held to the earth with stout ropes. The three men were supplied with warm clothing, but Miss Dermott had only her threadbare shawl, and so Captain Cowgill gave her his overcoat, and two blankets which he took from the carriage.

While the voyagers were taking their places in the commodious car attached to the balloon, a young man entered the yard and hurriedly approached Captain Cowgill.

“I am going with the balloon,” he said, almost fiercely, and hardly deigning to look at the Captain.

“Impossible!” said the Captain. “The crew is made up. You don’t comprehend our purpose.”

“Yes, I do,” said the young man. “These people are would-be suicides, and they are starting for the Pole. I am going along.”

“But my dear sir—” began the Captain in a tone of expostulation.

“I will go, or I will slay myself right here before you! These people are not any more tired of life than I am,”

“Let him come,” said Dr. O’Hagan, gloomily.

“But,” returned Captain Cowgill, “I am afraid the balloon will be overloaded.

“I am going, anyhow,” said the young man, as he leaped into the car.

Captain Cowgill sighed, and said, “Well, have your own way about it.”

“My name is John Winden,” remarked the intruder. “I tell you, so that you will know if any one inquires after me. But I don’t imagine anybody will.”

Then Captain Cowgill bade farewell to the party, the ropes were loosed, and the balloon went sailing swiftly towards the clouds. Dr. O’Hagan was the navigator in charge. Presently a north-easterly current of wind struck the air-ship, and it began to move with great rapidity upon a horizontal line.

For a long time nobody in the car spoke. Indeed, the voyagers scarcely looked at each other; and none had enough curiosity to peer over the side upon the glorious landscape that lay beneath. But, after awhile, Mr. Crutter, gazing at Miss Dermott, said:

“Are you fully resolved upon self-destruction?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“So am I,” said Mr. Crutter.

“So am I,” remarked Mr. Winden.

“So am observed Mr. Jarnville.

“And I, also,” added Dr. O’Hagan.

“Even if we reach the Pole safely, and return, I shall not want to live,” said Mr. Crutter.

“Neither shall I,” said Miss Dermott.

“Nor I,” remarked Mr. Winden.