Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-06-06
ortholrs Ariel Duck Traps.

street barber, whose ingenious mind
keeps him busy when away from his
keen-edged razors working upon some
curious contrivance, and Peter Keller
had novel and thrilling experience
while experimenting with a large bal
loon Tuesday afternoon. For some
time Chris has been working upon a
balloon designed to carry small bask-
ct, in which he could sail over the mea-
dows in duck season and from his aerial
perch shoot the game as it passed over
the high grass.
Accompanied by James Taft, Peter
Keller and Joe McNulty, Chris carried
his aerial contrivance to point Oh the
river road near the Jersey City water
works. The balloon was tied down to
stakes driven in the earth, and, after
being filled with hot air, gracefully rose
to distance of several feet above the
ground, moving with an mdulating
motion in the strong breeze blowing
across the river.
1t was intended that the balloon
should rise n certain height, and for
this purpose a long rope had been at
tached to the basket with one end fast
ened to tree. While Chris and Kel-
ler were holding the basket preparatory
to attaching the rope, strong
wind caught the balloon, causing
the ropes holding it down to
break. Before the men could loosen
their hold upon the basket the balloon
shot up through the air with lightning
rapidity, carrying Chris and Keller
with it. The former attempted to get
into the basket in order to reach the
check line and allow the air to escape,
but the smalmess of the wicker box and
its swaying motion frustrated his ef-
forts.
The balloon rose to distance of
about thirty feet with the men clinging
to the sides of the basket. 1t then mov-
ed out over the river and again began
to rise gradually.
As the position of the men was be-
coming serious, their companions be-
low became alarmed. Seeing that it
was impossible for him to direct his air.
ship, Chris called to Taft and McNulty
to pierce the balloon with shots from
the rifles which had been carried over
by the men. Chris knowing that the
unerring aim of both McNulty and
Taft, who are excellent marksmen,
made him secure from receiving a
charge from one of the rifles, decided
it was the best course to pursue. Kel-
Ter, however, became alarmed when
the shots began to strike above his
head, and was about TO take the risk Of
dropping fifty feet into the river than
run the chances of being shot, when
he was prevailed upon to retain his
hold
In short time the aim of the men
below began to tell upon the balloon,
and the perforations made in the side of
the airship let out the air. causing it
gradually to sink. When within
twenty feet of the water shot from
one of the rifles struck one of Keller's
fingers, and, becoming excited, he
loosened his hold upon the basket and
dropped into the river. The balloon
was now sinking rapidly, and when the
basket was within a few feet of the sur
face of the water Chris droppedinto the
river to aid Keller, who was strug-
Cling to keep afloat.
In the mean time the men upon the
shore had manned boat and were pull
ing with all their might toward the men
in the water. Chris managed to keep
his companion above water until the
boat was alongside, and both were soon
dragged aboard The balloon was also
taken aboard, and although thoroughly
soaked was not seriously damaged.
Chris will again put the aerial con-
trivance in shape and another trial will
be made some time during the coming
week.-Belleciile Press.