The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-12-25
SELECT STORY.
ON A BICYCLE.

Ike, SAID FRED 10 mis- sister, as she
eld the hall door open, while he, at
ired in brown velveteen with corduroy
eggins to match, wheeled his machine
own the steps. She smiled, thinking
f his boyish days, when Christmas
without snow cast a gloom over his
merry little heart. She said nothing
'ut CHEEKY goodbye" however, as
lie went through the gate, and watched
lin with proud eyes leap into the sad
lie and roll gracefully down the ave
,ue. The pure, crisp air blew the
brown ringlets in waves across her
orehead, as she stopped and broke
rom holly-bush bunch of the shin
ng, scarlet berries.
Fred felt inexpressibly happy as be
started on that brisk morning ride; he
lad the feeling of independence that
belonged to him as a university sopho-
more; he bestrode glittering new ma
chine of which he was not little
proud; and more than all, he was GO
ing to call on young lady whose
eyes and rosy lips had haunt.
ed him through three long months of
term work. Perhaps Miss Ethel would
be OUT the thought made him quicken
his pace. ''In that case,' thought
Master Fred, 81 will chase her pony
all over the country He turned off
the avenue, down cross street, t,smooth
and hard, and lined on either side by
great elms. On one of these Fred
heard a tremendous racket, and soon
discovered colony of rocks, cawing
and chatterng in the bare branches.
AS he rode under them, the flock rose
with a wnirr; Fred turned his head to
watch them; at that instant his wheel
struck something very solid, and Its
careless rider, describing the quarter OF
a circle over the obstacle, landed fla,
upon his back in front of it. For q
few seconds the multitude of stars
moons and planets that danced before
his eyes prevented his seeing anything
else; but a burst of agitated laughter
brought him simultaneously to his feet
and his senses. In front of him was {
dainty little tricycle.. On one-half o,
the cushioned seat sat young lady
her tiny boots on the pedals, ont
gloved hand on the steering handle
the other hidden in little muff upol
her lap. Her brown eyes were turned
upon our hero with mixture O.
amusement, anxiety and vexation
Fred doffed his cap.
81 really beg pardon Did do an,
damage7 1t was awfully careless, but
l didn't see you ALL"
$50 | imagined when your bicycle
ran me down." she answered with de
mure mischief.
"Are you quite sure that you ar,
not at all hurt?" he asked again, an1
iously.
"Not in the least; but my csrriag,
may have suffered" and she glanced
over it with a solicitous air. Free
made careful inspection and finall,
reported all right, then commenced
again his apologies. The truth is, thi
susceptible young man had evidentl,
forgotten his intended call, and hat
literally taken a header in love on th
spot. Perhaps the young lady knew
it, for she thanked him with winning
franknessand a glance that he remem
bered long atterward. However, moth
ing remained to be done but to tip hi
cap and rescue his machine from tn
gutter, which he did, regardless of
bent handle-bar. The tricycle. wa
still motlonless "a he turned again int
the road, and its charming rider looket
at him with perpexity.
81 am very sorry, but | think tn
axle must be bent" she said, as h
hastened to her; 81 can hardly NOV
it, A nasty examination showed hin
that she was right. Here was indee,
dilemma, and now happy though
struck Master Fred.
wont you let me help you HON
with it? | can leave my bicycle insid
this hedge just as well as not, and
really ought to, you know, after bein
so careless" he added, trying not t
appear too eeger,. She thanked hir
with a slightly vexed smile, hesitated
moment, and then made room for hin
beside her. You may be assured tha
Fred was not long in wheeling his ma
chine in back of the osagr hedge an
seating himself beside this very prett
young lady.
"Shall | steer" she asked quietly.
Yes, and | will manage the brake,
answered he, casting an admirin
glance at the gloved fingers so firml
clasped around the ebony, and thinl
ing, perhaps, that if any breaking wd
done, it would probably be his suscep
ible heart. In moment they wei
rolling along the street, her little fet
following his as he worked manfully
the ,redals. They rode for some tin
in silence; finally Fred ventured t
steal a glance at his fair companio
when he thought she was particular
occupied in guiding the tricycle., an
blushed tremendously as he found thi
she was regarding him with q
amused smile, Then, desperately,
the endeavor to find out who she wa
"Do you live very far from here
81 am sorry you are getting tired
This mischiefously.
"Oh, but Pm not, you know he a
swered hastily; "hoped it was at lea
ten miles off"
"rhank you," she said, laughingl
"but mere we are now" And 81
turned their carriage up the gravele
drive of Ashcroft, the beautiful man,
of Mr.. Ashley, NJ. p.
"Then you are Miss May Ashley
cried Fred in breath, II have oftC
heard my sister speak of you, l a
Fred Campbell, and you must let n
take your poor tricycle. and have j
| axle fixed"
| Miss Ashley smiled as she dismour
ed.
at is not worth while-thanks," 81
murmured; and then, suddenly holdil
out her hand, gave him another da
zling shaft from those great eyes.
should be glad to see you here, N
Campbell"
| Fred stammered his thanks, press
the little hand, and strobe down I
drive, treading on fgurative rubb
pedals, If any one had mention
| Miss Ethans mama IN him thpn