An Old Tune (Details)
citation: McCall's, October 1961, LXXXIX(1):112-113, 230, 232-233
alias: The Intrepid Astronaut
teaser: To be hummed, gently, and only by readers who care to take off from this world, for a little while
summary: Charley Burke has been home alone for nearly a week. He admires a hawk hanging in the summer sky, wishing he could do the same; in a balloon.
Recalling what he knows about ballooning, Charley consults an encyclopedia article for details. The technology is understandable enough for him to make his own balloon from household items.
That night, Charley changes into light-weight ski clothes, fills the balloon from hot air generated by his barbeque, sits on a pole hanging like a trapeze below the balloon, and rises over the homes in his neighborhood. As the balloon revolves, Charley sees San Francisco, with the bridges crossing to it, and Oakland to its east.
The air in the balloon cools, and Charley descends back onto the street near his house. He sees a neighbor, Mrs. Lanidas, walking her dog. She watches Charley land, then runs after him as he gathers his equipment. She stops only when he retreats into his garage.
The next night, as Charley prepares for another voyage, Mrs. Lanidas observes him. She begs Charley to take her with him. He agrees, and she sits next to him on the trapeze as the balloon rises into the moonlight.
From above Marin County, they see San Quentin, and San Rafael. They overhear
conversations as they drift over backyards. Feeling heady, Charley begins
singing Come, Josephine, in my flying machine!
Charley and Mrs. Lanidas find themselves floating over the Bay, alongside the Golden Gate Bridge. Fearing they will be swept out to sea, Charley spills ballast causing them to rise within touching distance of a support tower. Using his finger and some soot, Charley writes his initials at the very top of the tower. Mrs. Lanidas does the same, enclosing both initials in another shape.
Suddenly, the wind blows them toward shore as the sights and sounds of San Francisco fade. They eventually find their way home. The next morning, Charley's wife and daughter return, unaware of his adventures.
Some months later, at a P.T.A. meeting, Charlie's wife introduces him to Mrs. Lanidas. They greet oneanother. Mrs. Lanidas asks Charley to call her Josephine, an oddity Charley's wife explains, because Mrs. Lanidas' name is Edna.
words: 5,631
genre: None
similar: Long-Distance Call, Crazy Sunday
people: Charley Burke, Edna Lanidas, Mrs. Burke
places: Marin County, CA: San Quentin, CA; San Rafael, CA; San Francisco, CA: Golden Gate Bridge, Fairmont Hotel, Top of the Mark, Market Street, Golden Gate Park; Oakland, CA
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