Page:O que eu vi, o que nós veremos (1918).pdf/15

 I was in Rio de Janeiro when a book came into my hands describing in detail the balloon of that expedition.

I continued to work in secret, without the courage to put my ideas into practice; I had little desire to ruin myself. This book, however, by the constructor Lachambre, enlightened me better and decided my resolution unfailingly.

I left for Paris...

— I want to go up in a balloon. How much are you asking me for that?

— We have just such a small balloon in which we will take you up for 250 frs.

— Is there much danger?

— Not at all.

— How much damage will the descent cost?

— That depends on the pilot; my nephew, M. Machuron, who will accompany you, has gone up dozens of times and has never done any damage. In any case, whatever happens, you will pay nothing more than the two