Jerry had never operated the cable, except under the direct supervision of his father. In the absence of his father, Jerry
could not assume the
responsibility of operating the cable car. Yet, the decision was thrust upon him by the force of circumstance. Jerry was old enough to understand that a decision had to be taken and something had to be done; it was just that such responsibility had never been thrust upon him earlier. For him, it was a growing up moment in the extreme...
Having secured the cable car, Jerry bursts out sobbing. This is not surprising considering that Jerry was just fourteen years old - old enough to know his responsibilities, but not mature enough to be a man. Jerry was exhausted - physically and emotionally exhausted - and the tears were a release from the unbearable tension that he had undergone. Of course, there was an element of relief in those tears: relief that the crisis was over and relief that the lives of his passengers had been saved.
There is no ostensible reward (for Jerry) for his heropic efforts in saving the lives of his cable car passengers. But,he also knows that it is a difficult job well done - and that is reward enough for him. His only regret is that his father is not there to commend him on his efforts!
During the unfolding of the crisis, Jerry discovered that something must be wrong with the cable car. This was disconcerting to him, as it meant that he would have to carry out the repairs himself at some considerable risk to his own life. The only other option would have been to wait for Hall (the watchman of the mines) to return. The weather was inclement. In effect, this would have meant abondining his passengers to their fate, for Jerry knew very well that Hall's return could be considerably returned. It took some courage for Jerry to confront his fears - but, confront them he must if the lives of his passengers had to be saved.
What makes this story remarkable for its courage and heroism is that Jerry is just an ordinary boy. The author stresses upon this point throughout the tale. jerry is no different from other boys of his age; even living alone (in the absence of his father) was something of an adventure to him. He was proud that responsibility of looking after the mine had been thrust upon him - albeit for a short while - and he was even proud that he would be cooking his own meals! How many other young persons, faced with the situation Jerry was faced with, would have been able to do what he did? This is the question that the author asks, if not in so many words...