“But where can this air be obtained?” said James.
“There are many ways of obtaining it, but the easiest is to go to the gaslight company, and purchase as many gallons as may be wanted to make the balloon rise.”
“This is, indeed, curious,” said Mary; “I never thought air was bought and sold.”
“What is the use of a balloon?” asked James, who was very fond of asking questions about everything.
“I don’t know that it is of any use, at present,” replied John, “but it may possibly be made of use at some future time.”
“I should like to go up in it,” said James; “it must be so beautiful to sail through the air, and look down on the cities and villages, and green fields, and woods.”
“Oh, dear!” cried Mary; “I should not like to go;—only think, we might fall out.”
“Well, sister, I don’t think there is much chance of our ever trying it, though I should not be afraid. But let us go and inquire further about the matter, for it is certainly a very wonderful affair. I dare say father will be able to tell us a great deal more than John can, and we may meet with some one who has been above the clouds in one of these ærial cars or baskets.”