The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1886-09-23

capsize Nj. GODDARD, with the pres-
ence Of mind acquired by him in 80
many of his daring aerial expedi-
tions, made all these reflections 10
the space Of a second.
"Ah {! ha you are mocking my
fine fellow" continued the madtnan,
without losing his grip "Ah you
think 10 rob me Of one thousand
francs, as we'll as Of my emotion.
Very we'll BE quiet It's my turn
to laugh. It's you now who are 60
ing to cut caper."
The madman was possessed OF
prodiRi rms strength. nj. GODDARD
did not even make an attempt to
defend himself.
"Wbat do you wish from me 7"
asked he, in calm tone aud snb-
nissive voice.
"Simply amuse myself in seeing
you turn summersault," said the
madman, with q ferocious smile.
''But first" Qhe madman appeared
to bethink himselD, 81 have my
idea. I wish to see if 1 can't find
some emotion up there. l must put
myself astride of the semi. circle"
The madmaa indicated with his
finger the upper part of the balloon.
NJ. GODDARD, who had not before
trembled for himself, was forced to
tremble now for the madmau.
miserable man !" he cried. "You
are going to kill yourself. You will
be seized with vertigo"
"No remarks l. bissed the mad
man, cor | will at once pitch You
into the abyss"
AT least" observed NJ. GODDARD,
ALLOW me to put this cord around
your body, so that you may remain
attached to the balloon"
"Be il So said tho madman, who
appeared to comprehend the utility
of the precautiou.
Furnished with his cord Of safety
the madtnap commenced to climb
among the ropes with the agility OF
y squirrel. He reached the balloon
aud placed himself astride the
semi-circle as ho he had said. Once
there he ront the air with shout OF
triumph, and drew his knife from
his pocket.
"What are you going to do p
asked NJ. GODDARD, who feared that
he might have the idea Of ripping
open the balloon.
ITO make myself com Portable
Uttering these words, the mad.
man cnt slowly tho cord of safety
which NJ. GODDARD had attached to
his body. With q single puff of
wind to shake the balloon the mis-.
cradle creature must fall into the
abyss NJ. GODDARD shut his eyes 10
order not to see. The madman
clasped his hands he could not
contain himself with delight. He
spurred balloon with his heel. as il
ou horseback.
"Aud now," yelled the madmsn
brandishing his knife, "we are going
to laugh. Ah !! robber. you thought
to make me descend Very we'll 1t
IS you who are going to tumble
down in moment"
NJ. GODDARD had not time to m AXE
a moment or put in q single word
Before he was able to divine the in
tentions Of the madman, the latter,
still astride OF the semi-circle, had
cut-borror- Of the cords
which suspended the car to the bal
loon The car inclined horribly ;
it was only held by two cords. 1t
would have been all over with Mr.
GODDARD il he had not grasped des.
perately at those remaining. The
kuife of the madman approached the
last cords.
"A word-a single word," cried
NJ. GODDARD.
"No-pardon." vociferated the
madman.
II do not ask for pardon on the
contrary"
"What is it you wish'" inquired
the madman.
SAT this moment" continued the
aeronaut hurriedly, "wo are at height
of Eve thousand feet"
Stop" the madman, shat will be
charming to tumble down from such