The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1909-02-04


frightened to death IL they did"
Don't worry, Lila" he answered.
feeling now that there really was very
little danger, after all. Just look out
over the country and let's enjoy the
trip. Maybe we won't have another
one like this soon
Their airship was sailing beautifully
now, flying over orchards and farm
lands and throwing into a state of IN
tense excitement hundreds of peaceful
country folk.
at is simply heavenly" the girl sud
denly exclaimed. I'm not bit afraid
now. Grant. and l don't care much
how hard we sail I've always longed
for some exciting adventure, and sure
ly this is it, and you are with me. I'm
so glad it's your
"Why are you glad it's me?" he de-
manded, Selling her hand and ignoring
the cries of the farm hands in the val
ley below.
"Oh, l don't know exactly, just be-
cause-isn't that reason enough?" she
questioned, her eyes a-twinkle.
"Guess 1t is, dear girl" he replied,
ard he might have. but at that second
the careless balloon careened sharply
to starboard. reminding him that he
must keep the ship trimmed" II he
ever expected to land safely.
They were now passing over a good
sized town, and hundreds of people
were out in the streets gazing sky
ward. OF sudden the wind died
away. and the balloon sank within
200 feet Of the housetops. Then. with
out an instants warning, there was a
violent tug at the basket, and its fight
ended with startling abruptness. Grant
felt his heart bob up in his throat. but
he peered over the side; then he drew
breath again. An iron peg dangling
from the end of one of the ropes had
caught under the edge of slate roof.
"Well. Lila. we're certainly anchored
at lastr he announced. Guess they'll
be hauling us down pretty quick. for
they're running into the house"
His surmise was correct, for in
moment several men climbed out on to
the roof through the skylight and seiz-
ed the rope. Then hand over hand
they began pulling down the balloon,
while the street throngs shouted en-
Enthusiastically
In another moment Lila and Grant
clambered out Of the basket, to be
greeted by dozen men, who bonn
barded them with questions. They did
tot, 4,,r
tall, mild eyed man in clerical garb
made his way through the throng.
ITS my house that caught you" he
laughed. 1--WE received telephone
message asking us to be on the lookout
for a runaway balloon with two pas
sengers which was drifting in our di-
rection. and we are more than glad to
have been able to rescue both you and
the balloon"
Rapid fire thanks and introductions
followed. with handshaking all around,
and after the balloon was made fast to
chimney and man set to guard 1t the
minister led the way to the skylight.
In a few minutes the young aeronauts
found themselves In a spacious parlor
hemmed in by an animated, question
ing group.
Lila" whispered Grant at the first
opportunity.
The girl inclined her head.
Lila, don't you think, dearie, 1t is
sort of providential that-that we land
ed at a minister's house? Don't you
hope So at any rateT
For moment she was silent. the
color deepening in her check.
"DSn't your he repeated eagerly.
"No-that is. yes Yes, do, Grant,
dear" she whispered back. giving his
arm little corroborating squeeze.
Five minutes later Grant Allen was
hurrying up the street. On the corner
he met policeman. (Which way to
the office of the marriage license
clerk?" he asked breathlessly.