He had a vague idea that with such a force as the great kite straining at its leash, this might be used to lift to the altitude of the kite itself heavier articles.

His first experiment with articles of little but increasing weight was eminently successful.

So he added by degrees more and more weight, until he found out that the lifting power of the kite was considerable.

He then determined to take a step further, and send to the kite some of the articles which lay in the steel-hooped chest.

The last time he had opened it in sleep, it had not been shut again, and he had inserted a wedge so that he could open it at will.