Since the Sphere had disappeared from his astonished gaze the day before, he had anxiously awaited its return. As hour after hour passed, his fears for its little crew of two grew proportionately. He had little faith in the curious invention to which the professor and his companion had entrusted their lives.
So it was with little spirit that Henry sat down to his breakfast that morning at the Palmer homestead, where he lived. He picked up the morning paper listlessly, hoping it might contain some report of the Sphere. He feared that if it did contain such news, it would be fatal news. Henry was a pessimist.
The big heading escaped his notice at first because he was looking for some smaller notice regarding the Sphere and its failure to return. Then suddenly it caught his eye. Breathlessly he devoured it.
SENSATION
CAUSED BY FLYING SPHERE
Curious Metal Blimp Seen Floating Above Lake Vessels’ Mast Tops
STRANGE NEW AIR TRIUMPH
Heavier than air machine with no visible means of ascension or propulsion possesses marvelous speed
(Special Dispatch to the Morning Chronicle)
ERIE, Pa., July 18.—The freighter, “Mary Ann”, arriving here tonight, reported a remarkable incident.
About 4 o’clock this afternoon a member of the crew descried a small speck over the southern horizon. This speck grew in size rapidly until it became apparent that it was not only approaching the “Mary Ann”, but falling with great velocity from its former immense height. It looked to be a large grayish globe.
During the ensuing moments, it seemed as if a huge cannon ball were launched directly at the vessel. Her destruction seemed certain. Consternation seized the crew and officers, who, by this time, were all aware of the pending disaster.