a few minutes before noon
Numerous and hearty were the handshakings ; `` Good-bye , '' and `` Bon Voyage , '' were heard on every hand . The globe was anchored at but fifty feet from the earth . The cage had been enlarged so that the voyagers now ascended four at a time . This they did a few minutes before noon . The organ was taken out upon the balcony , and `` God be with you till we meet again , '' was sung by our friends . The three Bartons stood just below and opposite the choir , tears of friendship and gratitude streaming down their faces . We will state here -LRB- quite privately be it understood -RRB- that Will and Jennie had come to an understanding that seemed to be very satisfactory to them , and their leavetaking was more affectionate than is usual with mere acquaintances , or even intimate friends .