“Then we thought of the cannon. We each had one, for Fourth of July celebrations, and we took turns firing. We used pieces of iron for projectiles, and tied cords to them, thinking we could shoot them across the river.”
“You don’t use enough powder,” said Bob.
“Well, we did at first,” replied the man. “We put in heavy enough charges, but they blew the cords off the projectiles, and we were as badly off as before. Then we reduced the charge, but the pieces of iron fall short every time. We were about to give up, when we saw your airship. Then I thought of a plan.”
“What is it?” asked Jerry.
“Could you carry a rope over the river for us?” asked the man eagerly. “If you will, we can soon haul a wire cable across, and fasten it firmly on either shore. Then we can run a big flat-bottom boat back and forth until the bridge is built. That’s the only way I see, so folks from Eaton can get here, and so we can get over there. Things are in a bad way. Husbands are separated from their wives, and the factories are short of hands. Will you do it?”
“Of course we will!” cried Jerry heartily. “It’s a new use for an airship, but I guess it’s a good one. Get the rope and we’ll fly across with it in quick time.”
“I hoped you would,” spoke the man earnestly. “It was the last chance I saw. Hurrah, folks!” he shouted. “The airship will take a rope across for us. No need to fire the cannon any more,” and there was set up a cheer, which was echoed from the throng on the other bank, nearly a mile away, for the people there understood that relief measures were under way.
“Get busy, boys,” said Jerry to his chums. “This is a new job for us, but I guess we can do it.”