profession,
although even then I was dreaming of better things--of something akin
to this marvellous creation of yours, sir," casting a fleeting glance
at the air-ship, then at the face of its builder, afterward resuming his
former attitude.

"Let that pass, though. I wanted to tell you how I met with my awful
loss; how I came to be out here in this modern hell!

"I had a wife, a daughter, each of whom felt almost as powerful an
interest in aerostatics as I did myself. And one day--but, wait!

"I had an enemy, too; one who had, years before, sought to win my
love for his own; in vain, the cur! And that day--we were out here in
Washington Territory, living in comparative solitude that I might the
better study out the theory I was slowly shaping in my brain.

"The day was beautiful, but almost oppressively warm, and, as they
so frequently wished, I let my dear ones up in the balloon, securely
fastening it below. And then--God forgive me!--I went back to town for
something; I forget just what, now.

"A sudden storm came up. I hurried homeward; home to me was wherever
my dear ones chanced to be; but I was just too late! That devil of all
devils was ahead of me, and I saw him--merciful God! I saw him--cut the
ropes and let the balloon dart away upon that awful gale!"

His voice choked, and for a few minutes silence reigned. Knowing how
vain must be any attempt to offer consolation, the trio of air-voyagers
said nothing, and presently Cooper Edgecombe spoke.

"I killed the demon. I nearly tore him limb from limb; I would have done
just that, only for those who came hurrying after me from town, knowing
that I might need help in bringing my balloon to earth in safety. They
dragged me away, but 'twas too late to cheat my miserable vengeance.
That hound was dead, but--my darlings were gone, for ever!"

Another pause, then quieter, more coherent speech.

"God alone knows whither my wife and child were taken. The general drift
was in this direction, but how far they were carried, or how long they
may have lived, I can only guess; enough that, despite all my inquiries,
made far and wide in every direction, I never heard aught of either
balloon or passengers!

"After that, I had but one object in life: to follow along the track of
that storm, and either find my loved ones, or--or some clew which should
for ever solve my awful doubts! And for two long years or more I fought
to pierce these horrid fastnesses,--all in vain.