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I was fourteen at the time and I made it my business to get acquainted with this aeronaut and boldly asked him what he was paid for his work. He seemed stunned that I be interested but informed me he was getting $125.00 for each ascension made during the period of his engagement. That settled the question as far as I was concerned. I would become an aeronaut.

"Father," I enthused that night at dinner, "I've made up my mind. I'm going to be an aerunaut."

Father looked pained and said, "Nonsense, I refuse to listen to such talk, you are going to be a newspaper man."

This was a blow indeed but I determined to follow my plans. I said nothing further to the family. I made it a point to be present whenever a balloonist appeared in the vicinity. And I could dream, and think, and plan.

These demonstrations inspired young men like myself all over the country and, like the youngsters today who fly gliders and fly oceans or break endurance records, we sought adventure with balloons and blazed the trail for youths of today.

As time went on, I enjoyed my drafting class more and more in high school. My teacher taught me the fundamentals of design at school, but in my well equipped room at home, I did most of my original work. One design which I remember as outstanding, or so I thought, was of a helicopter.