Although Mr. B—— exceeded the time specified by himself for his absence, still I declined to trouble him to return, as I felt sure his physical exertions were already more than he was accustomed to, and I had an object in reserving his powers for the final effort, knowing that when the balloon was let up to its full height, it would roll about with great force, and require all the available strength to hold it in check.
The miniature bombardment, illustrative of the applicability of aërial shells to military purposes, was to take place on a larger scale than at Brussels.
I rather hoped to have Mr. B——’s company in my travels to Cloudland, but resolved not to propose it until the last moment.
When the car was being attached, Herr Küpper, and Mr. B—— entered the inner enclosure, and every assistance was tendered, but the wind unfortunately seemed late in lulling, and we were frequently thrown into ludicrous positions, by which the company was kept excited, and the juveniles furnished with matter for laughter.
Just before the shells and battery were fixed, Mr. B—— became the “observed of all observers,” and created no little merriment and clapping of hands.
I had called him to the car to suggest his ascending, and at that moment a cruel gust blew the balloon almost down to the ground, and upset Mr. B—— as he advanced, but recovering himself with admirable agility, he seized the netting by way of support, when the balloon again caught the breeze, and rolled round on the other tack, carrying the astonished teacher with it, so that, minus his hat, he was suspended some altitude from the ground, but held on with such resolute tenacity, that a cry was soon raised of “Bravo B——, very brave,” and as the “Sylph” backed round on the other side, Mr. B—— was rescued, and again led by Herr Küpper to the refreshment table, where he composed himself and received the congratulations of many of his friends.
“It will never do to take him up after that shaking,” urged Mr. S——.
“Right, I will start alone, next time there will be plenty of candidates; please to attach the shells, as I shall slip cable in five minutes.”
The band now formed round the car; Messrs. Küpper, and B—— held the last connecting link, and at six o’clock I released the “Sylph,” immediately lowered the battery, and on passing down the Jacob’s ladder, received a perfect ovation.
The shells fell quite regularly, and made an unusually loud report, reverberating among the adjacent hills on either side of the river Wupper.