The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1911-06-04
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, fidence. Now let me ask you a ques-
tlon: To what do you ascribe the fact
that their bodies were found drenched
with water2"
"Rain-or dew" said the lieutenant
"There had been no rain, and dew
could never have soaked their bodies
to the skin and drenched their hair"
"It is immaterial," Won Keltcr an
swered. Il shall not die. for l have
tested the balloon thoroughly and have
complete confidence In it,"
This conversation took place uDon the
morning of that on which the ascent was
to be made, Almost Immediately after
ward the tent was stripped from the bal
loon and the huge inflated sphere could
be seen swaying above the ropes which
fastened 1t TO earth. Sphere shaped, In
stead OF cigar shaped. the steering ap-
paratus was hidden within; 1t looked like
balloon of an old-fashioned type: such
as has been In use during the past hun
dred years, II rose by the aid of hydro
gen gas; yet, in some mysterious way.
the builder had made. 1t completely re-
DR.. French now came forward To make
the physical examination. The process
proved lengthy. Crewe. who by some
tained leave for us both TO be present,
watched the doctor intently.
Il Doubt fear stammered the doc
tor. your condition does not wholly war
ganic arrangement. but the heart con-
fractions are a little feeble. At a high
altitude" He broke off, hesitating
Have you ever inhaled oxygen. Herr
Lieutenant he asked.
Once, when l had pneumonia, TO ease
the lungs"
a small tank in the basket" the doctor
said Then II. when at a height, YOU
find the rarity of the air oppressive, you
can take few breaths from the in
haler.
VERY we'll" said the lieutenant, .indif-
ferently. The doctor summoned his as
ststant, and they placed a small tank In
among the thermometers. hygrometers
and other instruments for gauging the at
mosphcrical conditions. And at that mo-
ment ] saw Crewe's face light UP and
knew that he had solved the mystery.
for had seen that expression often and
II never failed TO be productive.
The lieutenant climbed into the car
which rested a few feet above the level
were unfastened. and 10 that one a dozen
soldiers clunS with all their power while
the enormous as-dilated sphere swayed
Ike an intoxicated thing. striving 10 leap
Meanwhile Crewc had gone hastily toward
the chief Of the aeronautical staff, who
was standing b%. and conferred hurriedly
with him. What he said ] do not know.
his arguments must indeed have been
coeent, and probably backed by some au-
thoriiy unknown TO ne. for just as the
men were about 10 cast of the rope | saw
General Won Stimm wave his hand to-
ward the lieutenant and shout 10 him TO
descend
The lieutenant climbed hastily out of
the wIclSerwork basket at the same time
sonebody-Crewe. as ] discovered after
ward but in the confusion he was un
noticed--shouted 10 the men 10 release the
rope. Instantly the balloon shot up into
the skies. leaving the lieutenant stand
ing. mortified. upon the ground watch
ing It's upward flight.
This contretemps sent the general into
q furious passion. The balloon was as
nI ln=i tI- had ,l-nY,
toward the North sea. with little hope Of
its recovery. He issued an order 10 his
adJutant and. q moment or TWO afterward.
while | still stared round 70 discover my
companion. l found myself under arrest.
| was conveyed 10 the general s headquar-
tcrs, along with Crewe. who had been ap-
pretended i'm another section of the in
closure as he was trying 70 leave. Ten
minutes later we were hailed into his pres
= nee
Who the devil are you?' he shouted
roughly. In guttersl English. Unless
YOU can offer suitable explanation you
shall both I've placed under arrest as