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name who owned the yacht but he extended every courtesy and was a marvelous host.

[[underscore]]AN EVENTFUL FLIGHT OVER NEW ENGLAND[[/underscore]]

The next trip was a few days later and the start was made at 8:30 at night. We headed straight for Long Island Sound, quickly passed over the city and soon were over the water. I realized that it was not a time to make any mistakes or to waste ballast or gas. The grail rope was lowered and the balloon allowed to settle until the rope was dragging in the water. Then I twisted the appendix together to keep out the air. By carefully throwing out sand at intervals I was able to keep the balloon at an even 250 feet above the water. Shortly after the start we distinctly heard the voice of a sailor who had discovered the balloon. His remarks were eloquent and loud. Mrs. Thomas had become worried and telegraphed to Bridgeport to send out a speed boat to try and be of assistance to us. We were traveling so fast that even the boat was not able to get near us. We then entered a fog which shut out all light and we were in total darkness. The only indication of altitude was the trail rope as the angle of the rope would indicate whether or not we were close to the water. The barometer did not register under 500 feet. Sometime during the night we passed directly over Block Island light house. We had a map and by using a flash light I was able to check our course. I found we were not going out to sea but would shortly make land. 

The doctor was having the time of his life--no worries, no cares. He thought the trip was a great lark. His main object was to gain publicity for himself and he wanted me to make some kind of record which would give him what he wanted. The chances were all in his favor if we were lucky enough to get out