The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1918-06-20
CAPTIVE BALLOON
BY EDNA PRICE WALLER.
Copyright. 1918. Western Newspaper Union

start In life right"
Josiah Leggett's nelghbor smiled Sc
cretly. He knew, as did all the town. the
old schemer handled small income
that came to Winnie, and undoubtedly
benefited by the same. Furthermore,
Winnie was an apt little housekeeper.
II have tried to bring Winnie and
the clerk In my brothers store, Lem
Dysart together, because he Is q saw
ing, respectable young fellow. Winnie
has mad a notion about Rodney Blake.
I've nipped his young affections in the
bud.
BLAKE is a pretty fine young man,
all the same' observed the neighbor,
and the speaker went his way mental
ly comparing young Blake with the
cGrrotty-headed, understood Lem by
sart. Meantime, Winnie was going
through vivid ordeal. Her guardian
watched her as a cat does q mouse.
He had refused to allow Blake to call
at the house, and Dysart was fire.
quent visitor. She desplsed the latter
as much as she admired the manly OBJ
ject of her choice. They met, but I'M
der difficulties.
ITS got to end" Rodney declared
forcibly. "You are old enough to know
your own mind and act upon 1t. Let
US make q bold dash and end this
wretched persecution"
"Oh, Rodney You don't mean to
elope2" gasped Winnie.
"Why not? They are driving us to
that as the only outcome, aren't they"
1--WE are watched so closely. See,
Rodney, there is Mr.. Leggett, now. He
will see u.s." but Rodney slipped past
hedge with the hurried parting
words:
"Be sure to see me tomorrow.
have plan want to tell you about"
The plan was the outcome of
suggestion made by an old boyhood
friend of Rodney, one Bob West. They
had not met for five years until the
day previous, when Rodney had come
across West on the street They had
pleasant chat, and West divulged
the fact that he was advance agent Of
circus which was to pitch its tent
at the edge of the town Saturday.
Rodney told him what he had on his
mind; Winnie, always Winnie. and
West showed a sympathetic interest.
why say" he remarked with
friendly ardor, Il can help you out in
a big way-the balloon"
II don't quite understand" said Rod
ney vaguely.
I'VE have one. 1t goes up a thou
sand feet every afternoon. We adver-
tlse to give fifty dollars to any couple
who will make the ascent with cler-
gyman and consent to be married way
up In the clouds"
Rodney left his ingenious friend,
filled with suppressed excitement. He
managed to get lengthy note to Win
ME. He was around the circus before
the Saturday afternoon performance.
Winnie had induced her guardian to
allow her to attend the entertainment.
The latter, however, insisted that he
accompany her.
Here's your ticket" he said; ire
served seat near the band stand. I've
invited Lem, and as soon as he ar
rives Wen come In and make a regu-
lar family group-he! hew
And then he strolled about, and Win
ME disappeared past the ticket taker,
but as soon as her guardian was out
of sight, darted out again, and two
minutes later entered the tent before
which the giant balloon was swaying.
Inside was Rodney, and she fiuttered
to his side and was introduced to
West, and the man in charge of the
balloon.
Don't get scared little one" spoke
the latter, q good-natured, fatherly
looking man. Everything is arranged
to 7. Now, then, Mr.. Blake, just
toy up In that false beard and wig.
And you, young lady, cover your pretty
face with this flowing bridal veil.
When | speak the word come out
quickly, and hustle into the balloon
basket before anybody recognizes
you"
Josiah Leggett spent half an hour
looking for Dysart. He came across
him, with several hundred others, star
ing aloft at the balloon, which was de-
scending from its aerial ascent.
81 say, why wasn't you on time"
censured Josiah. Here Winnie has
been inside the tent half an hour
Come on In, or they'll fill up our
seats"
Just minute spoke Dysart, con-
tlnuing TO cape aloft. This Is lots Of
fun. Let's have glimpse of the happy
couple when they nllght."
The wedding party was being borne
gracefully to the ground. There was
the man engineering the balloon. The
bridegroom had removed his false
beard and wig and was smiling into
the face Of the bride, her enveloping
| veil now drawn aside. The clergyman,
nll smiles, held his hands over their
heads, delivering his blessing.
Nov hear the crowd guy them" be
gan Dysart, and then he clutched the
arm Of his companion and nearly fell
over-"Thunder!
"Wlnnlel !" gasped Josiah, and 1t was
his turn 10 collapse.
And then, instead of guying, as the
crowd recognized Winnie whom half
the town adored, and Rodney, their
prime fayorite, they realized the situa-
ton fully, and amid enthusiastic
cheers the happy twain stepped TO ter
RI tirma, man and wife.