Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1918-03-10
@ Ice Chronicle
By ROY CHESTER WARFORD
1917. Western Newspaper Union. )

tudI DuSllllIS Httle country lOWu duu hailed with delight by the young people, not only of the village but of the district for miles around
 All the old curlicue skates of past generation, as well as the newest and latest in ice skimmers, came into ac- tive use. The surface of the lake was as even as floor and smooth as glass. Miss Althea Durand, the daughter of leading citizen, at once imperiousIy ap- propriated to herself the conviction that she was the regnant queen of the fete, and had many followers in friends from a distance, some of whom were real experts in the skating line.
 She was naughty, domineering and exclusive as to her choice of company but she did not openly disdain a mod est youth who had been attracted by the winning gleam of her captivating eyes. It was known about the village that Warren Dodge had been sent for by wealthy bachelor uncle, who in- tended to practically adopt him. But, alas! That first skating carni- val proved his Waterloo. He was a fair, plain and steady skater, but when he attempted to cut figure s and the whirling caper in which some of the city friends of Miss Durand were pro- ticient from practice, Warren met with disaster. He scored stumbling glide and a grotesque tumble that set all those in sight roaring with laughter all except Dolly Sprague. She was really sorry for him, but Warren did not know that-then.
 As he arose to his feet, humbled and embarrassed, he chanced to glance in the direction of Miss Durand He was mortified, abashed to observe her join ing in the general overflow of jollity at his plight. She tried to escape his eye, but the impression was made. Warren righted himself and, feigning a loose skate, hurried to q retired bench at the side of the little booth where hot coffee and sandwiches were sold.
 "Oh, Warren, I was so sorry" spoke sweet, comforting voice, and he looked up to recognize Dolly. They had been rare school friends, but she had never appealed to him as now, the only one who had q word of sympathy.
 q ventured beyond my limit, imitat- ing those crack skaters from the city," said Warren.
 "You shouldn't mind one fall. War ren," spoke Dolly sweetly. "I had five of them, I've about given up any hope of learning"
 ''Oh, you mustn't say that P abjected Warren. Suppose help you?'
 ''.rhey skated away from the main group and Warren's heart warmed towards the sprightly, happy-spirited little maiden, all flushed with enjoy ment and beauty. He told her of his prospects in the city ana she was in terested. The impulse came to him to ask permission to write to her OccH- sionally, and when he left town the next morning Warren had quite forgot ten the flashing beauty, Miss Durand, and carried in his mind q lasting re- membrance of the demure, tender hearted little friend whose true value he had never estimated until now.
 In q month he wrote to Dolly, telling her of practical hard work his uncle had laid out for him. He received pretty, girlish note from Dolly and sev- eral letters passed between them. A final note from Warren informed Dolly that he would have q weeks vacation to attend the second ice carnival.
 It was q crowded event for the opening day was q fancy-dress masque- rade occasion. Dolly was there, easily recognized on account of her trim, pe- tie figure. So was Miss Durand. She had learned in some mysterious way that Warren was. in great favor with his uncle. and an heir was what the scheming siren was looking for. Dolly had the idea from Warren's letters that he was simply hard-worked em- ployee of his relatives.
 stranger attired in the garb of q Canadian hunter swung into action and all eyes were directed towards him. His graceful movements were fascinating. He pipuetted. He de- seribed wonderful evolutions that out vied those of his rivals on the scene. It gan to be whispered about that the newcomer was Warren Dodge, Miss Durand was on the tiptoe of ex- citement and tried to attract his atten- tion. Of sudden the expert indulged in q spiral evolution that was dizzying, sped over to where Dolly was and held out his hand.
 Come, Dolly he said simply.
 "Oh, Warren. how magnificent :" tlut- tered the delighted girl.
 "We'll skim up the lake," said War. ren. "l want to show you maneuver intended for your eyes only"
 They reached a deserted spot: War ren left Dolly's side, with the words:
 "Now watch close. Dolly. l want to teach you to read skate writing," and then he started off on one foot Dolly gasped as she traced letter aftet let. ter his nimble feet Were tracing. Her eyes fell and she bowed her head in mute embarrassment. for the clever