Read Online Mystery at the Ski Jump by Carolyn Keene - Free Book Online Page B

steep slope. The more the steep area is used for turning, the bigger the lumps or moguls become. Suppose we climb up there and have a go at it.”
    “Just tell me what to do,” Nancy urged.
    “The first thing to remember is that when you hit a bump it will lift you into the air,” Chuck cautioned. “Your job is to crouch down before you hit your obstacle. You spring upward and sort of synchronize your spring with the natural lift the bump gives you. Is that clear, Nancy?”
    “I think so.”
    “Good! Then here are a few other rules,” Chuck continued as they reached the crest of the little hill. “Try to pull your knees up under your chest as you jump, Nancy. And push down hard on your heels so that the points of your skis won’t dig into the ground and trip you. Hold the upper part of your body erect and balance with your arms outstretched.”
    “That’s a lot to remember,” Nancy replied. “I’d feel better if there weren’t so many people milling about the hill. When I come down, I want a clear track.”
    “Oh, you’ll be okay,” Chuck assured her. “All you need is practice. Well, Nancy, this is it. Don’t use your poles. I’ll hold them. Get set—GO!”
    In an instant Nancy was off. Flying gracefully as a bird down the long, smooth slope, she watched the snow-covered bump ahead of her loom larger —LARGER. And then, suddenly, her heart skipped a beat, and she gave a gasp of dismay.
    “A snow bunny!” Nancy exclaimed.
    The inexperienced skier ahead floundered directly into her path, stumbled, and fell just over the edge of the mogul. Nancy had to choose between jumping over his prostrate body or crashing into him.
    She must jump!
    Nancy crouched and sprang upward, jumping as far as she possibly could. She came down in a heap.
    Chuck Wilson cried out as she spilled, and sped down the slope to his pupil’s rescue.
    “Nancy! Nancy!”
    The girl lay motionless I

CHAPTER X
    A Surprise Announcement
    “NANCY! Are you hurt?”
    She opened her eyes slowly and looked up into Chuck Wilson’s worried face. He was kneeling beside her and chafing her wrists.
    “W-what happened?” she asked in a faint voice.
    “You spilled,” Chuck explained. “You made a clean jump over that skier and then you pitched on your face. But it wasn’t your fault.”
    “Not my fault? You mean that man—”
    “He got in your way, all right,” Chuck answered. “But it was a loose strap on one of your skis that caused your fall.” The instructor showed it to her.
    Nancy sat up. “I want to try again,” she said.
    “Do you think you should?” Chuck asked.
    “Of course I should!” Chuck helped Nancy rise to her feet. “See?” She smiled. “No bones broken. Nothing injured except my dignity!”
    For the next hour, Chuck helped Nancy with her jumps. “You’re learning fast!” he declared. “I wish you didn’t have to return to the States so soon. Can’t you persuade your father to stay, at least until after the ice show tonight?”
    “Maybe I can,” Nancy said. “I have an idea!” “Please try!” Chuck beamed. “Here are some tickets to the ice show. I’ll expect to see you and your father there tonight.”
    “I can’t promise,” Nancy reminded him. “But thanks! So long for now, Chuck. I’d better go back to the hotel and meet Dad.”
    Nancy and her father had a late lunch in the hotel dining room. The lawyer looked amused when his daughter told him she wanted to stay longer in Montreal. “For the winter sports or for young Wilson?” he teased.
    Nancy made a face, then grew earnest. “I’m thinking mainly of the Channings,” she said. “They may be selling more of that fake stock right in this area!” She told about the expert ski jumper and her suspicion that he was R. I. Channing.
    “Mrs. Channing may be here too,” the lawyer mused. “Yes, I think we ought to stay until you can investigate. Will you still have time for that skating exhibition tonight?”
    “Of course!” Nancy