was at the
same time automobile, boat, submarine, and airship. Earth, sea and
air,--it could move through all three elements! And with what
power! With what speed! Al few instants sufficed to complete its
marvelous transformations. The same engine drove it along all its
courses! And I had been a witness of its metamorphoses! But that of
which I was still ignorant, and which I could perhaps discover, was
the source of the energy which drove the machine, and above all, who
was the inspired inventor who, after having created it, in every
detail, guided it with so much ability and audacity!

At the moment when the "Terror" rose above the Canadian Falls, I was
held down against the hatchway of my cabin. The clear, moonlit
evening had permitted me to note the direction taken by the air-ship.
It followed the course of the river and passed the Suspension Bridge
three miles below the falls. It is here that the irresistible rapids
of the Niagara River begin, where the river bends sharply to descend
toward Lake Ontario.

On leaving this point, I was sure that we had turned toward the east.
The captain continued at the helm. I had not addressed a word to him.
What good would it do? He would not have answered. I noted that the
"Terror" seemed to be guided in its course through the air with
surprising ease. Assuredly the roads of the air were as familiar to
it as those of the seas and of the lands!

In the presence of such results, could one not understand the
enormous pride of this man who proclaimed himself Master of the
World? Was he not in control of a machine infinitely superior to any
that had ever sprung from the hand of man, and against which men were
powerless? In truth, why should he sell this marvel? Why should he
accept the millions offered him? Yes, I comprehended now that
absolute confidence in himself which was expressed in his every
attitude. And where might not his ambition carry him, if by its own
excess it mounted some day into madness!

A half hour after the "Terror" soared into the air, I had sunk into
complete unconsciousness, without realizing its approach. I repeat,
it must have been caused by some drug. Without doubt, our commander
did not wish me to know the road he followed.

Hence I cannot say whether the aviator continued his flight through
space, or whether the mariner sailed the surface of some sea or lake,
or the chauffeur sped across the American roads. No recollection
remains with me of what