speed; meanwhile, preparations were being made for landing. At last she stopped near the compact field, and anchored. Then the boats were lowered, filled with ladies who desired to reach the ice for skating or other amusement, and by the time they made a few trips, there were not many of the weaker sex on board.
The men now entered the boats, and I was among the first lot, in company with Yeyema, Moro, Hitomlik, and Yondozi, We could see the proceedings on the ice: thousands of ladies, where a few minutes before was but a solitary waste, were travelling in every direction at lightning speed, while others amused themselves by playing various games.
Immediately we landed, I put on my skates, for I was anxious to have a dash on the ice. I was among the first ready; however, we waited till a number were prepared, and then we set off for a race. I happened to get the start, and was leading, and, indeed, likely to keep that position, when I met with an accident. It appears that a lady, whom I did not notice till too late, was coming in a direction at right angles to my course, and as she was passing, bumped her body against my outstretched head. This caused me to swerve and fall heavily on my back. A glance in the
