New-York tribune., 1903-01-18

The Neva YVES unusually late in freezing. Octo-
Ser had gone and November was well on its way
snd still the wind kept persistently in the south
and the St Petersburg boys were beginning TO feel
themselves very much abused The festivities
ought 10 have been well under way before this the
See Hills and ice palaces built. the tournament
listed. and here WAS the provoking river flowing
Aluggi~hly.
But ore afternoon the wind suddenly shifted 10
the north. and the cold became intense People
hastened TO their homes for extra furs. Those who
forced TO brave the weather rubbed their faces
frequently TO keep them from being frostbitten
Some Of the boys. however. and few foreigners
who were curious TO the phenomena Of freezing
Fingered along the bank.
The severity Of the climate renders this freezing
process wonderfully rapid. Small fakes Of ice are
observed forming the surface; these quickly be
come large sheets. and in incredibly short time
fhe ice is sufficiently strong TO bear ones weight
q person who has crossed the river in boat may
Frequently return on skates hour later
days Of this intense cold freezes the ice
FROM three four feet thick. Then the Neva be
the thoroughfare OF the city and the
rounding country. and is the OF continual
sestiv1ty. Everybody skates. and the spectacle to
be witnessed on any fine afternoon evening is
animated and picturesque in the extreme. Many
OF the sledges OF the Samoides from the Far North
are drawn By reindeer and the cries of the drivers
and the Jingle OF the bells chime in pleasantly with
fhe strains Of music from the bands.
Carriage roads and footpaths smoothed on
fhe surface Of the ice in various directions,
planted on eaCn Slne WIN rows OF trees brought
from the interior. These ice-planted hedges keep
perfectly fresh and green until the river opens in
zhe spring
Small huts are built on the ice and kept well
seated for the accommodation of spectators. Along
the river ice hills are erected having steps
side to ascend and the other s steep descent
covered with ice. Down these the sledges shoot
along with such tremendous velocity that they are
carried along the foot of another hill. where the
Experiment may be repeated.
This season the ST. Petersburg boys v-are espe-
risuy enthusiastic. There were prizes offered for
daring for skill, for grace and special prize for
presence Of mind shown in time Of danger. Even
with three four feet Of fee TO preclude all posi-
tilfty Of danger from breaking through. Neva
aas frequently the scene Of accident. occasionally
Of panic Runaway horses or reindeer and unman-
aseable sledges the hills sources Of peril
in the day Of story Stepniak lstashki and his
particular friend Ivan sobisky had been forced 10
pay the penalty Of poor lessons by spending a
rouple Of extra hours In the schoolroom
when they reached the Neva the sun YVES al
readv low down and OF the fee palaces were
beng iTlUmined
stepniak had some trouble with buckle. and
before he had adjusted 81 Ivan was skating about
impatient 10 be of. At this moment ragged fig
ore souched past them. and Stepniak recognized in
the disconsolate face the of his fathers svor
Xix
Hello. slsf." he called. what's the natter
Slsf held I'D foot significantly.
NO skates? Why. the great race comes off to-
Eight Better 90 after your skates"
But as he spoke he remembered TO have heard
that the svornik had punished his for some
Eight disobedienoe by taking away his skates
Not this Writer" the boy answered grimly. 7
souldn't get any skates.
For moment stepniak hesitated- There were to
&c big times that night; and although he knew
shere little chance OF his gaining the prize. he
1ongea 10 he in with the fun. But if slaf had no
skates.
without further hesitation ne unstrapped his
skates, snd handed them ever to the astonished
Slsf II the latter's turn to lock doubtful
now but only q moment. The sharp click OF
hundreds OF skates cutting the ice much
for him. All the repressed longings Of the winter
coursed through his blood, and he trembled in his
excitement 10 he of
But what VIII you do2' he asked; suppose 1
sake turn down the river and then bring them
back TO you?'
stepniak shook his head and laughed.
No, keep them and try for the prize You can
feave them az the house when you done with
Them I'll take your slcdge and Try the hills"
1T is old and ugly" said Slaf. relinquishing the
SLED string. but II is strong, and can pass rein
deer on the ice
During the conversation Ivan made several i'm
patient remarks. and now moved swiftly down the
river with q mocking farewell over his shoulder.
aeo ss %i9h @ in te s4of OPPOSITE sT dTec6n MS companion
But something more was in . store for stepniak
See HILL he was brought 10 stop by clear ring
scome stepniak. IN show you that new figure
gOg wanted war to e@a eSr " We hays bs ggopRys Of mg 6s
The brightest and besi I'll skater the river.
gaided toward him
She was neighbor Of his on the Nevsky
Prospect. He had often lonseL . skate with her,
she moved 50 swiftly and gracefully. He felt he
would give everything he possessed Il the skates
would return his feet.
IL have skates" he stammered at length.
Bur befn-r had finished speaking she moved
1wav sra a minutes later he saw her sweep
sng down the rIfer with several other girls;
Joining party Of young people, he made his
way up one Of tie ice hills. and presently the
ss9fft descent and quick fight over the half mile
~ ice 10 the foot q hall drove every
thing else from his min - was net sure but 1t