CHAPTER XXXIV.

THE SEQUEL.

[Sidenote: Flights with the Balloon for +three+ Hours longer.]

Section 193. The Sequel contains an Account of _several Flights_ made, in Presence of the Aironaut, by different Persons, during _three_ Hours, in the Car of the Balloon, viz. from the Time he alighted, till _after_ +sunset+.

[Illustration: _A_ +Balloon Prospect+ _from ABOVE the_ CLOUDS _see page IIII c._

Publish’d May 1ˢᵗ. 1766, by T.Baldwin Chester.]

[Illustration: The +Explanatory+ Print. _see Page IIII. d._]

Rixton-Moss, +Lancashire+, IV. o’Clock P.M.

The Afternoon being _fine_, the Sun _bright_, and the Air _calm_; finding the Country People remarkably civilized and kind; and having dispatched a Messenger on Foot to return in a Post Chaise from Warrington; the Aironaut was resolved to gratify the Curiosity of his numerous Followers, and give the young People a Taste for Balloons, by treating them successively with an Airing.

194. Indeed it was no inconvenient Method of removing and conducting the Machine: and _possibly_ different Positions of the Balloon might furnish a _useful_ Hint.

[Sidenote: The Aironaut indulged the People of the Country with _Flights_ in the Balloon.]

Having asked aloud _who chose to ride_, several answered in the Affirmative. So having pitched upon a young Fellow of less Weight than himself; bid him get up, between the Cords, over the Hoop, into the Car; stand near the Middle, and hold an opposite Cord in each Hand.

He obeyed with the greatest Alacrity: and seemed to be _a noisy bold_ Adventurer.

[Sidenote: The Aironaut _first_ quitted the Car; but continued to _conduct_ the Balloon.]

195. The _Aironaut_ then got out; and having suffered the Balloon to rise; fastened the End of the Cable to _central_ Meshes of the Net, at the Bottom of the Car: ordering the strongest and tallest Man to hold the Cable, and let it go by Degrees till the Anchor or grappling Iron _alone_ remained in his Hand.

[Sidenote: Behaviour of different Adventurers.]

The Balloon now rising _above_ the Height of the Trees, and giving the Adventurer a new and extensive Prospect of the Country; he became _silent_; _pale_; his _Countenance_ the _Picture_ of _Distress_; looking _down_ as if for _Help_.

The Conductor repeatedly bid him take Courage. But, in vain.

By lowering the Car _within_ the Height of the Trees, he seemed to _recover_ from his _Dismay_.