Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-02-04
The Daily
Short Story
THE ICE CHRONICLE.
BY Roy Chester Warford.

carnival. 1t was a new feature n,
that bustling little country town ana
hailed with delight by the youu,
people, not only Of the village but o.
the district for miles around.
All the old curlicue skates Of \ ma,
generation, as well as the newest Ana
latest in ice swimmers, came into A.
tive use. The surface OF the lake ~.
as even as floor and smooth as slas,
Miss Althea Durand, the daughter n !
leading citizen. at once imperiously ap-
propriated to herself the conviction
that she was the reigning queen Of ths
fete. and had many followers In friend, /
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 q mod.
est youth who had been attracted by
the winning CLEAN Of her captivatins
eyes. 1t was known about the villase
that Warren Dodge had been sent for
by a wealthy bachelor uncle, who IN.
tended to practically adopt him.
But, alas! That first skating carui.
val proved his Waterloo. He was =
fair, plain and steady skater, but when
he attempted to cut figure s and thu
whirling caper in which some Of ths
city friends of Miss Durand were pro.
ficient 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 wss
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 wa
mortified, abashed to observe her join.
in gin the general overflow Of jolity
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. was 50 sorry" spoke
a sweet, comforting voice. and no
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 a 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
rem" spoke Dolly sweetly. Il had i've
Of them. I've about given up any hope
of learning"
"Oh, you mustn't say that" objected
Warren. Suppose l help you?"
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 for
gotten the flashing beauty, Miss Du-
rand, and carried in his mind lasting
| remembrance 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 sew
eral letters passed between them. A
final note from Warren informde Dolly
that he would have a weeks vacation
to attend the second ice carnival.
1t was crowded event, for the
Fopening day was fancy-dress mas
querade occasion. Dolly was there
easily recognized ON account Of her
trim, petite figure. So was Miss Du-
rand. She had learned in some myater'
ious 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 employee of his relatives.
A stranger attired 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 evolutions that out
WED those of his rivals on the scene
1t began to be whispered about tina,
the newcomer was Warren Dodge
Miss Durand was on the tiptoe OF ex'
element and tried to attract his atten.
ton. or sudden the expert indulged
in spiral evolution that was dizzyfns
sped over to where Dolly was and held
out his hand.
Come, Dolly" he said simply.
| "Oh, Warren, how magnificent nut
tered the delighted girl.
| We'll skim up the lake." said War
rem. Il want to show you maneuvel
intended for your eyes only"
They reached deserted spot; War
rem left Dolly's side, with the words;
/ Now watch close. Dolly. ! want tt
teach you to read skate writing snt
then he started off on one foot Doll!
gasped as she traced letter after let
ter his nimble feet were tracing. hel
eyes fell and she bowed her had II
mute embarrassment, for the clevel
chronicle read:
| Il love you!"
II spent two months learning nov
to do that, Dolly, dear" spoke Warner
tenderly. gliding to her side and TAX
ing her willing hand. Have ] wastes
my time?"
And the sweet, Quivering lips. smii
ing shyly from a sweet. happy race
whispered softly:
No"