five o'clock on
the 12th of May
A miracle had saved my life , but my voyage had been a series of imprudences , committed by a lunatic , and I had not been able to prevent them . May this terrible narrative , though instructing those who read it , not discourage the explorers of the air . A WINTER AMID THE ICE . The curé of the ancient church of Dunkirk rose at five o'clock on the 12th of May , 18 -- , to perform , according to his custom , low mass for the benefit of a few pious sinners . Attired in his priestly robes , he was about to proceed to the altar , when a man entered the sacristy , at once joyous and frightened . He was a sailor of some sixty years , but still vigorous and sturdy , with , an open , honest countenance . `` Monsieur the curé , '' said he , `` stop a moment , if you please . ''