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. No mortal man could succeed, even when
urged on by such a motive as mine.

"Then I determined upon another course. I worked and slaved
until I could procure another balloon, as nearly like the one I