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What I needed most was more money. Under the pseudonym of Professor Don Carlos, I wrote to country fairs in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and Tennessee. I advertised in newspapers and amusement magazines but received little encouragement. Finally, things began to break and I succeeded in making contracts for free balloon flights. These contracts were for three or more days and called for an ascent on each day, for which I was to receive $500.00 for each flight made. If I failed to make a schedualed exhibition, I lost just that amount. My total expenses were fromm$600.00 to $800.00 per week. The element of chance was to fill the terms of the contract without mishap and to be sure to collect the full amount contracted for or earned. 

My first home town ascension was made in 1902 at a small fair in the vicinity of Toledo. The flights were advertised to take place promptly at three oclock in the afternoon. Arriving on the grounds a day early, I set up the gas plant and proceeded to start filling the balloon with hydrogen gas, which was made of the field. I worked hard all day and through the night without sleep or rest. At three P.M. I was ready.

As I was about ready to make the start, I saw a figure elbowing his way through the crowd. It was father. He came up to the basket and asked in a whisper, "Is everything all right?" "Everything OK" I replied and started the flight.