The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1892-12-30
COUSIN CLaRa'S
CHB|sTuaS.
BY MAZDA CURTIS.

heard from all the boys of b AS the.
moved down the street in "a body swing
ing their skates and cheering Justify.
There was to be "a skating race OF
Frog lake and every boy and girl in tow
was expected to take part. The priz,
for each winner was "A beautiful pair O
silver skates.
The boys race, which they of cours,
thought was all that was worth seeing
was to take place first. Nearly all tn,
boys were good skaters and it was hare
to tell who would win. Among the girl.
1t was different. There were a great
many good skaters, but everyone knew
that either Maude West or Emil,
Jones would be sure to win the
prize. These girls were as unlike
IN everything else except this one thing
as it was possible for two girls to be.
Maude was the only daughter of a very
rich banker, and though she had every
thing that money could buy, she was as
~unspoiled. unaffected and loving as "A
girl could be. Emily was one Of the
seven children Of a mill-hand. who.
though not rich, was not really poor.
Emily was said to be the prettiest glrl in
town, and knowing this, had made her
vain and ambitious. She simply detested
Maudc. and would have done ANYTHING
III her power to injurc her. She could
not help knowing that in spite Of her
beauty she IA disliked as much as
Maude was loved.
Quite a crowd Of witnesses had gath
cred at the lake. At ii signal from the
Judge. fifteen sturdy boys started from
the goal. and, with long strokes. went
Swimming over the ice. They had
reached the turning point. and now be-
gan the race back. Now was the most
exciting time. and everyone strained his
eyes to be sure which Was ahead. Every
minute a hurrah was sent up, as one or
another came spinning out in advance
OF his comrades. At last, when within a
few yards of the goal. Carl Phelps. IA
bright boy OF fifteen. made a dash and
gIided beyond the line. Iiurrah after
hurrah rang out upon the air as he
was presented with the skates. Thcre
seemed to be no cGmity among tn" boys.
Now il was time for the girls TO start.
All had taken their places except Maudc.
Who was having her skates examined.
and frightened once more before starting.
As the clamp was shut down. it gave a
loud SNAP. and with a look of mismay
she sank down On the bank. "Oh. what
shall ! do" she cried. my skate is
brOken.' She did not care SO much for
the prize as she did for the honor of be
ing champion. There stood Emily look
ing so triumphantly at her. She was
Just about to burst into tears when
some n touched her on the shoulder.
She looked up and saw "A little gIrl.
standing beside her, who was about her
size. and whom she knew very little.
having only seen her Il few times at
Tbs little girl was holding her skates
in her hand and she said, Quick, take
nay skates" Maude was about to re-
monstrate when Clara Fanny stopped
over and laid the skates on the bank.
saying. mo. please take them. could
not win anyway. Hurry or they will go
without YOU Maud brushed away her
tears, and exclaimed, 'Oh. how can !
thank you: If ] win. the skates shall be
yours
"Onc, two. three CO.
The line started slowly at first. but
kept gradually increasing in speed.
the turning point was reached
OF the girls were left behind.
Of them reached it at about the
same time, and turned for the return.
When about half way back. two figures |
out from the group. It was "A close !
for IA few minutes, then by almost
effort Emily gave Il long
and swept across the line ;ic
This had been by far the most
'Ncltlng OF III" two races. and lust AS
he two girls swept up to the gual. the
'rowi leaned over the railing of the
tand. and as the first hurrah went up.
he railing gave way with IA crash. and Il
!irIish figure fell forward onto the ice
'elow. For IA moment everyone stood
till. The first one To regain presence of
nlnd was Maudc. She rushed forward.
md bending over the girl, found IT to be
he sama who had so generously loaned
Ter the skates.
oh" she cried. ''if it hadn't been for
ne, this would not have happened. She
would have. been here with the other
iris. and not have fallen from that aw-
ul grand stand. She must he gotten
at once. john, bring the carriage
IS near here as possible. And you,' she
aid, turning to DR.. knON. must come
With me. and attend 10 ncr when We get
Ter home
The limp form was lifted carefully and
vas soon IN the carriage being wIlir.cd
iOnc. The carriage drew W before Il
cry modest little cottage. \ frouzy
ray head appeared ut the window.
he owner of this fruZy head was evi
emily very much surprised. She ierked
pen the door, aud said in II JueruIous
DICE: 'NOw, what has that young one
I'll warrant she's about killed
erself over this old race. never
aw such a young me-. She must go
verywhere, and as far az work is con
she isn't worth her salt. ! sup
ose to add to it all ! shall have a big
bill to pay On account of this
Nv foolery.'
Indeed, you will not" said Maud. IL
ausrd it all, and ! will pay all bills my
plf.' As soon as Clara opened her eyes
he said, "Oh what will Mrs. Gray say 30