Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1877-04-06
= gleasamt Sturp.
THE RACE ON SKATES.

young lady who will beat me in race
across the pond" were the words spoken
one winter evening, three years ago.
Each skater paused to ascertain from
whence the voice proceeded The in
distinct form of man could be seen
against the sky, as he stood on little
knoll that overlooked Gleason pond,
which was crowded with merry skaters.
Happy voices and merry laughter could
be heard on every hand. All became
still in an instant. when the voice Of the
stranger rang out loud and clear:
Five dollars and my heart to the
young lady who will beat me in a race
across the pond" Again these words
we're repeated in as bold manly tones as
before.
"Who is it? Who can it be ?" were
the ordinations heard among the skaters
as they tried in vain to get glimpse Of
the strangers face.
"Just wait minute, girls" said Will
Bancroft, tho particular beau of the
evening; "wait, and | will try and see
who he may be.
"He may be crazy man escaped from
some lunatic asylum" said timid little
Army Gordon, creeping to the side Of
her big brother for protection.
"Psbaw you little coward r. ex-
claimed beautiful brunette, standing
close by. watching with much interest
the group gathered around her ard the
stranger on the bank.
EN- tell you" said Will, re,urniug
Il think the fellow is none OTHER than
Walter Arlington he who has iately
graduated at---college, and is 80 Famous
las a skater"
ooh |" exclaimed the lady just men.
toned, and if one had observed hel
closely they might have noticed the colo
come and go on her usually rosy cheek
"yes, | met him once in New York las
winter, and know this to be he"
The girls looked one at another, each
seeming to seek the Others thoughts.
"Five dollars and my heart to tn,
young lady who will beat me in rae,
across the pond"
"Well, Olive" spoke up several OIL
the girls, as they looked toward the righ
beauty in centre, as if to gain advic,
from her on the subject.
"Pm off for the ice," said Olive
striking forward. at will be such fun
Come on, girls"
"It's my opinion" said a tall, thin
looking man with scorched- looking
beard, "that the man is an im---im
postor."
"And I believe the. ladies would b.
better off not to pay any attention to the
scamp" said another fellow with a yer,
high hat and sleek face, who stood clos,
to the first speaker.
"Let Tall hat and Buff whiskers
stand back if they choose no one will
care )" and sprightly little blue-eycd
lassie started after Olive.
'1f the fellow is handsome, | don't
know but | will 60 tooP' and another
was added to the small group,
THAT fellow can't be much to Offer
his heart that cheap" said Will Bancroft,
his color rising. He was already begin
ming to feel the pangs of jealousy.
Quite group had gathered around the
strange young man, who announced him
self as Walter Arlington.
Among the many lovely girls in Brent.
vile, place noted for beautiful faces,
Olive Whitney was the bright particu-
lar star" But am sorry to say she
seemed to delight in flirting, and woe be
to he who exposed his heart to her
fascinating vile. She was tall, brilliant
brunette, with dusky midnight curls,
bright, sparkling black eyes in which
lay "world of witchery," clear, dark
complexion. matching her hair, and such
sweet ripe lips When Olive laughed
bright light illuminated her whole face /;
and. too, such white pearIy teeth were
surely not made to be hidden and Mat
Hubby, who was not noted for her beauty,
was even so malicious as to make the re-
mark that Ollie Whitney kept up con-
slant grin from morning till night because
she knew she looked pretty and bad
perfect teeth. But friend Of Olives
took the opposite side of the subject and
said it was cheerful and happy spirit
shining through her face. The latter
was more generally accepted as the
truth.
Olive looked the picture of beautiful
grace and lovelincss this evening. Her
skating costume was dark maroon cloth,