"Yes," said James, "I know it must be a little one; for balloons are big enough for men to go up in them."
"O James," said Nathan, "I don't believe it. Besides, the fire would burn 'em."
"What fire?" said James.
"The fire they burn under the balloons, to make the air hot," said Nathan.
"I don't believe they have any fire," said James.
Just then Nathan, happening to look around, saw Jonas standing behind them; he had just come out of the house, and was going out to his work. Hearing the boys engaged in this dispute, he stopped to listen. The boys both appealed to Jonas.
Jonas heard all that they had to say, and then replied,—
"I cannot tell you much about going up in a balloon, but I can tell you something about getting along pleasantly down here upon the earth, which I think may be of service to you."
"What is it?" said James.
"Why, that you will neither of you get along very pleasantly until you can bear to have any body else mistaken, without contradicting them. James, you think Nathan is mistaken about the size of a balloon, do you?"