Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-08-12
The Mad Skater.

The broad bosom of one OF our northern III
vers was covered with smooth sheet of ice; /;
and. at point where the stream widens, after
passing through scenes rich in historical inter
est King Winter seemed to have taken espc-
cal delight in spreading table SO attractive
as to draw from out Of their houses nearly the
whole population of thriving village that
stood upon its banks. Men, women aud chill
dren bad turned ont to participate in the de-
Hghtful sport of skating, or to watch the evo-
lutions of the skaters.
1t was, in truth, grand sight to observe
hundreds Of both sexes dressed in various cos
TUNES, and gliding rapidly over tue smooth,
translucent surface, while shouts aud poalS Of
laughter rang mellow and merry on the still
night air. a great bonfire, kiudled on the ice,
sent up its red flames, throwing its light far
along the river, over the quiet village nestled
near its banks, glistcning from frosted forest
on the other side, and rendering the scene so
wild aud fanciful, that the skaters, as they gil
ded to and fro, might easily have been mistaken
for the ghostly inhabitants Of some supcrnatu-
raj world
"What splendid skaters ~ was the eXcla-
nation passing through tho crowd, as lady
and gentleman made their appearance upon the
ice, coming up tho river from below. They
are now skating hand in hand, now backward,
now forward, now performing some difficult
feat, or whirling around in sweeping circles.
"Who are they?" was the question asked by
many among the spectators.
Kate Clinton and Frank Hill, was the re-
ply. pointing them out as belonging to the two
most prominent families in the neighborhood,
whose splendid mansion stood near the river
bank, little further down.
The two skaters, who had thus unexpectedly
made their appearance, at once became the
objects of universal attraction, and an admiring
crowd soon collected around them.
Observing this, and not appearing to like
such public exhibition, the young lady whis-
pered some words in the ear of her companion,
who, suddenly wheeling, and carrying her
round along with him, by a few forcible strokes,
shot clear of the crowd, and skatcd rapidly
rapidly from it.
\ murmur of disappointment followed their
departure, while glances OF something like dis
approval were cast after them, as they glided
off under the cleaning moonlight.
"They appear vexed at our leaving them,
remarked the young gentleman. They don't
often see such au accomplished skater as you,
Kate"
"As yourself, you mean, Frank. 1t was
your performance that gave them pleasure
And now think Of it, it wasn't very graceful
in me to have been the cause Of disappointing
them. Suppose you go back and show them
little moro Of your skill. Do, Frank, can
stay here till you return"
Anything to please you, my dear Kate.
And so saying, the young man released the
tiny-gloved hand of the fair partner; and, after
long shot was once more in the midst of the
villagers, gratifying them with the display SO
much desired.
More than FIVE minutes were thus spent;
during which time the accomplished skater was
repeatedly cbeered and greeted with comph-
mentary speeches. Then, betbinking him OF
the fair creature he had left waiting alone and
in the cold, he was about to break of, when the
eager spectators entreated him to remain a mo-
ment longer, and once more show thema figure
that had elected their most enthusiastic ap-
plause.
He consented, repeated the figure called for,
and then, resisting all further appeal, with one
grand stroke he glided out from among the
spectators and on toward the spot where he had
left the young lady on the ice.-
On nearing it he saw that she was not there
nor anywhere in sight
Where could she have gone?
It occurred to him while he was entertaining
the village crowd she might have rejoined 1t
and become herself one of the spectators
With all speed he skated back again. an6
ouartered the crowd in every direction, scan
ming the faces and figures.
But among them he saw neither features, nol
form, bearing any resemblance to those OF tn
beautiful Kate Clinton.
OH thought he, she's playing a htti'