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I packed up the outfit and was carted to the station and returned by train to the exhibition grounds.

Each week was a repitition of these experiences with variations, some pathetic and painful, and some pleasant and happy. By the time I had finished the last contract and was on my way home again, I was indeed thankful that I would be able to get a much needed rest.

Needed rest? Yes, if resting is getting back to the job with the Central Union Telephone Company. For you see I only took short leaves of absence when making my exhibition flights. Since paid vacations were unknown in those days, I simply asked for a week or two off and, without pay from the telephone company, made my flights at the various fairs. If the boss had known what I was doing when away, I'd have been fired quicker than it takes a toy balloon to deflate when touched with the tip of a lighted cigarette! My pseudonym -- Professor Don Carlos -- continued to keep my identity safe from my business and permanent livlihood.

During the winter and spring months of 1902-3, my evenings were occupied with the construction of new balloons. I made four complete outfits for use the following season and, where possible, I sold a balloon and made a profit. In case my balloons had been damaged badly, I would burn them rather than take a chance on repairs. I considered good equipment my best investment.

One morning in the spring of 1903 I received a telegram asking me to telephone a certain number in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was signed by a Mr. Earl Martin of the Indianapolis Morning Star. Mr. Martin informed me that my services with a captive balloon, a balloon secured to the ground by a cable, were wanted to advertise the opening of a new newspaper. Arrangements were completed over the telephone.