Century Chronicles

Mischief at the Monticello

The children giggled with glee as they poked their makeshift balloon back and forth across the room.

"You know kids, the bladder will get much bigger if you heat it by the fire," said a man staying at the hotel.

"How do we get it out?" one asked as it puffed up. The question was answered forthwith, as it exploded with a mighty pop.

Coals went everywhere, which the man tried to sweep up. The broom was soon aflame.

"Mr. Abraham Lincoln!" the hotel's owner yelled to the sweeping man. "Are you trying to burn the place to the ground?"