Comet was being in
flatcd iu tho spacious gardens aajOining his
residence. Many Of the inhabitants hav-
ing heard Of our intended ascension. had
began to assemble on the grounds and
within thrco hours sOino three hundred
spectators were present.
Finally everything was in readiness for
the start, aid the ropes werc about to 'c
cut loose. We had taken our seats in the
finely furnished car, and were in excellent
spirits. in contemplation Of q splendid
journey.
DeLacy had provided sufficient numb
or Of warm garments in which We were to
array ourselves when We reached that At
titude where they would be needed 10 pro.
tect our forms from the cold. My friend
was about to give the word to let 70, when
q commotion was heard among the assem-
bled crowd. and finally tall man. dressed
in suit Of deep black, with the exception
Of high-crowncd white hat. emerged to
view, Shouting
"HOld hold -
DcLacy inado . gesture to that effect,
aud At the individual approached the cur,
asked:
'What il it. my man ?"
20 IN On
was the reply.
1--WE are, sir.''
''Havc you any objections, to take q
passeuger-and aerouamt by profession. l
desire tO take final balloon "trip ere ]
leave for the United states. should en-
joy it very much, and ~ l am going to
Paris, / venture to ask permission 10 &C.
company you."
'Very well Mons,-what may call
your naine!' asked DcI4acy.
M. Canon, sir, MIR. Canon il my name
have resided in Bordeaux until lately"
Ah.' yes. have heard Of you exclaimed
DcLacy. cordially. As q professional
brother. l am happy to accedc to your
request. My car is ut your, service sir"
While this brief conversation was going
on carefully studied the features Of the
new colner, and was anything but pleased
with his appearance. There was strange
willncss in his eye. which made me think
Of all the inaniacs ever read OF. From
the first glance cOnceiyeda dislike for
the ulau.
A strange prcscntiment came over me
that danger was in store for Us and when
they had ceased talking, and tho stranger
commenced climbing into the car, 30
strong did that telling become that would
have demonstrated. but the cordial manner
Of Lacy partially dampencd the courage
had mustered to express my fears, and ]
contentcd myself with keeping the further
corner Of the car.
When DeLacy was ready he gave the
word, and the ropes that held the impatient
munster to the Garth were east of. and
with sudden bound We shot upwards to-.
wards the deep blue sky, amid the enthu-
siastic cheers Of the multitude. l had
never before entered balloon aud never
shall forget the feeling experienced ~.
We scared upward into space, while the
numerous d0mes. churcl, spires, and the
residences OF D-rapidly grew smaller
and smaller to the eye.
The people below US. as wc sailed over
the city. appeared like 81 many ants craw-
ling along the street, and in short time
We left tllem far behind
As We attained q certain height, cur
ront 0f cool air sruck the balloon. and bore
us away in a nOrtherly direction, over the
thriving fields Of France.
No rough motion was pcrccptiblc III our
conveyance we sailed along with gentle
undulating speed, which enabled us tU view
the scenery below with perfect ease.
So fascinated was with the scene. that
for considerable length Of time, l had nu
thought Of our strange passenger. DeLacy
too was so busy watching the world below
that lie had paid NO attention to him.
Finally | saw small dark bod " shoot
past me on its way to the earth, which was
instantly followed Ivy another, until seven
or eight had gone down. and began IL
feel rapid rising Of tho balloon. De
Lacy noted it also, and simultaneously we
looked around. What sight met oul
gaze!
Our passenger stood at his feet. hare
hcadcL-his hat having bcen thrown over
board. und his coat, vest and boots Oft
while his eyes seemed bursting from thci
sockets. Never shall forgct the looks o
that man. Foth. Slimy truth. stood upon
his lips, and a dcmomiac lecr covcrcd biz
couutenancc. Ills lower jaw had fell ant
remained in that position as if locked. A
more horrid spectacle ! never witnessed.
lie had thrown over the last sand bag
and TINS partially relieved. the balloon wa
shooting heavcnward with great velocity
The cold air rushed past thom with a dul
wizzing sound. and chilled our bodic
most uncomfortably.
One glance satisfied us as to the charac
ter of our friend. lie WAS q raying mani
ac! involunrarily glanced at DcLacy
Ills face monentarily palcd as he realizc'
the truth. lie edged clusoto mcwhisper
ing:
"Wha. is to be done? lie is mad
man ~
| "Can We secure him ?" asked.
"No! no! he would throw himself over
board, and that would bc the end If hin,
But see. he has u revolver and u knife -
True enough. NJ. Canon had drawn
knife from his pocket in his pants. and
six -shootor from the other. lie huggc
them to his bosom. kissed them. and NUT
tered some unintclligihle gibcrish. aud tl,cl
pointed them at US. with long chucklin
laugh.
tones that made me start. Yes, up vel
90 to the demons Of hell. or 10 the tlron
0f Him! Won't my angel sister be aston
ishcd when we dashed into heaven in
monstrsus balloon, the famous Comet =
lila, la, ha up to the golden gates Of tn