He brought out a lump of basalt of a considerable size, constructed in the middle so that a cord could be easily attached to it.  This cord was the one which we had brought with us on to the plateau after we had used it for climbing the pinnacle.  It was over a hundred feet long, and though it was thin it was very strong.  He had prepared a sort of collar of leather with many straps depending from it.  This collar was placed over the dome of the balloon, and the hanging thongs were gathered together below, so that the pressure of any weight would be diffused over a considerable surface.  Then the lump of basalt was fastened to the thongs, and the rope was allowed to hang from the end of it, being passed three times round the Professor’s arm.

“I will now,” said Challenger, with a smile of pleased anticipation, “demonstrate the carrying power of my balloon.”  As he said so he cut with a knife the various lashings that held it.

Never was our expedition in more imminent danger of complete annihilation.  The inflated membrane shot up with frightful velocity into the air.  In an instant Challenger was pulled off his feet and dragged after it.  I had just time to throw my arms round his ascending waist when I was myself whipped up into the air.  Lord John had me with a rat-trap grip round the legs, but I felt that he also was coming off the ground.  For a moment I had a vision of four adventurers floating like a string of sausages over the land that they had explored.  But, happily, there were limits to the strain which the rope would stand, though none apparently to the lifting powers of this infernal machine.  There was a sharp crack, and we were in a heap upon the ground with coils of rope all over us.  When we were able to stagger to our feet we saw far off in the deep blue sky one dark spot where the lump of basalt was speeding upon its way.

“Splendid!” cried the undaunted Challenger, rubbing his injured arm.  “A most thorough and satisfactory demonstration!  I could not have anticipated such a success.  Within a week, gentlemen, I promise that a second balloon will be prepared, and that you can count upon taking in safety and comfort the first stage of our homeward journey.”  So far I have written each of the foregoing events as it occurred.  Now I am rounding off my narrative from the old camp, where Zambo has waited so long, with all our difficulties and dangers left like a dream behind us upon the summit of those vast ruddy crags which tower above our heads.  We have descended in safety, though in a most unexpected fashion, and all is well with us.  In six weeks or two months we shall be in London, and it is possible that this letter may not reach you much earlier than we do ourselves.  Already our hearts yearn and our spirits fly towards the great mother city which holds so much that is dear to us.