A broken handle bar is bad, but a substitute that will work can be
made if you have some strong string and a stout pocket knife. Cut two
sections of a springy sapling, and bind them securely to the front
fork, one on either side, and sufficiently long to reach just above
the broken bar. Next tie securely a stout stick of proper length to
the broken bar, and tie to this the end of the uprights. If properly
done, this will enable you to finish your journey, which for a long
distance is much pleasanter than walking and leading your wheel.

A rope tire will often enable the rider to reach home. A few yards of
clothesline, borrowed, begged, or bought from some wayside house, will
enable you to make a solid tire. Remove the rubber tire, tie it to
your handle-bar, and take the rope and bend one end diagonally across
the hollow in the rim of the wheel. Wind the rope carefully around,
over the bent end of the rope, around again alongside of the first
length until the rim is covered. Keep the line tight, and wind it
until it fills up the hollow and is considerably higher in the middle
than at the sides. The neater this work is done, the more comfortable
will be your ride home. When the rope tire is complete, pry up the
side lap and force the free end of the rope diagonally under it until
it comes out on the other side. Draw it taut and cut off the end flush
with the outer wrapping. Now pour water all over the rope until it is
thoroughly wet; this will cause it to shrink and become firm and hard.

Have a stand for your bicycle when not in use, and keep the wheel
clean and well oiled. No boy is worthy to own a tool or a toy, or
anything else that is perishable, if he is too lazy or too careless to
have a pride in it, and to keep it in the highest state of efficiency.

The very best time to make needed repairs is when the need is