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from Greenville, Ohio which informed me that the balloOn had ripped open in mid-air but had come down safely. This was indeed a body blow. My entire $30,000 in equipment had been practically wiped out. With an indebtedness of $9,000 which I had promised to repay out of the season's profit staring me in the face something would have to be done at once.

WE CARRY ON UNDER DIFFICULTIES

The fair paid me the $1,500 for the first flight of the contract on condition that I sign a release to the fair for any responsibility in connection with the wreck of the outfit. I then telephoned to the fairs with which I had contracts and made arrangements to fill the [[strikethrough]] contracts [[/strikethrough]] agreements with one of the smaller machines. All treated me fairly and paid me in full as they probably felt sorry for my misfortunes and wished to encourage me.

I was able to pay off my indebtedness and had a sufficient amount left to rebuild the larger ship and started to get ready for the 1908 season. I gave up the idea of having more ships than the one I operated myself. I refused to make contracts for others to fill as I was convinced that it was impossible to secure men who would be reliable [[strikethrough]] and were so necessary to successful operation [[/strikethrough]].