“More’s the pity,” cried Warner, who then placed Croft, the Pocket Hercules, under proper care.
CHAPTER VI
AERONAUTICS
After Harry Goodall had finished his conversation with Hawksworth, he became very busy with the help of the gas men and the gardeners. The lower net-lines had been fixed to the hoop and the car, and then, when the balloon stood proudly erect, it presented a most magnificent specimen of the aeronautic art. Directly Trigger returned, and the filling had been completed, Mr Goodall began to inflate some small balloons, which were designed to provide an object lesson of some interest, besides showing what course the large balloon would take when set free.
It happened that on this occasion, which was considered a special and select affair, several of the directors and their friends were present, besides men of scientific knowledge, among whom was Mr Arthur Deck, of Cambridge, who has made so many aerial trips from a pure love and desire to encourage the advancement of ballooning. The last-named gentleman, as well as the directors, declared that they had never seen more interesting miniature balloons than those which were to precede the great ascent. There were only three of them on each frame, but they were of varied colours, having, as Mr Deck thought, rather a political signification, for they had each a crowned head and other devices on the centre belt, which, as the aeronaut pointed out, were symbolical of the Triple Alliance and of Union and Strength.
The three balloons were attached to the corners of a triangular frame of wood, which was well balanced by three lines connected to a central weight hanging beneath the frame.
Mr Goodall, in an unpretentious manner, went on to say that he would next show them another set of balloons. Three more of blue, primrose and green, and they would also be fixed fast to another triangular frame, but the devices on them would at once show that they represented the United Kingdom. Shortly afterwards, whilst casting them free into space, the aeronaut remarked,—
“We must keep an eye on them, for I cannot guarantee that they will remain united.”
This remark produced fresh curiosity.
However, they did hold together for a time, and by so doing, attained a great elevation, but at their culminating point a noise was heard and smoke was seen under the lovely-looking emerald balloon, which suddenly became disunited, much to the disturbance of the balance and power of the two firm and secure balloons. It was true, as a spectator said, that the green one shot up like a rocket, but equally true was it that she came down soon afterwards like a stick, in a very shaky and disorganised state, while the two staunch balloons remained fast friends and still held their own, notwithstanding the separation of the green balloon.
“And this illustration will show you,” said the aeronaut, “what may happen when—”