The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-01-22
Tho Nickel Skates.

Bonnie sat in his seat repeating over
and over. III 1.l50 pounds of hay can be
bought for SIS. what is The cost Of hay
per ton7''
II aid seem rs though the answer in
the book must be wrong, for try as hard
as he might, Bennie's result would not
agree with IT, Strange
III $50 pounds Of hay can be bought
can be bought I wonder Who Will get
those dandy skates-elthcr Dick Atkins
or"
once moro the arithmetic was opened.
III 1850 pounds Of hay can be bought
Tor a-for a-pair OF nickel skates how
Again Bonnie closed the book dismally.
"Therei I can't get fl! There's no use
fryingl / get skates and hay all mixed
up
Just then the warning bell rang and the
grade prepared 20 march out for inter-
mission. Soon little groups met here and
there In the yard, an eagerly discussing
that mysterious pair of skates.
They had been offered by Or Conant
that morning 10 the boy who should
spell correctly in given time, the
largest number OF practical words used
IN everyday life. The test was to be
given by the doctor himself week from
the following Friday
Great excitement prevailed, for there
was strong spirit of rivalry among the
y grade BOYS. who were divided into two
factions. led respectively by Bonnie Nor
cross ana Dick Atkins. Besides. the
skates were a Jim dandy" pair, as Ben
ME declared 10 his chum. Ted Stone-and
fustly. too, for Dr. Conant, who never
ala anything by halves. had purchased
the finest pair that could be found IN the
large manufacturing city where SKATES
were made.
ANYWAY II lies between you and Dick
Atkins. old man." declared Ted. POSI-
lively that night as they sat discussing
the matter In the Norcross sitting room.
"You two are the best spoilers, the rest
o. us fellows cont stand the ghost OF
chance. And besides, We want you 10
get them. anyhow, see how DICK Atkins
cot the prize In defamation away from
You last spring. and just because Ut
Downing one OF the judges was reia-
tive OF bis. Ia like to see any one sPeH
for him now. though
The friends o. both bows felt confident
~ ,heir own leaders success and hardly
considered the thought of trying Tor the
prize themselves.
COT course. well 20 through the FORM
huf when Il comes 20 our getting the
skates. we won't be there-not even IL
We tried" declared the boys, laugh
iugly.
4, an professions. were consulted Tor
their opinion as 20 the most practical
words in everyday use. and In this way
both Bonnie and Dick received much val
uabie coaching" from their eager fol-
lowers.
Il hope 7 shall get them-they re- such
beauties But. then. I'd rather beat Dick
Atkins than have all the skates in the
world" was Bennle's frequent soliloquy
during that anxious week.
Twas Thursday afternoon.
s'Wcu. to-mOrrow's almost here"
thought Bennie 10 himself. as he entered
tire postofiice for the o'clock mail
There, before the lettor-boX. stood Or.
Conant. in taking a letter from his
pOcket 10 post a scrap OF paper slipped
ont with It. and fen TO the floor unnoic-
ed.
AS Bonnie stepped 20 the delivery-win-
dow. after the doctor had gone. his foot
CHANGED 10 touch the paper. lie stopped
and picked II up. Unfolding II. he found
TITS the list OF tSst-words for to-mor-
row. he whispered excitedly. 1T Isl II
is Now, Mr. Dick. well seei'
Bonnie took bis mail, and hurriedlv
left the Office A. ne turned into lees
urfoided the bit OF paper again. surely
there could be no mistakel II contained
the words for to-morrow's trial.
''f'll have them. every one, before 20
10 slsspi' he exclaimed half aloud.