The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1894-07-28

HE CoNvERsED WITH THE BALLOON MAN.
on the rope would take away the last
chance for the boys life.
At that moment there fell upon Jim's
ear familiar voice, raised 10 pierre
ing cry.
"It's my boyl Mine-minel Let him
down. Give him 10 me!'
And for one moment his terror
stricken glance fell upon Aunt James
face-not cold and forbidding, but
strained in an agony of tender fear.
With a scream OF fright his eyes met
hers in a frantic appeal for help-the
help he knew she could not give
The chorus Of excited voices mingled
in a hollow roar, then died in silence
as Jim went up-up-still struggling
with that cruel rope. At last he got
IL around one arm, then another,
loosening that choking pressure about
his throat. Another passing OF the
rope about his arms, each one attended
with fearful effort The blood rushed
To his head. There was blaclSness
before his eyes and a roaring in his
ears.
Another violent struggle for the life
which seemed so sweet now that IL
might be going from him. lie gained
another twist on the rope, and could
now draw a free breath
A glance below turned him sick and
giddy. AS through a mist he got a
glimpse OF the distant landscape lie
was moving on andup, "a helpless speck
between heaven and earth.
Where was he going? When should
he stop-and where? Would II be
hours in which he must be held in this
wise? Would darkness find him still
drifting at the mercy OF the wind2
Then another thought came. This
was being his own master starting
out TO have his own wayl What wild
longing seized him TO be back among
the quiet farm scenes which he had
sometimes found irlSsomel Even Aunt
James peculiarities could be borne.
But how about that look caught from
Aunt James eyes? No GOODNESS or in
difference there, surely.
Along with cry for help went fer
vent resolution TO make better use OF
his life II the blessed opportunity
should come.
Hes drifting over the lake"
Then thatll be the last OF him.
"No-not il he gets down before
dark"
Excitement had run wild on the fair
ground Women cried and tainted.
and men turned white, as the boy
was carried beyond reach OF possible
help. Threats were hoarsc with shout.
ing after him directions which could
not be heard.
Aunt Jane, beside herself with ex-
cited alarm, was taken in kindly
hands, and conveyed home against her
vigorous protest.
Wen bring you the news the first
moment" she was assured Wen
follow him up and keep constant
watch"
Numbers OF the country neighbors
followed the slowly-moving balloon,
which at no time rose beyond easy OBJ
servation. Boats were had In readi.
ness as at length IL hung over the lake.
Its coming DOWN
what makes me feel so funny,
when amt hurt n bit?'
Jim asked IL when near the end OF
his quick ride home, sitting on the
bottom Of n light buggy with his head
on the seat. lie was glad 10 lay IL
down again after n look around.
"No wonder you feel funny, my lit
tie chap" said his kindly carctalSer.
"No-you're not hurt, but IL will take
n few days OF your aunt's nursing IN
get you back where you were"
Aud there she was-Aun't Jfnc rush
ing 20 meet him, with cry OF thank
fulness. As she clasped him in her
arms IL might have occurred 60 both
that they had found something which
they had before been missing
II Aunt Jane had. she never said so.
liut in later ycnrs Of his happy boy
hood. Jim sometimes said 10 himself:
81 had 10 go mp In balloon TO find oui
some things. "-Christian Work