The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-09-27
ADANGEROUS EXPERIMENT

filed with numbcrleSs toys and games.
Beside the plain oak table sat little
curly-headcd boy of eight, lost in deep
perusal of an old well-worn book.
The colorcd maps on the walls, the
states and dog-cared volumes scattered
about told without words that this was
the schoolroom, though BERTHE was at
that moment the only occupant, and,
far from learning his lessons, was deep
in most interesting, but dangerous
study.
ii can do it, | am sure. 1t only
wants little courage, and Ellies con-
sent. Of that | need not be afraid;
she does almost everything | tell her, "
he muttered, closing the book with a
sudden bang. al wonder where she is
nowp / will 90 and find her. also the
things necessary for my experiment. J"
But the little girl had not returned
from her morning walk with her govern
ess, so the boy was forced to wait
patiently until she entered.
In the meantime he was seen climb
ing very mysteriously on the flower
wreathed balcony which ran before
the pretty cottage; each time deposit
ing something there, carefully hidden
by the thick green leaves. 1t was
some time ere Ellie, a dainty blue-eyed
little maiden, small as woodland
fairy. came home.
Sis" BERTHE began eagerly, drawing
her from the house, "come with me.
have got n splendid idea, but you
must help me-"
What is it?" Ellie asked, wonder
ing at the yelled mystery in her
brothers tones.
Il can't tell you here; wait until we
are alone" he said hurriedly, dragging
her INCREASINGLY towards the balcony
on to which he helped her to climb.
Now" he began with an air of
great Importance, how would you .liko
TO be birdp"
Ellie opened her eyes in mute
establishment.
What do you meanP" she gasped at
last.
How would you like to fy-to have
wings like a bird?" impressively.
81 don't know. II they were real
ones, very much. Why do you askP"
Because" here the bright young
voice fell to whisper, 81 have thought
of a splendid way to make people fly.
am sure it can be done if they only
will try"
But how?" Ellie asked curiously.
1T would take too long to explain
that now," BERTHE said grandly. 81
have been studying great deal lately
about balloons, and | am quite sure
human beings could be made to mount
in the air rs well.
Ellie gazcd at him in mute admira-
ton; in her eyes BERTHE was everything
that was clever and wise; she did not
doubt but he was right, and the feat he
spoke OF possible
"Look here Ellie" the young nven-
tor continued, are you willing to try my
experiment? 1t is quite safe, if you do
just what | tell you
Tell me what it is first" Ella said
Without answering, BERTHE drew
from their hiding-placo the materials
he had slowed away ready for use; an
old umbrella. somewhat battered and
torn; pair of turkeys wings, begged
from the cook some days since to play
with, and several pieces of cord
"Do you see these things? Well,
all you have To do is to let me fasten
them on you, and then you will be
able to fly"
Really But, BERTHE, why don't you
try first?"
Don't be a goose, Ellie. How can
] when you do not understand where
to place these things. After. when you
have seen my arrangement, on will be
able to help me-"
With radiant smile BERTHE opened
the umbrella aud fastened it securely
TO her back; then, taking the wings,
he tied one on each arm; in few
minutes the child stood ready for
fight
''How jolly you look! Exactly like
an angel, or winged-fairy voyaging
under big canopy" BERTHE cried
admiringly, gazing with intense salts
faction at the result of his work.
you are quite sure shall not falle"
she asked, lifting her innocent blue
eyes to his.
''Quite. You cannot make any mis-
take if you do as tell YOU" firmly.
"Are you readyP"
For>all answer, Ellie went trustfully
to her brother, and placed her hand in
his. She had such perfect confidence
in him that, though some doubts as to
the wisdom of the experiment rose in her
heart, she stifled them, and let herself
DO guided solely by his wishes.
''Wait one minute while Isee il there
Is anyone about" BERTHE said, cautious
ly peering over the balcony, which was
fortunately not far from the ground.
No one. however, was near; not even
. sound of life broke the stiffness.
You're not afraid sis?"
mo not at all, " fearlessly.
'.All right; then just step on this"
helping her to the top Of the stone
balustrade, land then when say 'Ofr
Jump down, but don't forget to flap
your wings as the birds do"
Ellie stood for moment held safely
in her somewhat shaky position by
Berries chubby hands, until the word