William III. landed at Carrickfergus in 1690, on his way to the Battle of the Boyne.
We could now see the smoke of Belfast, the Chicago of Ireland. Overlooking it is Cave Hill, a lofty mound, back of the city. As we swept over this great metropolis, we rose to a height of 400 feet, so as to get the best possible view of the busy hive of industry. Tall chimneys sent out smoke. Huge shipyards covered acres and acres, houses extended almost as far as the eye could reach. Church spires pierced the sky in every direction.
As I looked down on Belfast that summer morning, it looked like a model city. Its magnificent business streets, and noble city hall, are in keeping with its fame and enterprise.
Passing directly over it, Mike brought the aeroplane to the ground on a level place near the foot of Cave Hill.
CHAPTER XII
OVER AND AROUND BELFAST
It was almost 11:00 o’clock when we alit at the foot of Cave Hill. Leaving our airship in charge of an astonished Irishman, whose house was near by, we took a street car down town, and had lunch at the Y. M. C. A. cafe.
Evidently our flight over the city had been observed by many, as we heard a good deal of conversation about the “airship.”
We came back to Cave Hill about noon, and I found a great crowd around the aeroplane. Getting a starting rail, Mike prepared to ascend as quickly as possible. Just as we were about ready to start, I saw a young man edge his way through the crowd, with a note book in one hand and a pencil in the other. I recognized him at once as a reporter, seeking an interview. Before he came close enough to hear, I said to Mike: “Hurry up, hurry up. I see a newspaper man.”