The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-07-15
NE NV " NJ " " NH ~ W " " NJ ~ NH
az n n N N ~ n IN n n n n n n IN
i TRIP ACROSS NIAGARA FALLS
ABOVE THE SETTLING WATERS.
tTwo Bold Boys In a Basket)
50 " " ~ " ~ " W AZ M NJ NJ " NJ NH
1N N n n n n n m n n n n n n IN

AZ \ sssss * ssssxs *
Alex Lee and George Frost were
boys when General Roebling under.
took to build the great suspension
bridge across Niagara Falls. This
was more than fifty years ago. The
boys lived on the American side OF
the river, within sight of the falls
and very near the spot upon which
the bridge was to be built.
There was great interest in the
project, for the plan was regarded
as one of the most remarkable that
had ever been attempted by engi-
neering skill.
The workmen were divided into
two parties, one working on the
American and the other upon the
Canadian side. There was no means
of getting across except by taking
rowboats several miles below the
falls.
The chief engineer, under General
Roebling, took up his residence very
near to the homes of these two boys,
and they were so constantly on hand
whenever he went to the river that
he could not escape an acquaintance
with them.
He was rather silent man, and
they were both surprised, therefore,
when he turned one day and said to
hem: Here, boys! Can you fly a
kite?"
"Yes. sir" they promptly re-
sponded.
"Csn YOU fly one well?" he con-
tinued, looking at them keenly.
pretty we'll, SIR" replied Alex
modestly.
"lf you can fly one WE'LL" replied
the engineer, you will help me to
build the great suspension bridge"
Alexis eyes grew big and so did
Georges. Help build the suspension
bridge.
The engineer saw the effect of his
words and added: Come down this
afternoon with the best kite you have
and we shall see if you can send it to
the Canadian shore. If you can, you
will be the lads to carry across the
first cable for one of the most re-
markable bridges in the world
Then for the first time the boys
saw what he meant. They looked at
each other moment and then set
OF for home as fast as their bare feet
would carry them.
They said nothing to the family.
nut betook themselves to the wood
shed, where they set to work with a
will. Kite-hying had always been
one OF their greatest sports, and they
mad made dozens of kites as season
followed season. The frame of one
that had been a favorite still hung
In the shed. They got it down and
covered it with the strongest but
highest paper they could secure. It
was nothing but an ordinary home
made Kite. but they felt sure of its
flying qualities when It, was ready to
be taken down to the river.
Upon their arrival the engineer
examined the kite, while they looked
on with mingled hope and fear. At
length he said, taking up a ball of
Awine: Put this on in place of the
string you have. 1t is light, but very
strong. The wind is in the right di-
rection and blowing we'll. You ought
to succeed"
They quickly tied on the new cord
and then Alex took the ball, while
George went to short distance with
the kite, ready to give it a push. It
started we'll Then there came a
sudden puff of wind, followed by a
lull; the kite veered. staggered and
came to the ground with a flop.
George picked it up quickly. Some
small boys standing about shouted
derisively, but the engineer said:
Never mind, boys. you are not the
only people who have failed the first
time Try again"
once more George held the kite as
high as he could. Alex got n good
START, and in a moment more the kite
was sailing away in a steady course
toward the river. Alex ran to the
Dank, then began to play out his line
as evenly as his excitement would
permit. 1t was a glorious sight, and
all watched with keen interest as the
Kite grew smaller and scared stead
ily.
At last a shout went up from the
opposite bank, and everyone knew
the kite was over the Canadian shore.
Onrolling the remainder of the cord
upon the ground, Alex suddenly let
the line slack. The kite wavered
made wild dive and dropped.
well done, boys" exclaimed Cen
eral Roebling. as great cheer arose
from both sides of the river. Two
prouder boys than George and Alex
! you can scarcely imagine. at is
clear sailing now" added the enei-
neer. as he fastened a heavier cord
TO the kite string, and then signaled
the men on the opposite shore to
oraw 1t over. Each successive line
was heavier and stronger than the
last and finally one-inch cable was
pulled. beneath which roared the
mighty river.