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Even though the work was interesting and stimulating, I found the size of my pay check did not keep up with the size of my family. My outgo was threatening my intake. I began casting about for an added source of income. 

In 1899, our local fair at Toledo engaged an aeronaut with a captive balloon. My interest had not waned. I was at the fair most of my free time. This was anew type of a balloon, one filled with hydrogen gas. The balloon was held in place by a heavy netting, from which a passenger car was suspended. The term "captive" was used to indicate the balloon was not free, but was held to the ground by either a steel cable or a strong hemp rope. This balloon was attached to a five hundred foot rope, and passengers paid a fee of $1.00 for a ride up to the end of the rope, and judging from the pleased expression of the passengers, it was an experience well worth trying.

I watched this man collect one hundred dollars from his passengers. This was the business I was looking for. Therefore, with all the optimism and courage of youth, I argued with this man so successfully that I purchased from him a balloon which was to be delivered during the following winter. I made a small down payment, the balance to be paid from the net proceeds of my ascensions. I had entered a new adventure.