They seemed suddenly to lower the
grating of the Montgolfiere. But it was too late. A violet
flame appeared at the top of the balloon, then spread over the
whole globe, and enveloped the Montgolfiere and the voyagers.
"The unfortunate men were suddenly precipitated from the clouds
to the earth, in front of the Tour de Croy, upwards of a league
from Boulogne, and 300 feet from the sea beach.
"The dead body of Roziers was found burnt in the gallery, many of
the bones being broken. His brother was still breathing, but he
was not able to speak, and in a few minutes he expired."
De Maisonfort, who, against his own will, was left on the earth,
was witness of this sad event. He has given the following
explanation of it:--
"Some minutes after their departure the voyagers were assailed by
contrary winds, which drove them back again upon the land. It is
probable that then, in order to descend and seek a more
favourable current of air, which would take them out again to
sea, Roziers opened the valve of the gas balloon; but the cord
attached to this valve was very long, it worked with difficulty,
and the friction which it occasioned tore the valve. The stuff
of the balloon, which had suffered much from many preliminary
attempts, and from other causes, was torn to the extent of
several yards, and the valve fell down inside the balloon, which
at once emptied itself.
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