Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-25
A TRIP ACROSS NIAGARA FALLS
ABOVE THE SETTLING WATERS.
TWO BOLD BOYS IN A BASKET

"a were boys when Gen. Roebling
~ undertook to build the great
suspension bridge across Nj
asara 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 re markable that had ever been at
tempted by engineering skill.
The worlRen were divided into two
parties. ON 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 Gen. Roeb-
ling, took up his residence very near 10
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 q rather silent man, and they
were both surprised. therefore. when he
turned one day and said to them: Here,
boys! Can you fly kite?'
':Yes. SIR" they responded promptly.
Can you fly one well?" he continued,
looking at them keenly.
Pretty WELL SIR replied Alex mod
estly.
suspension bridge"
Alexis eyes grew big and so did
Georges. Help build the suspension
bridge.
and added: Come down this afternoon
with the best kite you have, and We shall
see IL you can send 1t to the Canadian
shore. If you can. you will be the lads
to carry across the first cable for one OF
the most remarkable bridges In the
world
Then for the first time the boys saw
what he meant. They looked at each
other a moment and then set of for home
as fast as their bare feet would carry
them.
They said nothing to the family. but be-
took themselves to the woodshed. where
they set to work with a will. Kite-hying
had always been one OF their greatest
sports, and they had made dozens OF
kites as season followed season: The
still hung in the shed. They got it down
and covered it with the strongest but
lightest paper they could secure. 1t was
nothing but an ordinary homemade kite.
but they felt sure Of its flying qualities
when 1t was ready to be taken down to
the river.
Upon their arrival the. engineer examin-
ed the kite. while they looked on with
mingled hope and fear. At length he
said. taking up ball OF Irvine, Put this
on in place Of the string you have. 1t is
light. but very strong. The wind Is In
the right direction 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 a short distance with the kite.
ready to give it a push. 1t started we'll
Then there came a sudden puff of wind.
followed by lull; the kite veered.
staggered and came to the ground
with sam. G .%a S picked .ta 1t up
about shouted derisively. but the engineer
said: Never mind. boys.4you 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 a good start, and
in q moment more the kite was sailing
away in a steady course toward the river.
Alex ran to the bank. then began to play
out his line as evenly as his excitement
would permit. It was glorious sight,
and all watched with keen Interest as the
kite grew smaller and scared steadily.
At last a shout went up from the OPP
posite bank. and every one knew the Kite
was over the Canadian shore. Enrolling
the remainder Of the cord upon the
ground. Alex suddenly let the line slack.
The kite wavered. made wild dive and
dropped.
Roebling. as a great cheer arose from
both sides of the river. Two prouder
boys than George and Alex you can
scarcely imagine. 1T is clear sailing
now" added the engineer. as he fastened
a heavier cord to the kite string. and
then signaled the men on the opposite
shore to draw 1t over. Each successive
line was heavier and stronger than the
last. and finally q one-inch cable was
pulled, beneath which roared the mighty
river
The cable was made secure by draw
ing 1t over a wooden tower on each bank,