airship: that is to say the rigid, as opposed to the semi-rigid
and flexible craft. As a result of patient experiment and
continued researches he came to the conclusion that a huge outer
envelope taking the form of a polygonal cylinder with
hemispherical ends, constructed upon substantial lines with a
metallic skeleton encased within an impermeable skin, and charged
with a number of smaller balloon-shaped vessels containing the
lifting agent--hydrogen gas--would fulfil his requirements to the
greatest advantage. Model after model was built upon these
lines. Each was subjected to searching tests with the invariable
result attending such work with models. Some fulfilled the
expectations of the inventor, others resolutely declined to
illustrate his reasonings in any direction.

The inevitable happened. When a promising model was completed
finally the inventor learned to his sorrow what every inventor
realises in time. His fortune and the resources of others had
been poured down the sink of experiment. To carry the idea from
the model to the practical stage required more money, and it was
not forthcoming. The inventor sought to enlist the practical
sympathy of his country, only to learn that in Germany, as in
other lands, the axiom concerning the prophet, honour, and
country prevails. No exuberant inventor received such a cold
douche from a Government as did Count Zeppelin from the Prussian
authorities. For two years further work was brought practically
to a standstill: nothing could be done unless the sinews of war
were forthcoming. His friends, who had assisted him financially
with his models, now concluded that their aid had been misplaced.

The inventor, though disappointed, was by no means cast down. He