rned from
it, and the tree was broken; but the balloon was discharging its gas,
and if the immense plain we were crossing had yet a few leagues, we were
saved. But suddenly a forest appeared in the horizon; we must leap out
at whatever risk, for the car would be dashed to pieces at the first
collision with those trees. I got down into the car, and raising myself
I know not how,--for I suffered from a wound in my knees, my trousers
were torn,--I jumped, and made I know not how many revolutions, and fell
upon my head. After a minute's dizziness I rose. The car was then far
off. By the aid of a stick I dragged myself to the forest, and having
gone a few steps I heard some groans. Saint Felix was stretched on the
soil frightfully disfigured; his body was one wound; he had an arm
broken, the chest torn, and an ankle dislocated. The car had
disappeared. After crossing a river I heard a cry. Nadar was stretched
on the ground with a dislocated thigh; his wife had fallen into the
river. Another companion was shattered. We occupied ourselves with
Saint Felix, and Nadar and his wife. In trying to assist the latter I
was nearly drowned, for I fell into the water and sank. They picked me
up again, and I found the bath had done me good. By the assistance of
the inhabitants the salvage was got together. Vehicles were brought;
they placed us upon straw. My knees bled; my loins and head seemed to
be like mince-meat; but I did not lose my presence of mind an instant,
and for a second I felt humiliated at looking from the truss of straw at
those clouds which in the night I had had under my feet. It was in this
way we reached Rethem, in Hanover.

"In seventeen hours we had made nearly 250 leagues. Our _course
infernale_ had covered a space of three leagues. Now that it is over I
have some shudderings. It does not signify! we have made a good
journey, and I marvel to see with what indifference we may regard the
most frightful death, for, besides the prospect of being dashed about on
our way, we had that of gaining the sea; and how long should we have
lived then? I am glad to have seen this--happier yet at having to
narrate it to you. These Germans who surround us are brave people, and
we have been as well cared for as the resources of the little spot will
allow.

"P.S.--I have just reached Hanover with my companions, and re-open my
letter to tell you so. The King has sent an aide-de-camp to us. Are we
at the end of