A Skating Rink Disaster

A skating rink had been running for nearly a week in town when one night Sam Smith escorted Miss Brown thither. Sam was notorious for his bashfulness, but sprightly Miss Brown had so completely overcome his natural disposition as to have several times escorted her to various places. In a young grocery man named Ginger, Sam recognized a dangerous rival. That night, all was serene. They were both skillful skaters, and Ginger was completely eclipsed. But, fickleness, thy name is woman. Late in the evening, Sam was dismayed to see Miss Jemima gliding over the floor with the hated Ginger. Now, skating is an art that requires all the attention, and when Sam's thoughts were so diverted, he suddenly and gracefully sat down upon a rough, splintered plank. He felt a simultaneous rush of cold chills and hot splinters. The sensation was similar to having sat down upon an electrified chair. He strove to rise but found that he was 'nailed down,' as it were, by splinters. Every eye was upon him. With a desperate spring he half arose; there was a sound of tearing cloth, a rush of cold air, and Sam sat down again. Eventually, a doctor was called to assist, and while attempting to use Sam's handkerchief as a bandage, the doctor pulled, Sam's trousers gave way, and he broke wildly for the door.