134. He tried the Valve three Times smartly, and deliberately.
The Escape of the inflammable Air or Gass was like the growling Sound made in a Mill by the Grinding of the Mill-stones, but by no Means so loud.
CHAPTER XXV.
THIRD BALLOON-IRIS
Balloon-shadow.
Section 135. THE successive Operations of untying the Neck, and repeated Trials of the Valve, brought the Observer so low, that he coud trace the Image of the Balloon on the upper Surface of light silvery Clouds beneath him.
Third Balloon-Iris.
136. Iris, a bright celestial Nymph, his former Attendant, deck’d in gay Attire as usual for the Bow, made her third Appearance: instantly encircling the Balloon. Nor was her Iris remained.Stay so short as before; as if to recompense the Aironaut for the lost The Earth disappeared.Sight of Earth and all terrestrial Objects, which then began to disappear.
137. In less than a Minute after the Deflation; the Neck of the Balloon continuing to be held tight in the Hand; the Balloon quickly encreased in Bulk, and soared aloft, as before.