Jules Verne Read Free Page A

general store-houses of provisions. Admire this
magnificent announcement. 'Invented for the good of the human race,
this globe will depart immediately for the seaports in the Levant, and
on its return will announce its voyages for the two poles and the
extremities of the Occident. Every provision is made; there will be an
exact rate of fare for each place of destination; but the prices for
distant voyages will be the same, 1000 louis. And it must be confessed
that this is a moderate sum, considering the celerity, convenience, and
pleasure of this mode of travelling above all others. While in this
balloon, every one can divert himself as he pleases, dancing, playing,
or conversing with people of talent. Pleasure will be the soul of the
aerial society.' All these inventions excited laughter. But before long,
if my days were not numbered, these projects should become realities."
    We were visibly descending; he did not perceive it!
    "See this game of balloons; it contains the whole history of the
aerostatic art. This game, for the use of educated minds, is played like
that of the Jew; with dice and counters of any value agreed upon, which
are to be paid or received, according to the condition in which one
arrives."
    "But," I resumed, "you seem to have valuable documents on aerostation?"
    "I am less learned than the Almighty! That is all! I possess all the
knowledge possible in this world. From Phaeton, Icarus, and Architas. I
have searched all, comprehended all! Through me, the aerostatic art
would render immense services to the world, if God should spare my life!
But that cannot be."
    "Why not?"
    "Because my name is Empedocles or Erostratus!"

II
*
    The Company of Aerostiers—The Battle of Fleurus—The Balloon over the
Sea—Blanchard and Jefferies—A Drama such as is rarely seen—3000
Metres—The Thunder beneath our Feet—Gavnerin at Rome—The Compass
gone—The Victims of Aerostation—Pilatre—At 4000 Metres—The Barometer
gone—Descents of Olivari, Mosment, Bittorf, Harris, Sadler, and Madame
Blanchard—The Valve rendered useless—7000 Metres—Zambecarri—The
Ballon (sic) Wrecked—Incalculable Heights—The Car
Overset—Despair—Vertigo—The Fall—The Dénouement.
    I shuddered! Fortunately the balloon was approaching the earth. But the
danger is the same at 50 feet as at 5000 metres! The clouds were
advancing.
    "Remember the battle of Fleurus, and you will comprehend the utility of
aerostats! Coulee, by order of the government, organized a company of
aerostiers. At the siege of Maubeuge, General Jourdan found this new
method of observation so serviceable, that twice a day, accompanied by
the General himself, Coutelle ascended into the air; the correspondence
between the aeronaut and the aerostiers who held the balloon, was
carried on by means of little white, red, and yellow flags. Cannons and
carbines were often aimed at the balloon at the moment of its ascension,
but without effect. When Jourdan was preparing to invest Charleroi,
Coutelle repaired to the neighbourhood of that place, rose from the
plain of Jumet, and remained taking observations seven or eight hours,
with General Morelot. The Austrians came to deliver the city, and a
battle was fought on the heights of Fleurus. General Jourdan publicly
proclaimed the assistance he had received from aeronautic observations.
Well! notwithstanding the services rendered on this occasion, and during
the campaign with Belgium, the year which witnessed the commencement of
the military career of balloons, also saw it terminate. And the school
of Meuon, founded by government, was closed by Bonaparte, on his return
from Egypt. 'What are we to expect from the child which has just been
born?' Franklin had said. But the child was born alive! It need not
have been strangled!"
    The unknown hid his forehead in his hands, reflected for a few moments,
then, without raising his head, said to me:
    "Notwithstanding my orders, you have opened the upper valve!"
    I let go the