When we steadied somewhat, and were moving in a horizontal direction at an average height of about 6000 feet, I raised myself into the ring, and, by a peep into the neck outlet, I felt satisfied that we had sustained no fracture in the envelope, and this fact enabled the passengers to feel pleased and composed, so that our feelings afterwards were of the happiest kind, and when it was found that our descent at Celle was not accompanied with unpleasantness, as our anchorage was effected on a high bough with grass beneath, we had every reason to feel satisfied with our own good fortune and the behaviour of the “Sylph,” which so nobly carried us over the trees and landed us without a scratch.
At Celle we heard from an attaché to the King of Hanover that his majesty had witnessed the ascent, and felt great concern for our safety during those anxious moments when our lives were in jeopardy.
Notwithstanding that difficulty respecting the trees, a second invitation went forth for another ascent on the 5th; but this time all dread, as to a too intimate acquaintance with the poplars, entirely ceased, as the air was in perfect repose; so much so, that it was impossible to decide which way we should go, there being no clouds to judge by, and as to other signs—such as the direction of smoke and pilot balloons—even these were not faithful guides, as they rose straight up and inclined to no fixed course, but wandered between north, south, east, and west, as if totally becalmed in a balmy summer atmosphere.
On being asked what sort of weather it was for aërial travelling, I replied: “Superb! this is even a ladies’ day, when the return to terra firma need not cause the crushing of a daisy.”
As the inflation proceeded, I requested it to be intimated that at six o’clock I should commence partial ascents.
Long before that time, the Marieninsel looked gay and inviting, filled with a select company who were attentive to the performances in the Summer Theatre, which forms so delightful a speciality at the alfresco amusements in Germany.
At the various rows of tables, the ladies sat working, and the fumes of the gentlemen’s cigars rose high in the still air, while the strains of music burst sweetly on the ears of the listeners, who calmly awaited their evening enjoyments, as if nature and art were subdued by oppressive heat, when the sun was declining behind the western foliage.
After the conclusion of the operatic piece, preparations for a captive ascent drew a crowd of visitors to the lawn, and a party of ladies was first formed, the young and handsome having induced the middle-aged and portly to treat and accompany them in a short tour.
A blue-eyed English girl laughingly remarked: “If the rope were to break, what should we do?”
“You would be transported with delight,” was my answer.