The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1906-07-06


had given back his ring ana he had
gone of in duiccon. leaving her with
Tie afternoon Oh her hands. They had
planned to skate to EiverdaIe. five
miles UP the river; have supper there
and skate back by moonlight. Now it
was all spoiled and she must skate
alone.
She was fond Of the ice. and the
swift motion and the bracing air soon
put her in Il more pleasant frame Of
mind. Perhaps she had been hasty in
giving back the ring, but then it is not
every day that one is elected the prcsi-
dent OF The literary club. and he misht
ut least have congratulated her upon
her victory over Nettie Doran
She had been so engrossed with her
thoughts that it was with surprise that
she found she had entered the cut"
more than two miles from the landin%.
Here the river ran between steep bluffs
for threa-quartcrs of mile, and she
shuddered little as she glanced at the
cliffs on either side. She never had
noticed it before. but now they seemed
so black and forbidding
She was still glancing up as her skate
struck bit of wood frozen into the
ice, and with a cry she sank to the
CLASSY surface. She struggled to hel
feet but with another little moan she
sank to one knee; she had sprained her
left ankle.
Several times she essayed to rise but
each time her ankle hurt her more. and
finally she desisted and crept on hands
and knees to the bank. Perhaps some
of the others would take it into their
heads to skate up and they would give
her help, If no one came she would
try to creep back after she had rested.
But after an hour she gave up hope
of help coming She was so numb she
could scarcely move She began to cry
softly. If she could not get to the
lower end of the cut, where she might
attract attention of some one on shore.
she might freeze to death
With infinite labor she crawled a few
feet but she had to give up and sit
down again. Perhaps they might miss
her at the landing and remember that
she had gone up the river. They would
send out Il searching party for her. 1t
might be an hour or more before she
could hope for help, but the idea
brought her some comfort, though it
did not check the flow of tears.
Then her quick ear caught the wei
come sound Of the ring of steel on the
hard ice and she tried to struggle to
her feet.
Around the bend above Tom Runyon
came with powerful strokes. He was
looking straight ahead. and in the dusk
he passed her. Before she could gain
the courage to call to him he stopped
suddenly and turned. In a flash he
was at her side kneeling before her.
Whats the matter, dear?' he asked.
Are you hurt?'
I've sprained my ankle" she sobbed.
"and I'm tired and cold and hungry.
and it hurts an awful lot. I'm so mis-
cradle"
How long have you been here?" he
asked.
Hours" she moaned. 1T seems like
days, and IFS SO black and lonesome" |
Poor little girl" he said tenderly. |
III soon have you out of it. I'll skate |
down to the landing and borrow
sled"
She grasped his coat in terror. Don't
leave me-. she pleaded 81 think !
would go crazyw
1t would take only ten minutes or
80" he argued, but she kept cOnvul.
live hold upon his coat Presently an
dea struck him.
can you stand on your other foot?"
lie asked. "Will it bear your weight?'
For answer she put out her hands.
nd he helped her to rise. She WINGED
S the lame foot struck the ice, but she
miled bravely.
Il think | can" she said.
Tom dropped on one knee and start
d to unfasten the skate on the injured
cot. The ankle was so swollen that
e had to cut the strap through, but
resently he rose and grasped her
ands.