CHAPTER XXVIII.
An uncommon Sound in the Air.
Section 162.AT 40 Minutes past III, when the Balloon was apparently some Miles above the Level and Summit of the Clouds; a sudden and uncommon Sound was heard for three or four Seconds only.
A Sort of hollow Wind seemed issuing from a Plain of Clouds in the North-East Quarter, greatly below the Balloon: which as suddenly ceased.
An unusual Motion communicated to the Balloon.
The Instant the Sound was heard; a gentle Motion was impressed on the Balloon, as if by a Hand touching it near the Top.
163. Clouds to the North-East appeared, for the first Time, in rapid Motion towards the Balloon.
They sailed directly under it: filled up the Chasm, and drew a white Veil over all terrestrial Objects.
164. It has been since imagined, that a fresh Wind descended from the South-West QuarterConjecture in the Cause of the Motion. in the upper Current, and was heard in the North-East, being ecchoed from the upper Tier of Clouds below: and that the Balloon, finding less Resistance than the range of Clouds, soon overtook and passed them: particularly as the lower Part of the white Flag vibrated only in the usual Direction.
165. The encreased progressive Motion of the Balloon was not perceived ([Section 18]): being considered as at Rest, and the apparent Motion referred to the Clouds.
