The apparatus in the air is like a balance of mathematical precision.

It can be thus easily understood that when it is lightened of any considerable weight its movement will be impetuous and sudden.

So it happened on this occasion.

But after being suspended for an instant aloft, the balloon began to redescend, the gas escaping by the rent which it was impossible to repair.
The men had done all that men could do.

No human efforts could save them now.
They must trust to the mercy of Him who rules the elements.
At four o'clock the balloon was only 500 feet above the surface of the water.
A loud barking was heard.