Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-10-03


suspended for awhile. As several
weeks had elapsed since that sad event,
I felt anxious 10 resume these expedi-
tions, and as Tunnicliffe had expressed
his Willingness to accompany me, q
day had been fixed for our next trip,
II was whom l was talking to my wife
about this selfAame trip that she ex-
pressed her regret that Jack Tunni-
elite was going with me.
] had not much difficulty, however,
In overcoming her objections and al
laying her feara She was not averse
70 my hobby, and had even accom-
panied me In one or two Of my Jour.
neys In the air. Moreover, she sym
pathised with me in my desire ITO
make some useful discovery" and was
therefore unwilling to damp my ardor,
or hinder the progress Of my observa-
lions. She had felt the cxhilarating
effect Of . balloon ascent, and my ref
srence to the benefit young Tunnicliffe
would probably derive from the pro-
jected trip appealed to her experience
a. well as to her tender heart
Accordingly, next day at the ap-
pointed time, everything being in readi-
ness, we started on our aerostatic
journey. Tunnicliffe, contrary to his
usual demeanor, seemed a little ex-
cited, but this caused me no appre-
hension. His interest had apparently
been awakened, aud 1t was only natural
that he should DO animated on such
an occasion. The balloon was set at lib
erty as soon as we had taken our seats,
and the machinerose beautifully. There
was gentle breeze. which bore US
slightly southwark. We rose slowly
at tirst, and so had plenty Of time to
gaze on the vast and extending panor-
ANA below ua
Presently we entered huge bank or
mountain OF cloud of the kind called
cumulus, and were surrounded by q
chilling mist which induced us To put
on the wraps we had brought, When
we emerged from the cloud scene Of
fairy-like beauty suddenly burst upon
US. We were in a kind Of basin sur.
rounded by mountains Of clouds Of the
most fantastic shapes, OF enormous
size, and Of dazzling brightness Now
and then, as we rose, we caught sight
also Of wondrous ravines OF curious
shape and great depth. These noun
tains Of clouds, with their silvery and
golden sides, their dark shadows, their
varied tints and submits Of dazzling
wilderness, presented to our wondering
gaze scene Of surprising beauty and
grandeur
This sublime spectacle evoked my
highest admiration, while the silence
and vastness Of space inspired me with
awe. drank in these exquisite and
varied delights with such avidity and
with such absorbing interest that I
had scarcely looked at, or spoken to,
my companion since we had started.
But an exclamation from him now d.
verted my attention, and. glsncing at
him, was surprised to see that he had
risen and was much excited.
what Is II, Jack2" | asked.
Isn't II gforiousP" he replied. n
wonder II Heaven Is much more beauti'
ful9 low delightful it would be II we
could reach i'll should see my Ada
again, then"
my dear fellowl" interposed,
hastily, somewhat alarmed-not so
much by his words as by his excited
manner and wild look. you think too
much Of these things You have been
brooding over your loss more than IL
good for you. viii you"
AT any rate" cried he, vehemently.
Its worth trying, SO here goes" and
selling one Of the sandbags he threw
II over. The lightened balloon at once
began to rise more quickly.
what are you doing, Jack?" shout.
Cd. For heavens sake keep calm.
We are q good height already. We
shant be able To breathe II we 70
much higher. It's getting unconfort-
able, as 1t is"
"Shan't we? We shall see about
that I'm going 70 try, ANYHOW. b.