Wonderful Balloon Ascents; Or, The Conquest of the Skies

the rocks on the other side, against which the waves dashed, offered a prospect that was rather trying. They had already passed one-third of the distance across the Channel when the balloon descended for the second time, and they threw over the last of their ballast; and that not sufficing, they threw over some books, and found themselves rising again. After having got more than half way, they found to their dismay, from the rising of the barometer, that they were again descending, and the remainder of their books were thrown over. At twenty-five minutes past two o’clock they had passed three-quarters of their journey, and they perceived ahead the inviting coasts of France. But, in consequence either of the loss or the condensation of the inflammable gas, they found themselves once more descending. They then threw over their provisions, the wings of the car, and other objects. “We were obliged,” says Jeffries, “to throw out the only bottle we had, which fell on the water with a loud sound, and sent up spray like smoke.” They were now near the water themselves, and certain death seemed to stare them in the face. It is said that at this critical moment Jeffries offered to throw himself into the sea, in order to save the life of his companion. “We are lost, both of us,” said he; “and if you believe that it will save you to be lightened of my weight, I am willing to sacrifice my life.” This story has certainly the appearance of romance, and belief in it is not positively demanded. One desperate resource only remained--they could detach the car and hang on themselves to the ropes of the balloon. They were preparing to carry out this idea, when they imagined they felt themselves beginning to ascend again. It was indeed so. The balloon mounted once more; they were only four miles from the coast of France, and their progress through the air was rapid. All fear was now banished. Their exciting situation, and the idea that they were the first who had ever traversed the Channel in such a manner, rendered them careless about the want of certain articles of dress which they had discarded. At three o’clock they passed over the shore half-way between Cape Blanc and Calais.