Off on a Comet Book 2 Chapter 18

In which the explorers ascend in a delicate montgolfier balloon, witnessing from great heights the shimmering comet beneath them and the majestic terrestrial disc approaching with relentless speed, all while the familiar outlines of Europe evoking vivid impressions unfold beneath their watchful eyes. As the tension mounts with the imminent convergence of celestial bodies, they prepare a record of their journey and release a carrier-pigeon, only to find themselves suddenly restored upon earth amidst an enigmatic scene of confluent atmospheres and vanishing balloon.