“I’m dead sure the thing could be made a success. The D. and R. G. railroad is about to run a short line this way, and with a little advertising we’d soon have all the people out here we could take care of. A hotel, some cottages, and conveniences for sportsmen and sight-seers ought to start things humming.
“And the cave would be an important attraction. But it must be made accessible. So I have planned to give the boys a little experience in bridge and road engineering. I want to construct a foot bridge over the river near the rapids and dig a walk along the steep western bank right up to the cave. I would put up railings to make it safe and a well-protected bridge from the bank through the fall into the cave.”
“That’s a great idea!” exclaimed Miles, enthusiastically slapping his sound leg. “When are you going to begin work?”
“In a day or two. I’ve so nearly decided to put the big scheme into operation that I’ve already begun action on the smaller one. The lumber for the bridges and railing will be delivered at the cañon to-morrow.”
“Good! I’m heartily in sympathy with the work. The boys will like it too.”
“Oh, I’ve had the boys in mind all the time,” declared the doctor warmly. “The young Scouts of Lakefarm, I intend, shall have much to do in the building up of Mummy Cañon. The work will be full of lessons in engineering, construction and business.”
Of course the boys were delighted when they were informed of this plan. The doctor did not tell them of the larger scheme he had in view, as that was not yet fully decided upon.
A few days later work was begun. The lumber had been delivered at the shallow place near the head of the rapids, which was the place selected for bridge number one. The stream was wide at this place, but this width suited the purpose of Dr. Byrd the better, for he desired a task worthy of the efforts of forty-four energetic boys.
First, it was necessary to put in foundations for the abutments and supports of the bridge. This was done by gathering stones and bowlders and wedging them in place as securely as possible. Then followed the task of sawing the timbers into proper lengths, according to plans that had been prepared under the supervision of Mr. Frankland and Mr. Porter. This done, the frame work was put up and the planks nailed down and the railings placed.
It was really a very satisfactory piece of work. First of all, it was stable and safe to walk upon. Second, it presented a neat appearance. Third, the boys had done it all themselves.