Alpena argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1893-1909, 1894-12-26
A SKATING RACE FOR A BRIDE.

Squire Medford's brow was wrink-
led with lines of indecision and wor.
riment as he glanced over his spec
tacles at the handsome faces of his
visitor. Claude Gilmore returned
the stare with the arrogant conf
dence of success. There was silence
for a moment. Then the squire
said slowly, 1T seems to me Polly
ought to have her own say on 9
matter of this kind"
"But she don't know what's good
for her." returned the other. "Thai
clodhopper, Sim Harker, has thor
oughly infatuated her. I'll make
the better husband of the two
squire"
"That may be, said the squire
II don't deny it, but-but you see
~ don't see any reason to haggle
over the question, at all events" in
terrupted the younger man. ~
want an answer one way or the
other. l believe you have some in
tention of running for county COM
missioner in the spring? Well
you know what can do for you in
political way, if choose"
This was plain hint, and it pull.
ed the spuire's mental balance tc
one side. I'll speak to Polly" he
said, "but don't exactly like tc
force her to it without good reason
She's high-spirited girl"
I'LL tell you what Ill do" ex'
claimed Claude abruptly. ''T'll race
against Sim Harker on skates mex,
Saturday morning from Rocks Dam
to the mouth of Black Run-tht
winner to marry Polly one week
later. That's fair and square way
of settling the question. DOM
you think SOP"
The squire was glad to get out OF
the dilemma on such easy terms
"Yes, that square enough" he re-
piled, I'll stand by it,.
After some further discussion
the visitor departed, taking gooG
care to see that Bouncer, the bull.
dog, was securely chained before he
passed through the yard. He had
incurred the brute's bitter animos-
ity by lashing him with riding
whip OH a previous occasion. He
did not observe Polly's laughing
face behind the window curtains az
he mounted his horse and rode away
When the squire preached the
subject Of the interview to his
daughter, he was secretly delighted
to find her submissive.
81 don't think it's fair, though
she said, poutingly. Everyone
knows that Claude Gilmore is the
best skater in Cumberland county
Poor Sim can't skate half so WELL"
''Let him learn then" replied the
squire, testify. "It's a fair way to
choose a husband. Besides my:word
is given"
Polly put her arms around her
father and her face close to his.
ibid Claude Gilmore promise to
help yon at the spring election?'
she whispered, slyly.
The squire's face grew purple.
II believe you we're listening at that
door," he grumbled. IF | was sure
Of it l would lock you in your room
for week." Then he marched of
in high dudgeon, slamming the
door behind him.
Five days passed rapidly by, and
Saturday morning dawned clear and
cold. The icy surface of the creek
was smooth as glass, and long be-
fore nine o'clock-the appointed
hour-quite an assemblage had
gathered at the lower side Of Rocks
Dam.
Both the contestants were young
men in the middle of their twenties.
Popular sympathy-if not popular
confidence-was with Sim Harker,
who was sensible, obliging fellow,
and lived with his parents on farm
in the neighborhood. Claude Gil
was less liked. He owned three or
four farms in the county, on which
he raised quail and race horses. He
frequently spoke of them as his
domain, and his preserves" He
was supercilious and arrogant in
manner. He wore top-boots, riding
gloves, and brown velveteen jacket.
1t was we'll known that both
young men had been paying court
to Polly Medford during the past
year, and 1t was equally well UNDER
stood that Sim Harker had the in
side track with the daughter, If not
with the father.
Polly was pretty, vivacious girl
of eighteen, and the neighbors were
indignant that the squire would
countenance a strategem which
threatened to marry her against her
inclinations.
So, on this auspicious morning,
many were the expressions of SYM
pathy and regret for Sim Harker;
for none believed that he had a ghost
of chance against such an expert
as Claude Gilmore.
Strange to say, however, Sims
manner betokened calm confidence
as he shook the gloved hand which
his rival haughtily extended.
Squire Medford and Polly were
at the starting point. The latter
looked and smiled her prettiest as
she gave the signal by dropping her
handkerchief. Of went the skaters
with swift axen afrokea and over