The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-03-02
BOWSER ON ROLLERS
He Cuts Few Pigeon Wings on Roller Skates.

stood near him called out to a young
man;
Jimmie, be around when this old
fellow makes his debut. There will be
a wagon load of fun. If he's got
wife. it's a wonder she didn't keep
him home
Never mind her. remarked one of
the Old Boys. 1T pains me TO see such
fowardness in a young girl. Perhaps
she went feel herself so smart when
you have taught the mob how to cut
pigeon wing"
there on the floor" said Mr.. Bowser
in rueful tones.
Fall down, man! Why. should
just as soon look for the heavens to
fall. We are all inDatience to see you
in your great act Shall help you put
on your skates 2?
Mr.. Bowser wanted to 20 home.
He wanted TO be in that safe and
comfortable sitting room with Mrs
Bowser.
He wanted to be smoking his cigar
and watching the cat on the hearth
rug.
Mrs Bowser had called him pudgy,
but he would forgive her.
He fused with his skates until he
could fuss no longer 1t had gone
around the rink that he was cham-
pion, and at least half the skaters had
taken seats to give him room He
muttered something about sudden
attack of rheumatism and that his
heart was palpitating in a strange way.
but it wouldn't do The Old Boys
crowded around him and spoke en-
couraging words, and his skates were
finally fastened on and he rose up.
Are you going to give US an exhi-
bition Of fancy skating? asked the
manager as he came up.
ct dun-dunno," replied Mr.. Bowser,
as he wiped the sweat from his fore-
head. You see, didn't expect there
be more than half dozen people mere
tonight and
lust keep your eyes on him if you
want to know what roller skating IS,
warned one of the Old Boys and with
that the man who wasn't podgy was
launched out on the floor. For mo-
ment he stood like a man afraid TO
move an eyelash. He would have CIV
en- a billion dollars to be back on
bench He would have given two bill
lions to have been on his own front
steps. He would have given all the
gold and diamond mines in the world
to have been sitting near Mrs. Bowser-
The crowd took it the other way, how
ever They thought he was acting i'll
order to increase the applause later on,
and they cheered and shouted. MT
Bowser hung to the spot like dog to
a root but he had to move at last.
There came to his heart a wild hope Il
that providence might take care of his
feet for the next few minutes, and ne
made a desperate dash.
His right foot made a bee line for
the wild and woody west and his left
for Toronto. Ont. and then he shot
forward and upward and came down.
on the back of his head and knew no II
more It was a new feat, and there
was wild applause. His lying there all
sprawled over a quarter of an acre OF
space was also a new feat. and a dozen
Of the more enthusiastic skaters seiZ-
ed him and dragged him around on
the polished floor for five minutes.
When he finally opened his eyes he
had been deposited on one of the seats,
and an Old Boy was pouring cold wat
er down the back of his neck.
"W-what is it," was asked.
"Bowser you 60 home"
"W-what for?"
Because you are pudgy little man
and have made an ass of yourself. oh,
f you could have only seen yourself
billy goat and then came down on your
1ead! Ha,ha, hal"
Mr.. Bowser lfmDed home. Mrs.
Bowser was still up and waiting for
him.
she asked as he flung his skates down
IN the hall.
No answer.
MANY people there?"
He threw his hat and overcoat down
after the skates
How did you get along with your
pigeon wings?
The silence of the grave, broken only
1y the creak of the steps as he crept
Upstairs and undressed, with signs, and
rot into bed.with suppressed groans-
Mr.. Bowser had skated his skate He
vas a high roller who had been :
-(C0nUriCht 1907 nv