Perilous Leap Into Space

Daring Dive of Dana Thompson From a Ninety Foot Tower.

Life hanging by a thread, dependent only upon the performer's skill, gives daily amusement and pleasure to hundreds of audiences in the United States, where more than in any other country daredevil feats win fame and fortune. To half a dozen Americans is due the credit of inventing the most daring acts known. When they perform all hold their breath, for their acts are in defiance of the laws of nature.

One-quarter of a second's hesitation would cost any one his life, yet they go through their acts with the unconcern with which one might light a cigar or tell a story.

These half dozen men stand at the head of the acrobatic world for daring and fearlessness. Almost every day they hear of lives being lost or hopelessly maimed for the sake of public applause, but such news affects them no more than the advice of acquaintances.

One of the most thrilling feats of daredeviltry is that of Dana Thompson, whose somersault diving from a tower ninety feet high into a small tank at the foot has a terrible fascination. The leap occupies one and three-quarter seconds from the time his feet leave the pedestals until they strike the water.

The frightful force with which he hurls himself through the air would mean his instant death if his mind should for an instant become diverted. Many times has Thompson performed this leap without accident, but his turn may come some day.