Connecticut western news., 1886-08-18
A Duel in a Balloon.

NJ. Goddard had taken with him ono day, us his campagnon du royage, a wealthy gentleman, who paid one thou sand francs for the privilege of sharing the perils of the expedition. The weather could not have been more propi- tious, and the balloon shot up rapidly to 8 considerable altitude.
 ''What effect does it produce upon you2n asked NJ. Goddard of his con- panion.
 ''Nonc," said the latter, laconically. My mpiments to you," returned NJ. Goddard. "You arc the first whom have ever seen arrive at such an altitude without betraying some emotion"
 'Keep on mounting" said the travel Ter, with supreme gravity.
 M. Goddard threw out some ballast, and the balloon asccndcd some five hundred feet higher.
 ''And now," asked M. Goddard, 'does your heart beat9"
 "Not yet" replied his companion, with an air which approached impa- tiencc.
 "Tho deuccm exclaimed M Goddard. you have really, my dear SIT, the most perfect qualification for an acronaut." Tho balloon still assembled; when one thou@nd fcct higher, NJ. Goddard inter- kr<I sw.1 "And nowa"
 "Nothing, nothing; not tho shadow of fear" answered the traveller, with a tone positively discontented, and like a man who had experienced profound de- ception.
 ''Goodness mo, answered tho aeronaut smiling, "but must rcnounco all hope of making you afraid. The balloon is high enough. We arc going to de- scend."
 "To desccnd"
 Certainly; thcre would be danger in mounting higher"
 ''That does not make the slightest difference to mo, do not wish to de- scend." 9
 ''Whatw Asked NJ. Goddard.
 stI said I wished to ascend higher, keep on mounting. I have given one thousand francs in order to experience some emotion; must do so, and will not descend until I have had my moneys worth."
 NJ. Goddard began to laugh; he believed that it was all joke.
 ''Once more, will you ascend," de- mandcd the traveller, seiz ng him by the throat and shaking him with violence.
 M Goddard felt himself lost. A su lden and dreadful revelati ,n broke upon his mind, as he regarded the strangely dilat- cd eyes of his companion. He had to dc with madman.
 Had the unfortunate @ronaut had a defensive weapon he would have ben capable of defending himself, but it is not ysual forrdOple tcfurnish themselves with pistols for voyage in balloon, and certainly one would not dream oi meeting with warlike encounter in tho stars. The earth was five thousand feet s .below-most horrible depth-and the least movement of the now furious man might cause the car to capsize. NJ Goddard, with the presence of mind ac quired by him in so many of his daring aerial expeditions, made all these reflec tions in tho space of second.
 "Ahl ha! you are mocking me, my fin fellow" continued the madman, withou losing his grip. "Ah! you think to ro1 me of one thousand francs, as well as O my emotion. Very well Be quiet! It my turn to laugh. It's you now who ar going to cut Q caper."
 The maduian was possessed of prodig ious strength. NJ. Goddard did not ever make an attempt to defend himself.
 s'What do you wish from mel" asked he, in a calm tone and submissive voice
 Simply amuse myself in seeing 70, turn summersault," said tho madman with ferocious smile. "But first" 9th madman appeared to bethink himself 'I have my idea. wish to sec if lean find some emotion up there. l must pu myself astride of the semi-circle"
 The madman indicated with his fingc the upper part of the balloon. NJ Goddard, who had not before trcmble, for himself, was forced to tremble nov for the madman.
 'Miserablo manw he cried. "Yo are going to kill yourself. You will b seized with vertigo"
 No remarks!" hissed the madmar tor I will at once pitch you into tf aoyss"
 '.At least" observed NJ. Goddard, Ca low me to put this cord around yol body, so that you may remain attache to the balloon"
 ''Be it so," said the madman, who al peared to comprehend the utility of tl precaution.
 Furni, he'd with his cord of safety, Il mailman commenced to climb among u ropes with the agility of 'quirrel. F rachel the balloon n plaeed himss