The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-10-09
Mr.. SnOOks Learns
to Skate.
BY LILY RUTHERFORD MORRIS.

the other rolled from under him. "Se-
reny! Sereny!"
Mrs. Snooks was in the act of having
her skates adjusted, but without wait
ing further, she FASTENED, with one
skate half on, rolling on one foot, and
hopping on the other, to the scene of
Mr.. Snooks' distress. AS soon as he be-
held her at his side he burst forth:
"Consarn i'll Is this what you
brought me out here for-to break my
neck? s'pose you remembered the in
surance policy, and thought this a good
time to cash it in, eh?"
''Oh, Josiah, dear! Don't talk like
that" replied his sweet natured wife,
please do not. want you to learn
to skate, and have real good time.
Now, stand perfectly still until l get
my skates on, and III held you"
''Stand still" lie shouted. How in
the devil can | stand still with these
blasted rollers"
Once more his feet shot from under
him. Flat on his back he landed. How
ever, person falling at the skating
rink is no unusual sight, so he lay
unnoticed except by an instructor and
his faithful Serena.
'Oh, hope he isn't hurt, sir" she
said to the gracious gentleman, trying
to assist poor Mr.. Snooks to his feet
Il should never forgive myself if any
thing were to happen to him."
"Oh, you wouldn't, would your
gasped her husband. Don't look like
1t, does it-nag a mans life out of him
till you get rollers screwed on him,
and then say you wouldn't have him
hp-t fol the world. Like as not, you
had the whole thing CREASED up for
my benefit. Then tell man to stand
still-why don't you get that other set
of rollers on, if you are goin' to show
me anything?"
Eyes, dear, will. Hold tight to the
railing, now; and don't move. I'll be
back in a moment" and she hoped
and rolled together back to the attend
ant, having Mr.. Snooks looking long
ingly after her, afraid to move even his
eyes in another direction.
He watched her have the other skate
fastened on; then, rise from the chair
with all ease, and glide gracefully to-
ward him.
Now, dear, I'm ready. Let's get
on the inside of the rail- Give me your
right hand first; now the other, and
walk-don't try TO glide. Come on,
now-don't be afraid. Just pick up
your feet, one at time, and
did you think I'd be fool enough to
try to get both up at once? You must
take me for a"
Chink, chink, chink-e-ty chink! He
had lost his balance again; but faith
full to his speech, he did not let both
feet go at once. First one, and then
the other went UP and down, while he
clutched poor Mrs. Snooks ferociously.
Both stood the test; they did not fall.
Some one came to the rescue, and with
much effort, both together landed him
safe inside the rail, which to Mr.
Snooks' mind did not, in the least, i'm
prove the situation.
"And that's what you are expectin
me to do, is it?" nodding sarcastically
toward the whirling throng. Blamed
II l can ever do it! My brain is in
such a whirl now, l don't know
whether I'm standin' on my head or
not-ding it, there goes that blamed
foot again! Hold me tight, Sereny;
hold me"
''Ive got you, darling; don't be
afraid. I'll not let you get hurt. You
must hold my hand real tight; and
when l count three, glide out on your
right foot. Now! one, two, three, glide
Oh, why didn't you do it?"
do what" snorted Mr.. Snooks
~How do know what you want me to
do. You must take me for a fyin
Dutchman."
Come on, dear; let's try it again."
sweetly replied Mrs. Snooks. when
count three, then, with the fourth
count, slide out on your right foot"
81 thought you told me to glide-now
you say slide. How in the devil am
to know what it is you want!''
20 we'll, it is all the same, dear Eth
er one means to roll. Ready! one, two,
three, glide"
well, when ! glide, slide, or roll,
what are you goin to do?" gruffiy de-
manded Mr.. Shocks.
why, I'm going to glide too"
you goin' with me them"
''Sure, Smoky, dear. I'm going right
with you unless
'Unless | fall, spose. Now, that's
. bright prospect for skatin scholar,
amt it?"
"Oh, dear!" answered Mrs. Snooks,
almost losing patience. Il wish you
would come on; the evening is half
gone, and we haven't made start yet.
Do you understand what 1t is l want
you to do-want until count three,
and then, you and / both will glide out
ON the right foot. Do you under
stand?"
mo! l don't understand why you