r shore, on which was quite a throng
of persons. Some of them had cheered when they saw the plucky rescue.

"I'm afraid we can't save your balloon," gasped Tom as he looked at the
place where the canvas was still floating and burning.

"No matter. It wasn't worth much. That's the last time I'll ever go
up in a hot-air balloon," said the man with more energy than he had
before exhibited. "I'm done with 'em. I've had my lesson. Hereafter
an aeroplane or a gas balloon for me. I only did this to oblige the
fair committee. I'll not do it again."

The man spoke in short, crisp sentences, as though he was in too much
of a hurry to waste his words.

"Let it sink," he went on. "It's no good. Glad to see the last of it."

Almost as he spoke, with a final hiss and a cloud of steam that mingled
with the black smoke, the remains of the big bag sunk beneath the
surface of the lake.

"We must get you ashore at once and to a doctor," said Mr. Swift. "You
must be badly burned."

"Not much. Only my hands, where some burning pieces of canvas fell on'
em. If I had a little oil to put on I'd be all right."

"I can fix you up better than that," put in Tom. "I have some
Vaseline."

"Good! Just the thing. Pass it over," and the man, though he spoke
shortly, seemed grateful for the offer. "My name's Sharp," he went on,
"John Sharp, of no place in particular, for I travel all over. I'm a
professional balloonist. Ha! That's the stuff!"

This last was in reference to a bottle of Vaseline, which Tom produced.
Mr. Sharp spread some over the backs of his hands and went on:

"That's better. Much obliged. I can't begin to thank you for what you
did for me--saved my life. I thought it was all up with me--would have
been but for you. Mustn't mind my manner--it's a way I have--have to
talk quick when you're balloonin'--no time--but I'm grateful all the
same. Who might you people be?"

Tom told him their names and Mr. Swift asked the aeronaut if he was
sure he didn't need the services of a physician.

"No doctor for me," answered the balloonist. "I've been in lots of
tight places, but this was the worst squeeze. If you'll put me ashore,
I guess I can manage now."

"But you're all wet," objected Tom. "Where will you go? You need some
other clothes," for the man wore a suit of tights and spangles.

"Oh, I'm used to this," went on the performer. "I frequently have to
fall in the water. I always carry a little m