The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-11-29
words were only too true -

GNU Mi5Uptl
MN back where we started
How fast are you rising now" he
asked.
We have ceased to rise, and we are
now SAILING with the current" | replied.
An ceased to rise, then 1--WE must dis
pose of some of the ballast, and as he
spoke, he seized one of the bags, as if it
were childs toy, and threw il over the
side of the car"
lhe balloon gave lurch and began
again to ascend. Soon we began to feel
u e change in the atmosphere, and it re-
CURED considerable eXertion on my part
to keep warm, while my fair companion
wrapped her cloak more Closely about her
but neither uttered word"
Il was resolving in nv mind the best
course OF action. To resist him would
p;obably render him furious, and | dread.
ell the result; to acquiasce in his present
course was equally unpleasant, as the cold
was becoming intense
"The maniac sat, dcmoniac smile
playing upon his features. Are YOU cold
Annief he remarked, we shall soon be
there, and as he spoke ne reached fer
another bag.
81 placed my hand upon his arm, say
ing; Sir, do you realize what YOU are
dcing? but, with sudden motion he
threw me back upon the seat as though
were a child.
"Do you dare interrupt me thus?' he
exclaimed; you will learn am not 10 be
TITLED with, dare to interfere again and
YOU shall decend with this bag in its
downward flight
iSaw that resistance must be hazardous
for he possessed the strength of Her
cuies; could see no other course to pur-
sue, and, drawing my revolver, | badc
him take his seat and there remain quiet
Or would soon end his earthly existence
at the same time looking him unllinching
! ly in the eye.
! lie hesitated for moment and, cou
trary to my expectations, resumed hi
seat, still keeping my eye upon him,
r.ached the valve rope, and the balloon
began TO descend
"As we neared the earth. and he SHOWED
no signs of resistance | gradually relaXe,
my vigilance, and, laying my revolver up
on the seat engaged in conversation wit
the lady upon the different sights, 81
| beautifully portrayed below.
I'VE were both startled by the voice 0
the mailman eXclaming. Which DO yo,
choose, to rise or descend?' Turning to
ward him, perceived he held in hi
hand knife, with its keen edge prcsse
against one OF the cords that suspeadc
the car Dare to move, he cried ana
Will sever this rope
For 1t moment the blood seemed fr0z
en- IN nv veins, and a sort of numbnes
pcyaded my whole system Thrl
seemed but an instant between Time an
eternity.
Why do YOU hesitate he Continuet
YOU have but TO Choose-cither allow n
To- continue my voyage, or continue yoJ
downward course little faster than ma
be congenial to your comfort.
A Thousand thoughts rushed throug
my mind in an instant. My life, the safe
ty OF the pale, trembling being at my sid
everything depended on the result.
Suddenly u thought occurred TO IN
and, speaking very calmly, | said
Would you not prefer 10 land II
and then pursue your voyage alone? Nc
are welcome 10 the balloon.
'Egad that is a good idea And IA
, you willing TO allow me the use Of 1t
, balloon after You are safely landed?"
r d" Certainly, said; only please rctul
r it to Professor r., at G., when you con
p back.
> " Agreed" he exclaimed, replacing Il
knife in its sheath, while l,-spying
farmhouse in the distance, and directly
our route, began calculations to lard ne
it.
h The descent was made in safety; an
= assisting my fair companion TO alight,
. babe the maniac bon voyage, adding,
= would be well To reinflate the balloon b
t fore starting.
$ He saw in an instant he had been o
y wittcd; and my revolver only prevent
u him from venting his rage on my pcrsO
D. Il learned from his niece he had be
:, nsabe for several years, hut, being COZ
sidered again rational, had but u She
time previous been discharged from I
:. asylum.
+ The acquaintance thus begun betwe
s Miss Alvord-his niece-and myself, "
n continued; and finally, from proving
Is protector during her perilous ride, l W
5 allowed to become her guardian and col
st panion through life.
e Her uncle WAS again conveyed to
II asylum, and to his death never recover
/ his reason But here is the station
o which | stop. Good day, sir