A half hour later he returned with his wife and two daughters, the latter being stylish, lovely girls of about Mattie's age. All three were in a state of more or less nervousness and trepidation at the idea of a sail through the sky, and yet they could not resist the desire to go. "O Mrs. Jones! Miss Bronson! don't you feel awfully frightened away up there, thousands of feet from the earth?" asked one of the girls. "Not the least bit!" replied Mrs. Jones. "So far from that, will you believe me, I feel better and fully as safe in the cabin of our Silver Cloud, five thousand feet from the earth, as I do in this parlor." "Do you hear that, mamma?" cried the elder girl. "And what an appropriate, beautiful name--Silver Cloud. Well, I am determined to be a good sailor, and enjoy this trip as I never did anything in my life." "I will meet you within an hour at the ship," said the mayor. "I must attend to some business before I can go," and he hurried away. An hour later they were all standing upon the balcony of Silver Cloud, excepting Will and Denison. They were standing by the spring motors to hoist and stow the anchors. The news had spread that the great globe was about to sail, and people were rushing by thousands to witness its departure. The signal was given, and Silver Cloud arose so majestically and beautifully above the great city that the people roared like another Niagara at the transcendently glorious spectacle! It rose to the height of eight hundred feet, and moved rapidly toward the southwest. They maintained this comparatively low altitude on account of their visitors manifesting symptoms of extreme terror, especially the young ladies. But Mrs. Jones and Mattie soothed and petted them, and assured them so positively of their perfect safety that by degrees they became quiet, and in a short time were enjoying the scenery, and watching through their glasses the main objects of interest. "Mrs. Jones." said the mayor's wife, "I do not wonder that you prefer the cabin of this ship to the parlor of our grandest city hotel. This is the most inspiring scene I ever witnessed, and one that I should never grow tired of. How cool and pure this atmosphere is! I am sure that nothing could add to the beauty of the scenery or your splendid ship." "O madam! but you should have seen Silver Cloud before we robbed her of her chief ornament, the flagstaff. That was her glory, as a fine head of hair is a woman's," replied Dr. Jones, who had overheard the lady's remark. "I shall never be satisfied until we have replaced it." The ship, meantime, was hastening at a forty mile gait toward the Capital. The trip was one long thrill of excitement and pleasure to the visitors. The Doctor had settled all symptoms of nausea with his well-selected remedies, and nothing more could be desired to add to their pleasure and comfort.