"All right, Professor. Stand by boys! Let them go!" cried the Doctor.
Down to the earth went two anchors. They almost immediately caught in the strong limbs of the shade trees and Silver Cloud was again safely anchored. It was well that this immense park had chanced to be their stopping place, for the people were wild with excitement, and poured into it like a mighty flood. The shout that went up was deafening as the Doctor and Professor descended to the ground. The whole party came down, two by two, the fastenings of the globe were made doubly secure, a posse of policemen put in charge of it, and then they submitted themselves to the committee of reception appointed by the mayor. Carriages awaited them, and they were conveyed to a hotel as rapidly as the densely crowded streets would permit. No conqueror ever received a more tremendous ovation! Frequently the carriages were brought to a dead standstill, and only the most strenuous efforts of scores of policemen could make a passage for them. But finally their enthusiasm broke through all barriers. The horses were taken from the vehicles, and hundreds of friendly hands grasped the ropes attached to the ends of the tongues, and then better progress was made. The Doctor bore his honors with gentle dignity, taking off his hat, and bowing frequently to the right and left to his excited and enthusiastic countrymen who thus delighted to do him honor. If Mrs. Jones' eyes filled with tears of pride and delight as she witnessed this outpouring of the hearts of the people to the man whom she loved above anything upon earth, surely no one will censure her for that. The travelers had met with some hearty receptions, but never with anything like this. It was not the male portion only who were demonstrative, but the ladies were equally active in their expressions of appreciation. The carriages were literally filled with rich bouquets of flowers that rained into them. And when they could bring them to a standstill, the crush about the vehicles almost threatened their destruction. They shook hands with as many as climbed up within reach, not a few of whom were ladies.
"Upon my word, girls, I don't know but they will eat us up," said the Doctor to his wife and Mattie, who sat beside him in the leading landau.
But all things earthly have an end, and the party finally landed at the entrance of the hotel. Here the press was tremendous, and it was with extreme difficulty that they at last reached the parlor, where the mayor and many distinguished citizens awaited them.
"I fear you have had a rough passage through our streets," said the mayor.
"I give you my word, sir, that we have been in more danger during the last half hour than in all the balance of our voyage," replied Dr. Jones.
"You have stirred the world, and turned it upside down, and you will have to stand the consequences of your unprecedented popularity. It is so refreshing to see a man do the impossible with the nonchalance and ease that you have displayed that you must not complain if we nearly kill you with the best intentions in the world. But I promise that we will endeavor to make it as easy for you as possible, while with us."
"I have lived all my life in New York, but I am sure that I never saw our city so excited as it is to-night," said another gentleman. "Just listen to them! Come out upon the balcony and look at them."
As they stepped out and looked up and down Broadway, far as they could see the great thoroughfare was filled with people. The voyagers were instantly recognized, and such a roar as went up from that vast multitude! It continued until the mayor stepped forward and raised his hand to command silence.
"Speak to them a few words, Doctor, and send them home," said he.