Graham guardian., 1918-08-16
Te Ice Chronicle By ROY CHESTER WAFoRD
(copyrisht, 1917. Western Newspaper Union. )

Copyright. lsi7. Western Newspaper union.)
 Ridgeton was in the midst of an Ice carnival. It was new feature for 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 curllcue skates of 6 past generation, as we'll ns the newest md 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 a leading citizen, at once imperlously 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 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 md the whlrling caper in which some of the ,it frfn de nf Mice TnrnnI ficient from practice, Warren met with disaster. He scored a 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 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, feigninS 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.
 "f ventured beyond my limit, imitat. ing those crack skaters from the city" said Warren.
 "You shouldn't mind one fall, War. rem" spoke Dolly sweetly. "I had five of them. i've about given up any hope of learning"
 "Oh, you mustn't say that l" abjected Warren. Suppose I heip Sou1'
 "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- slonally, and when he left town the next morning Warren had quite forgot ten the flashing beauty, Miss Durand, and carried in his mind a lasting re- membrance of the demure, tender hearted little friend whose true value he had never estimated until now.
 In month he wrote to Dolly, telling her of practical hard work his uncle had laid out for him. He received a pretty, girlish note from Dolly and sev- cral letters passed between them. A final note from Warren informed Dolly that he would have a weeks vacation to attend the second Ice carnival.
 It was a crowded event, for the opening day was fancy-dress masque- rade occasion. Dolly was there, easily recognized on account of her trim, pe- 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.
 A stranger attlred In the garb of Canadian hunter swung into action and all eyes were directed towards him. His graceful movements were fascinating. He pirOuetted. He de. scribed wonderful evolutlons that out. vied those of his rivals on the scene. It began to be whispered about that the newcomer was Warren Dodge. Miss Durand was on the tiptoe of ex. cltement and tried to attract his atten. ton. Of sudden the expert indulged 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 !" flut. tered the delighted girl.
 "We'll skim up the lake," said War ren. "1 want to show you q maneuver intended for your eyes only"
 They reached deserted spot; War. ren left Dolly's side, with the words:
 "Now watch close, Dolly. I want to teach you to read skate writlng," and then he started off on one foot. Dolly gasped as she traced letter after let ter his nimble feet were tracing. Her