The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-11
Franks Christmas in a Balloon.

quite capable of going out without Papa or Mamma at times."
 Katie was all happiness over the plan of going to the city during New Year week, and was in a good humor at once. And that afternoon she packed her brothers travelling bag preparatory to his starting to the city by the o'clock train.
 Frank was Of in due time and arrived in the city In a very happy frame of mind. While he had not said a word about a certain intention he had, he meant fully to run over to the City Park, where his uncle was giving balloon as- tensions, and pay that brave kinsman his respects, and, if possible, to see him make an ascension
 After he had eaten his dinner at the hotel, engaged his room for the night, Frank took a street car for the City Park. But he found the gate leading to the ball grounds (where the balloon exhi- bitions were given) closed. But on in- quiry he found that his uncle would make an ascension at o'clock the following day. Having his uncle's home address he went there to call and passed very en- Joyable evening in the company of his uncle and aunt, and their pretty two year-old baby. On bidding them good night, Frank promised his uncle that he would be on hand at the park before the hour for the balloon ascension. And he was true to his word, for, before the city was awake, he was out on the streets, visiting the shops which were yet unopened for business.
 Gee, but city folks are iazy," ejacu- lated Frank At home every store is open and people are at their days work. ." But as soon as the shops were opened Frank got through with his purchases as quickly as possible, put his bundles and boxes in his room at the hotel and wan dered about seeing the sights, till time to go to the park The day was a fine one, soft southern sun shining and the air just keen enough to give one vigor Frank soon reached his uncle's side. Mr. John was preparing for his ascension, and stopped in his work to shake hands with Frank. Hello, sonny" he said I'm having troubles of my own. My partner, who always ascends with me, has just sent me word that he is i'll and cannot attend me today. Of course, don't need him, but somehow, I always feel safer when I have company"
 flush spread over Franks face and he was so overcome by the emotion of hope that he could hardly say: Uncle. take me; Pm crazy to go."
 But your daddy?" asked Uncle John, pausing in his work
 "Oh, daddy doesn't like balloons But as he says-we all have opinions of our own. And I have my oninion that I should he allowed to accompany you fin the balloon today. And papa would approve of thunder the circumstances"
 'Al right, Frankie" said Uncle John Then, before he was really aware of all that was passing, Frank found himself seated in the balloon basket beside his uncle. and heard his uncle give his as- sistants the order to undo their anchor. Then up, up, up they went, so calmly, so softly, that Frank hardly realized they were moving
 Pretty soon Franks uncle spoke to him, and when Frank turned to reply he was struck by his Gncle's paleness. He had not noticed his apparent illness be. fore that day. "Why, uncle, are you ill?" asked Frank in frightened tones.
 No. not i'll, but a bit of nervous headache. It's the first I have suffered in 10 years: but it will pass off In all this fresh air. I felt 1t coming on early this morning. but I would not speak of 1t to your aunt. She's so wor- ried over my making these ascensions. And between you and me. and the pro- verbial gatepost, I am rather tired of this sort of thing myself. But the money