The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1907-04-25
Che Country South Of beyond.

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r AVING long been interested in !,
aerial navigation finally de-
termined to have constructed
an airship in accordance with
plans which L deemed expedient to the
safety and serviceableness of such a
conveyance.
Therefore in pursuance of this deter
mination forthwith journeyedto to Paris,
where sought, and consulted with, the
most eminent authorities on aerOstatiOn |
for the purpose of obtaining their ex-
pert views on the material construction
of air vessels. Their ideas being prac-
tically the same as those had conceived
4 now felt twofold assurance of the
feasibility of my project and FASTENED
to find skilled workmen who would
hurry its completion. Being particu-
darby fortunate in securing the services
of some half score of the most prof.
cient artisans in that great metropolis,
i was ready in an almost increditable
0uOIU UltAO w 1ouuOu LII AoNlAAdO oAN
begin a voyage which was the dream,
df not the ambition, of my life.
I provided the car with a reasonable
supply of food as we'll as several arti-
cles of clothing-of the kind l thought
most likely to meet the requirements
of my expedition. All my preparations
having been satisfactorily completed,
on the following evening about an hour
before midnight, in company with half
adozen employees, previously selected to
assist my departure, repaired to the
yards where the Dream (for such the
machine had been christened) lay an
chored. With everything in apparent
order, nothing suggesting the least de-
feet, even to the smallest detail, l sta
toned myself in the steering compart-
ment and gave the word to let 60. A
relaxation of the guy lines and swift
upward motion assured me that the
command had been quickly obeyed.
The night was not altogether cloud
aess, yet, it was none the less lovely;
the few feathery clouds that floated
thru the calm and quiet Of the heavens
caught and reflected the rays from a
nearly full moon, in manner that gave
an added luster and brilliancy to the
glory of the night. Aside from the
necessary equippage carried, l had with
me companion-my faithful dog
Prince. This intelligent and good ma
tured animal had been reared by my
own care from puppyhood, and there
existed between us strong affinity Of
love, or whatever else you may b'
pleased to term it, that exceeded an or
'dinary attachment.
AS soon as I had taken hasty obser
vation and satisfied myself that W
were quite outside the environment
of the city, I called him to my side an
bade him occupy cushion which ha
been prepared for his especial comfort
We had now attained height OF sev
eral thousand feet and were sailing du
south at an extremely rapid rate.
Feeling that contentment, which
q natural attribute of realized hope
and closely allied to that peace whic
surpasseth all understanding; enve
oped in the glories Of gracious nigh
far above the haunts and vices of mel
alone, in the vast ocean of Gods my
terious solitude was possessed with
feeling of tranquility that defes tt
Limitation of man to describe.
All the burdens and cares of te
restrial hue, seemed to be complete
and forever banished from memor
Not even thought of the object of m
present undertaking Obtruded itself
mar the pleasant visions which fill
this marvellous calm. At last I W
aroused from this pleasing reverie
the cold muzzle of Prince coming
contact with my bare hand. While a
parently satisfied with the novelty
the situation he seemed to solicit sor
token of fellowship, at least an asst
ance that he was not altogether forg'
ton. Speaking to him reassuringly a
gently stroking his glossy coat he Il
mediately testified his acknowled
ment by uttering a low bark. PRESENT.
his right paw and diligently wsggi
his tail. The Utopisn-like spell bel
broken I once more bethought nys