“I, Monsieur, have studied; I am satisfied that the first aeronauts guided their balloons.  Not to speak of Blanchard, whose assertions might be doubted, at Dijon, Guyton-Morveaux, by the aid of oars and a helm, imparted to his machines perceptible motions, a decided direction.  More recently, at Paris, a watchmaker, M. Julien, has made at the Hippodrome convincing experiments; for, with the aid of a particular mechanism, an aerial apparatus of oblong form was manifestly propelled against the wind.  M. Petin placed four balloons, filled with hydrogen, in juxtaposition, and, by means of sails disposed horizontally and partially furled, hoped to obtain a disturbance of the equilibrium, which, inclining the apparatus, should compel it to an oblique path.  But the motive power destined to surmount the resistance of currents,—­the helice, moving in a movable medium, was unsuccessful.  I have discovered the only method of guiding balloons, and not an Academy has come to my assistance, not a city has filled my subscription lists, not a government has deigned to listen to me!  It is infamous!”

His gesticulations were so furious that the car experienced violent oscillations; I had much difficulty in restraining him.  Meanwhile, the balloon had encountered a more rapid current.  We were advancing in a southerly direction, at 1200 metres in height, almost accustomed to this new temperature.

“There is Darmstadt,” said my companion.  “Do you perceive its magnificent chateau?  The storm-cloud below makes the outlines of objects waver; and it requires a practised eye to recognise localities.”

“You are certain that it is Darmstadt?”

“Undoubtedly; we are six leagues from Frankfort.”

“Then we must descend.”

“Descend! you would not alight upon the steeples!” said the unknown, mockingly.

“No; but in the environs of the city.”

“Well, it is too warm; let us remount a little.”

As he spoke thus, he seized some bags of ballast.  I precipitated myself upon him; but, with one hand, he overthrew me, and the lightened balloon rose to a height of 1500 metres.

“Sit down,” said he, “and do not forget that Brioschi, Biot, and Gay-Lussac, ascended to a height of seven thousand metres, in order to establish some new scientific laws.”

“We must descend;” resumed I, with an attempt at gentleness.  “The storm is gathering beneath our feet and around us; it would not be prudent.”

“We will ascend above it, and shall have nothing to fear from it.  What more beautiful than to reign in heaven, and look down upon the clouds which hover upon the earth!  Is it not an honour to navigate these aerial waves?  The greatest personages have travelled like ourselves.  The Marquise and Comtesse de Montalembert, the Comtesse de Potteries, Mlle. La Garde, the Marquis of Montalembert, set out from the Faubourg St. Antoine for these unknown regions.  The Duc de Chartres displayed much address and presence