This famous flight of Messrs. Coxwell and Glaisher is still a record. No other balloon has ever ascended to so great a height, and, when a similar attempt was made in France by three celebrated aeronauts, two of them lost their lives at a height of five miles, owing to the rarity of the atmosphere they had to breathe.
The illustration of the scene in the balloon, on page 265, is copied from Mr. Glaisher's Travels in the Air, published by Messrs. Macmillan & Co., Ltd., who have kindly given leave for its reproduction.
John Lea.
AFLOAT ON THE DOGGER BANK.
A Story of Adventure on the North Sea and in China.
CHAPTER IX.
When Charlie arrived at his home, in an unmistakably ill-fitting suit of clothes and accompanied by a Chinaman, equally badly dressed, he caused great surprise to his family. If he had returned dressed in 'fear-noughts' and a jersey, or even in 'oilies,' they would not have been surprised, but there was nothing nautical about his present attire.
'Well, my boy,' Charlie's father said to him, after Ping Wang had been introduced, 'have you had a good time?'