For example, if you and I were to walk over that log which lies across the stream, we should run a great risk; but that would be, not a small chance of a great evil, but a great chance of a small evil.

There would be a great chance that we should fall off into the stream; but that would not be much of an evil as we should only get ourselves wet." [Illustration: The Risk] "Let us go and try it," said Marco.

"Not I," said Forester.

"You may, however, if you please.

I am willing to have you take such a risk as _that_, for your amusement." Marco went to the log and walked back and forth across it, as composedly as if it were a broad plank, lying upon the ground.
Finally, he hopped across it on one foot, to show Forester his dexterity.