"Remember the battle of Fleurus, and you will comprehend the utility of aerostats! Coutelle, 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 cord.
"Fortunately," continued he, "we have still two hundred pounds of ballast."
"What are your plans? " said I, with effort.
"You have never crossed the sea? "
I grew frightfully pale, terror froze my veins.
"It is a pity, " said he, "that we are being wafted towards the Adriatic! That is only a streamlet. Higher! we shall find other currents! "