of the
"Go-Ahead," expanding under the dilation of its contents at this
great height, had finally burst.

Half-emptied, the balloon fell rapidly.

Then to our universal astonishment, the "Albatross" shot down after
her rival, not to finish the work of destruction but to bring rescue.
Yes! Robur, forgetting his vengeance, rejoined the sinking
"Go-Ahead," and his men lifted Mr. Prudent, Mr. Evans, and the
aeronaut who accompanied them, onto the platform of his craft. Then
the balloon, being at length entirely empty, fell to its destruction
among the trees of Fairmount Park.

The public was overwhelmed with astonishment, with fear! Now that
Robur had recaptured his prisoners, how would he avenge himself?
Would they be carried away, this time, forever?

The "Albatross" continued to descend, as if to land in the clearing
at Fairmount Park. But if it came within reach, would not the
infuriated crowd throw themselves upon the airship, tearing both it
and its inventor to pieces?

The "Albatross" descended within six feet of the ground. I remember
well the general movement forward with which the crowd threatened to
attack it. Then Robur's voice rang out in words which even now I can
repeat almost as he said them:

"Citizens of the United States, the president and the secretary of
the Weldon Institute are again in my power. In holding them prisoners
I would but be exercising my natural right of reprisal for the
injuries they have done me. But the passion and resentment which have
been roused both in them and you by the success of the 'Albatross,'
show that the souls of men are not yet ready for the vast increase of
power which the conquest of the air will bring to them. Uncle
Prudent, Phillip Evans, you are free."

The three men rescued from the balloon leaped to the ground. The
airship rose some thirty feet out of reach, and Robur recommenced:

"Citizens of the United States, the conquest of the air is made; but
it shall not be given into your hands until the proper time. I leave,
and I carry my secret with me. It will not be lost to humanity, but
shall be entrusted to them when they have learned not to abuse it.
Farewell, Citizens of the United States!"

Then the "Albatross" rose under the impulse of its mighty screws, and
sped away amidst the hurrahs of the multitude.

I have ventured to remind my readers of this last scene somewhat in
detail, because it seemed to reveal the state of mind of the
remarkable person