If you'll put me
ashore, I guess I can manage now."
"But you're all wet," objected Tom. "Where will you go? You need
some other clothes," for the man wore a suit of tights and
spangles.
"Oh, I'm used to this," went on the performer. "I frequently have
to fall in the water. I always carry a little money with me so as
to get back to the place where I started from. By the way, where
am I?"
"Opposite Daleton," answered Tom. "Where did you go up from?"
"Pratonia. Big fair there. I was one of the features."
"Then you're about fifteen miles away," commented Mr. Swift. "You
can hardly get back before night. Must you go there?"
"Left my clothes there. Also a valuable gas balloon. No more
hot-air ones for me. Guess I'd better go back," and the aeronaut
continued to speak in his quick, jerky sentences.
"We'd be very glad to have you come with us, Mr. Sharp," went on
the inventor. "We are not far from Shopton, and if you would like
to remain over night I'm sure we would make you comfortable. You
can proceed to Pratonia in the morning."
"Thanks. Might not be a bad idea," said Mr. Sharp. "I'm obliged
to you. I've got to go there to collect my money, though I
suppose they won't give it all to me."
"Why not?" demanded Ned.
Pages:
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178