The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-02-15

At THE RlNE.--eIf you want to have
an hours fun, just go down TO the ska
ting rink" was the advice young Fitz-
waters received as he stroiled down street
yesterday evening and declared that the
town was ESQ drafted dull that a fellow
didn't know what to do with himself"
And this is why some ten minutes later
he walked into the Grange Hall, paid his
little ten cents admittancc and took SCI t
on the bench The floor was covered
with ladies and gentlemen gliding
smoothly and gracefully around and
threading through each other without TIE
slightest apparent difficulty. To be sure,
now and then some small boy would roll
promiscuously under bench, but this
seemed but to increase the general plcas-
ure, and only served to add deeper
tinge to the rosy cheeks and merrier
twinkle to the bright eyes of the young
girls as they sped swiftly by. He had
mentally swore that no earthly consider
alton would induce him to put on skates, |
but whilst he sat and gazed the form o.
his own Dulcinea, guided by that bow
legged Spilkins, flew past him and left in
its wake a burning, unconquerable ambi-
ton to grasp certain little hand and be |
happy.
els it hard to learn?" he asked. "Ol
no, said Mr.. Crowder, sail you have
to do is to strike out boldly, keep your
legs well together, and avoid trying te
stop on your heels. In ten minutes time
you can get the right stroke, ard ther
the difficulty is mastered. Bring out {
pair of number los for Mr.. Fitzwaters,
Henderson I"
Henderson knelt down and with due
regard for the gentlemans favorite corr,
proceeded to strap on the skates, ano
had Just finished when Dulcinea came
up still holding on to Spilkins, and re-
marked,
"Why, Mr.. Ftzwaters, didn't know
that yon could skate. Have you evel
tried it before p
At first he was tempted to tell the
whole truth and frankly acknowledge /
that it was his first attempt, but the sigh
Of his rival who stood by with a min
gled expression Of derision and commits
Grafton, turned him back into the ole
channel, and with an assurance born Ct
long years of lying, he answered,
s'It has been some time since was en-
them, but when Dunn & Drain were her,
was regarded as one of their most pre-
missing pupils. Wont you give me thi
turn?"
She consented, and bestowing be-
witching smile on her retiring partner,
grasped Mr.. Fitzwaters' hand and de-
clared herself ready.
Mr.. Fitzwaters was not quite ready.
but he gave final tug at the strap, ane
remembering Tom Crowder's advice,
struck out boldly with his left foot and
simultaneously the stars fell, there came
a rushing as of mighty waters, and MI. |
F. had struck the floor with such alarm
ing emphasis. that two window pane:
dropped and the building quaked witt |
the shock In trying to eStricate hi:
right foot, which had receded to the vi
cinity Of the ladys skates, there was dull
thud, followed by wide distribution OF
number 3 birdshot; and when Spilkins
came round to help her up, she let on
like she was holding up her train, and
casting withered look at her discom-
forted lover, said she s'thought it was
time to go home"
Early this morning t note came to Mr..
Bumpus, asking him to please send
litter that wouldn't require weights &c
keep it down.
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