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me why it was necessary to do this.  We had quite an argument and he left again for San Francisco without paying me anything.

[[underscore]]BACK TO BALLOONING[[/underscore]]

   Los Angeles was having some "unusual" weather.  For several days it had been raining hard.  It was doubtful if Sunday would be clear for the demonstration.  However, the weather was beautiful with an overcast sky and a brisk wind.  It was cold on the ground with a number wearing over coats.  To clear the wires it was necessary to rise quickly.  I discharged forty pounds of sand balast, relaesed, the balloon fairly shot up into the air.  In less time than it takes to tell it, I pierced the clouds and came out into the bright sunshine.  A curious effect was produced by the speed of the balloon through the clouds.  A hole had been made in the clouds and on looking down I was able to see the park and the crowds, then the hole closed and shut the earth from view.

   Looking about, I saw the shadoq [[shadow]]