“‘It is going up! We are lost, and yet there is the French coast.’
“A loud noise was heard.
“‘Has the balloon burst?’ asked Jeffries.
“‘No. The loss of the gas has reduced the inflation of the lower part of the balloon. But we are still descending. We are lost! Out with everything useless!’
“Provisions, oars, and rudder were thrown into the sea. The aeronauts were only one hundred yards high.
“‘We are going up again,’ said the doctor.
“‘No. It is the spurt caused by the diminution of the weight, and not a ship in sight, not a bark on the horizon! To the sea with our clothing!’
“The unfortunates stripped themselves, but the balloon continued to descend.
“‘Blanchard,’ said Jeffries, ‘you should have made this voyage alone; you consented to take me; I will sacrifice myself! I am going to throw myself into the water, and the balloon, relieved of my weight, will mount again.’
“‘No, no! It is frightful!’