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48 prepared a lunch for him. Gregson was more shaken up than he had expressed, and was glad to lie down and rest in the neatly-furnished spare room of the cottage.

Frank had some odd chores to do about the village. When he came home again about six o'clock he found Gregson refreshed-looking and comfortably seated in the parlor reading a book.

They had a pleasant time at the supper table. Then they adjourned to the cozy little sitting-room. Christmas was allowed to stay in the house, and seemed to enjoy the animated ways of the balloonist as much as the others.

Park Gregson fairly fascinated them with the story of his travels and adventures in many countries.

"You see, I have been quite a rolling stone, Mrs. Ismond," he said. "A harmless one, though."

"Have you never thought of settling down to some regular occupation, sir?" suggested Frank's mother.

"It's not in me, madam, I fear," declared the knockaround. "I did try it once, for a fact. Yes, I actually went into business."

"What was the line, Mr. Gregson?" asked Frank.

"Mail order business."