The record-union., 1895-11-26

rate. Still it continued TO rise, and AT
about Il:I0 the Professor observed that
they were two miles above the surface.
Sullivan and DIR. Rombough left the care
of the balloon 10 Professor Allen, and
were deep in admiration of the magnlh-
cent panorama spread out before their
eyes.
In q basket they had brought half
dozen homing pigeons from the loft of
Lowell fancier. The two men took the
little feathered creatures out, and with
fine thread bound TO the leg of each bit
of paper on which was written the time
and the estimated hight of the balloon.
one by one the birds were released, and
shot downward like arrows from bow.
In minute they were lost 10 sight, and
the empty basket was flung after them.
Suddenly they noticed that the Profess
sor was reeing in his seat. which was
above the basket in which they were
seated and close to the neck Of the balloon.
They managed to catch his legs as he fell,
but, as has been described. were unable
to drag him into the car.
The balloon tiOated steadily on. For
short time it continued 30 rise, and the
presence Of gas III the air showed that
there was Il leak somewhere IN the en-
veIope. The Professor, being closer to
it, had evidently been overcome by the
fumes and tainted. Sullivan and Rom
bough were nearly choked by the deadly
gas. but neld on heroically, although
their arms were nearly dragged from
their sockets. Then The balloon slowly
began TO sink and tie air was Tree again.
DIR. ROmbough and his companion
hardly dared TO move for fear that the
basket would tip more than 1t was al
ready and precipltate them to the earth.
they knew nothing about the manage
nent OF the huge air ship, ana although
two ropes hung down from above, neither
dared TO Try and use them. One was at
tached to the valve, the other was sewn
into one OF the Drendths OF the cloth, and
when pulled would tear rent III the ball
looms side. Which was which they did
not know, ana the Professor was sense
less weight, trailing in the air..
'ihe two men held dOggedly to their
burden, and the balloon continued TO
1loat southwark, gradually nearing the
ground. They tl0ated overaihe village OF
North Billerica, ana saw the people come
out OF their houses to look at the strange
apparation in thes heavens. Hagget's
Pond cleaned like sheet OF burDlsned
metal beneath them. Then, at the lower
level, the wind took SHIFT and sent them
of in a more westerly direction, rellev-
ing them Of tho apprehension that they
were being drilted 10 sea.
Down. down, down sank the balloon,
its great sides beginning 10 bag and flap.
1t was inflated with water gas, which
soon loses its buOyancy. Like some
wounded monster il slowly trailed along.
Presently they were 600 yards above the
surface; then 500, and then 100. Still the
two men chung to the body.
The balloon was over Lexington now.
but far from the village. \ grove OF trees
rose up in their course. The setting
balloon could not clear them. sullivan
managed 10 dislodge e bag OF sand, and
the great bag rose sufficiently TO clear the
trees. Beyond them was a held III which
several farmers were at work. 10 say
that they were astouished at the vision Of
the balloon rolling up over the grove is
to express it mildly.
Sullivan and Or. Rom bough called
Justify to them and they ran toward the
balloon. Just then it gave q lurch ana
the drag rope with anchor attached WAS
leased and lrailed over the ground. Tho
farmers caught it and soon pulled down
the halt-empty balloon W bite and
trembling with exhaustion. the two men
released their hold on Aliens legs. 1t
was about noon. For fifty minutes they
had held him with all their strength
Boston Journal