Sky was right. Mary was a changed person when she returned from her flight. Ill never again condemn something I know nothing about, she said. Then, she offered to take posters announcing the rally to every store in town. Ill even put them up out near...
Pete arrived and crossed the field to the oak tree. I left the back of the station wagon open, he told the Aldens. Just put the picnic basket inside when youre finished. Squinting toward the station wagon, Henry asked, Did Barbara come back with you?...
Skys jaw dropped. We never canceled the ad, she told Hollis. Well, someone did, Hollis said. When? Matt asked. Last night. My assistant took the phone message. The Aldens exchanged glances. Each of them was remembering what Benny had overheard: Drop...
Benny was dreaming he was floating above Lloyds Landing in a balloon. Suddenly, everything began to shake. Benny, wake up, Henry urged him. Benny rolled over. I have to land first, he mumbled. Its time to go out to the port, Henry said. Benny opened...
During the long tense wait, Sky, Matt, and the Aldens sat near the shed and talked about ballooning. Suddenly, Violet spotted something across the field. It moved steadily toward them, a cloud of dust swirling in its wake. Is that a truck? she asked....
Time for our first competition! Sky announced suddenly. Were starting with Hare and Hounds. She explained that one balloon, the hare, would take off first. Shortly after, the other balloons would follow. Whoever landed closest to the hare would win....
Pointing at Pete Moran, Brad Golder said, You! Petes mouth dropped open. I I dont know what youre talking about, he sputtered. Matt stepped forward. Wait a minute, Brad, he said. What makes you think Pete launched your balloon? Brad pointed his finge...
An older man approached. His glasses were perched on the top of his head. Under his arm was a large brown envelope. Is he a reporter? Jessie asked. Thats Hollis McKnight, Sky answered. Hes the owner and editor of The Landing Times, the local newspape...
Look! Soo Lee shouted. Sitting in the back of Skys van, she pointed out the window. Its a balloon! Benny exclaimed. To their right, a brightly colored balloon drifted high above the trees. Who could that be? Matt wondered. Behind the wheel, Sky was n...
When the Aldens came downstairs, Barbara met them in the entry hall. Come into the parlor, she said and led them into the room where the argument had taken place. Grandfather was already there. A table in the center of the room was set with juice, te...
Once the basket and balloon were secured in a small trailer, Sky said to the Aldens, Lets hope well meet again soon. Then she got into Pete Morans station wagon. The Landings Inn was written on its side. As it pulled out of the driveway, Pete, Sky, a...
Benny sighed. Theres nothing to do, he said. Benny was six years old, and he liked to keep busy. No one answered him. At the kitchen table, Violet was drawing, Jessie was reading a book on the history of flight, and Henry was looking through cookbook...
