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would see the end of the performance. If possible, I suggested that he have some of his men on hand for my protection at the place of landing as I intended to alight in the water and would need help. Mr. Meldrum was horrified and asked me to not make the trip and that he would consider the contract completed.
     But I was not to be deterred. After gaining an altitude of a mile I started down again. The breeze blew the ship out over Lake Erie. This was at our highest altitude but on coming down again the ground currents blew us towards shore and made it possible to make a landing within the breakwater near the shore. From my position I did not realize the tremendous excitement that was taking place on the ground. I was only concerned with the problem of getting the ship to shore where I could deflate and return to the tent. As we came near to the water I threw over all the remaining printed matter and the last of the sand ballast. This stopped the descent and I landed almost without a splash.
     Bedlam had broken loose! Whistles were blowing, fire tugs were out as well as a great number of small motor boats and the excitement was at a fever heat. The crew from the life saving station rowed out and asked if they could be of help. I told them I thought everything would be all right and that the wind would blow us back to the shore but I would appreciate it if they would stand by in case of emergency. In a short time we reached the shore and some of the excited men and boys waded out in the water to help in the landing. Soon I had all the gas out of the balloon and the outfit packed on a wag and I was on my way back to the tent.