But now that all hope from this quarter had been brought to an end, the balloon once more began to shape itself in his mind, as well as in that of Caspar; and for the first time they proceeded to talk over the subject together.
"Cords we could have in plenty," remarked Caspar, "but they'd be of no use, without the stuff to cover the great globe.

They make it of silk, don't they ?" "Yes," replied Karl, "silk is the best material for the purpose." "And why ?" inquired Caspar.
"Because it combines the three properties of lightness, strength, and closeness of texture, in a greater degree than any other known substance." "Would nothing else do ?" "Oh, yes; many things would answer to make a balloon, that might carry up a certain amount of weight.

Even a paper balloon can be constructed to take up a few pounds--a cat, or a small dog; and people in many countries have been cruel enough to dispatch such creatures into the air, not caring what became of them." "Very cruel indeed!" assented Caspar, who, although a hunter, was far from having an unfeeling heart.

"Such people should be sent up themselves in paper balloons." "Yes, if paper balloons would carry them; which, unfortunately for us, they wouldn't.

Even if we had an unlimited supply of paper, it would be of no use to us.