St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-07-31

The Terrible Experience OF an
Aer0naut With a Madman.

Tid-Bits.
NJ. GODDARD had taken with him on that
day as his compagnon du voyage wealthy
gentleman who paid 1000 francs for the
privilege of sharing the perils of the expe-
dition. The weather could not have been
more propitious, and the balloon shot I'D
rapidly to considerable altitude.
What effect does it produce upon you?"
asked M. GODDARD of his companion.
None" said the latter, laconicaIly.
My compliments to you," returned M.
GODDARD. You are the first whom have
ever seen arrive at such an altitude without
betraying some emotion"
keep on mounting" said the traveller,
with supreme gravity.
M. GODDARD threw out some ballast and
the balloon assembled some 500 feet higher.
''And now," asked NJ. GODDARD, ''does
your heart beat fast?"
''Not yet" replied his companion with
an air which approached Impotence.
The deuce!' exclaimed M. GODDARD;
''you have really, my dear sir, the most
perfect qualifications for an aeronaut.''
The balloon still assembled; when 1000
feet higher NJ GODDARD Intercepted a third
time his companion. ''And now?"
Nothing, nothing; not the shadow of a
fear" answered the traveller, with tone
positively disconnected, and like man who
had experienced a profound deception.
Goodness mel" answered the aeronaut,
smiling, but [ must renOunce all hope of
making you afraid. The balloon is high
enough. We are going to descend"
ITO descend?"
Certainly; there would be danger in
mounting higher"
THAT does not make the slightest differ
ence to me; l do not wish to descend"
WHAT" asked NJ. GODDARD
81 said l wished to ascend higher, keep
on mounting. 1 have given 1000 francs in
order to experience some emotion; l must
do so and will not descend until 1 have had
my moneys worth"
NJ. GODDARD began to laugh; he believed
that it was all joke.
''Once, will you ascend?" demanded. the
traveller, Selling him by the throat and shak-
ing him with violence.
NJ. GODDARD felt himself lost. A sudden
and dreadful revelation broke upon his
mind, as he regarded the strangely dilated
eyes OF his companion. He had to do with
mailman!
Had the unfortunate aerOnant had de-
fensive weapon he would have been capable
of defending himself. but it is not usual for
people to furnish themselves with pistols
for voyage in balloon, and certainly one
would not dream of meeting with war
like encounter in the stars. The earth was
5000 feet 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 acquired by him
i'll so many of his daring aerial expeditions,
modQ all tbnSa rQt1potjnnc in fba Of
second.
''Ah ah you are knocking me- nv fine
fellow" continued the madman, without
lOosing his grip. ''Ah ! you think to rob
me Of 1000 francs as well as of my emo
ton. Very well ! Be quiet It's my turn
to laugh. It's you now who are going to
cut a caper."
Inc mailman was possessed OF prodlgious
strength. NJ. GODDARD did not even make
an attempt to defend himself.
What do wish from me 2" asked he in
calm and submissive voice.
Simply to amuse myself in seeing you
turn somersauit" answered the mailman,
with ferocious smile. But first' 1.-THE
madman appeared to bethink himself). II
have my idea. 1 wish to see if l can't
find some emotion up there. l must put
myself astride of the semi-circle."
The madman indicated with his finger
the upper part of the balloon. AS he spoke
he began to climb the long cords which
held the car attached to the balloon. NJ.
GODDARD who had not before trembled for
himself. was forced to tremble now for the
mailman.
Miserable manr' he cried. ''You are
going to kill yourself. You will be seized
with vertigo"
mo remarksp' Kissed the mailman, cor
will at once pitch you into the abyss"
cat least" observed NJ. GODDARD, ''allow
me to put the cord around your body, so
that you may remain attached to the
balloon"
BE it So" said the mailman, who APP
peared to comprehend the utility of the
precaution.
Furnished with his cord of safety, the
mailman commenced to climb among the
ropes with the agility of squirrel. He
reached the balloon and placed himself
astride the semi-circle as he had said. Once
there he rent the air with a shout of tri-
umph, and drew his knife from his pocket.
what are you going to do?" asked M.
Girard, who feared that he might have the
idea of ripping open the balloon.
''To make myself comfortable"
Uttering these words. the mailman cut
slowly the cord of safety which NJ. GODDARD
had attached to his body. With single
puff of wind to shake the balloon the niser-
able creature must fall into the abyss! The
mailman clapped his hands; he could not
contain himself with delight. He spurred
the balloon with his heel, as if on horse
back.
''And now" yelled the mailman, brand
jshing his knife, 1--WE are going to laugh!
All! robber, you thought to make me
descend! Very well! 1t is you who are
going to tumble down in moment"
NJ. GODDARD had not time to make move
ment or put i'll a single word. Before be
was able to divine the Internal intention of
the mailman the latter still aStride of the