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Hence
we are of the opinion that it will not be introduced into our own
winter diversions. A spot is selected where the water is deep and
the current tolerably strong; the ice must be about half an inch in
thickness. The performer leaps head foremost from a rock or
platform, bursts through the ice, is carried under by the current,
comes up some distance below, and bursts through again. Both skill
and strength are required to do the feat successfully.
Waska, Ivan, Daniel, and a number of others, sprang to the brink of
the rocks and looked over. The wall was not quite perpendicular,
some large fragments having fallen from above and lodged along the
base. It would therefore require a bold leap to clear the rocks
and strike the smooth ice. They hesitated,--and no wonder.
Prince Alexis howled with rage and disappointment.
"The Devil take you, for a pack of whimpering hounds!" he cried.
"Holy Saints! they are afraid to make a reisak!"
Ivan crossed himself and sprang. He cleared the rocks, but,
instead of bursting through the ice with his head, fell at full
length upon his back.


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