Gilpin observer. (Central City, Colo.) 1897-1921, 1918-02-28
01e
Ice Chronicle
By ROY CHESTER wARFoRD
Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper Union. )

that bustling little country town and
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 swimmers, 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 imperiously ap-
propriated to herself the conviction
that she was the regnant queen of the
fete, and had many followers in friends
J from 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 CLEAN of her captivating
eyes. 1t 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
fair, plain and steady skater, but when
he attempted to cut figure S and the
whlrling caper in which some of the
city friends of Miss Durand were pro-
ficient from practice, Warren met with
disaster. He scored stumbling glide
and 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 CHANGED to glance in
the direction of Miss Durand. He was
mortified, abashed to observe he- 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
loose skate, hurried to retired
bench at the side of the little booth
| where hot coffee and sandwiches were
sold.
"Oh, Warren, I was SO sorry" spoke
a 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 word Of sympathy.
II ventured beyond my limit. initial
ing those crack skaters from the city,"
said Warren.
"You shouldn't mind one fall, War
ren," spoke Dolly sweetly. II had five
Of them. I've about given up any hope
Of learning"
"Oh. you mustn't say that I" AFFECTED
Warren. Suppose help your"
'"They 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 and she was in
terested. The impulse came to him to
ask permission to write to her occa-
sionally, and when he left town the
next morning Warren had quite forgot
ten the flashing beauty, Miss Durand,
and carried in his mind lasting re-
membrance of the demure, tender
hearted little friend whose true value
he had never estimated until now.
In a month he wrote to Dolly, telling
her Of practical hard work his uncle
had laid out for him. He received q
pretty, girlish note from Dolly and sew.
eral letters passed between them. A
final note from Warren informed Dolls
that he would have weeks vacation
to attend the second Ice carnival.
1t was n crowded event, for the
opening day was n fancy-dress masque-
rade occasion. Dolly was there, easily
recognized on account of her trim, pc.
tite 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 EN-.
plOyee Of his relatives.
stranger attired In the garb of n
Canadian hunter swung into action
and all eyes were directed towards
him. His graceful movements were
fascinating. He pirouetted. He de-
scribed wonderful evolutions that out.
We'd those Of his rivals on the scene.
1t began to be whispered about that
the newcomer was Warren Dodge.
Miss Durand was on the tiptoe of ex-
element and tried to attract his atten.
tion. OF sudden the expert INDUCED
In spiral evolution that was dlzzying,
sped over to where Dolly was and held
out his hand.
Come, Dolly" he said simply.
"Oh, Warren, how magnificent !" tut
tered the delighted girl. (;
"We'll skim up the lake." said War;
rem. II want to show you maneuvet
Intended for your eyes only" |
They reached deserted spot; War
rem left Dolly's side, with the words l
"NOw watch close, Dolly. want ia
teach you to read skate writing" and
then he started Off on one foot. Dolly
gasped as she traced letter after let;
ter his nlmble feet were tracing. Her
Ill