A WOMAN'S ADVENTURES IN A BALLOON.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3529, 30 October 1882, Page 4

A WOMAN'S ADVENTURES IN A BALLOON.

At Oswego, N.Y., Mdllo. Adele, the aeronaut, made an ascension and dropped finally into Lake Ontario. She thus describes her peril : —

" After the balloon aroso it tended northward and began to approach the lake. I threw out a winter cloak, thinking it might rise into a different current which would take the balloon away from the lake, but it still continued to work northward, and when over the west breakwater I cut off the an-chor-rope, and it presented a curious sight as it fell. The water below looked nearly black, and I knew I had attained a great elevation and was still rising. Shortly after the balloon was enveloped in a heavy snow-storm and'for a few moments I could see nothing but the white snowflakes beneath me. The snow melted on the balloon and filled the cordage with water and. the additional weight caused it to settle somewhat, so that in a few moments I came in sight of the lake. I hung out the red signal Hag, [and fastened on my cork jacket, and saw the sail boats, but could not tell which was the life boat. I saw a steam tug and thought it was coming to my aid. I kept swinging the balloon towards the shore, thinking I could keep it near enough to the beach to strike on land which I saw (probably Nine Mile Point), for I dreaded to plunge into the lake. I watched the tug and saw I was receding and gradually working off the shore. At this time the tug was a mere speck in the distance. I opened the valve and braced myself in the basket and prepared for the plunge. When the balloon struck the water the basket turned over on its side, throwing me over on my face, and immersed me up to my shoulders. The globe was also partially on its side. J knew that my only safety wag in keeping inside the basket. My weight kept it nearly under water, and all the while I was in the water up to my armpits. The wind acted upon the balloon as it would on a sail, and it seemed to me that it went ploughing through the water at a fearful rate. I was on my knees in the baskot, aud reached it and clung to the concentrating hoop. I didn't hear the whistle of the tug. I realised my condition, and began to calculate the chances for rescue. I looked back, arid could see no tug, boat, or sail. Off in one" direction I saw land, but it seemed to be far distant, and I was going from it. I resolved to make the best of my situation and keep cool. My better judgment said: 'Lon't be frightened.' Incases of extreme danger I have the most self-possession, and at such times feel cheerful. As I was dragged along I sang : 'All my hopes in ahee are stayed !' and kept looking over my shoulder for the tug. I must have dragged twenty minutes when I spied tho ! stream of the tug in the distance. I gave utterance to an exclamation of joy. Then ' came the chorus of the verse, ' De saves me, saves mo now!' How I watched that tug can be better imagined than described. 1 paw they were gradually gaining on me, but slowly. I must have dragged an hour be- I fore they overlook me. It occurred to mo that if I could get the globe near to tho water it would not drag so fast, and I reached out and seized a group of the attach-

ments and pressed them down into the water, and that drew the balloon nearer to the surface. Heard the tug whistle, and nearer and nearer the}' came, and I could distinguish forms and hear the yelling. It was the sweetest music I ever heard.