ON THE BEACH AT DAYTON A. 53 



hotels, they were happy in having at least 

 one thing which they loved to do. Blessed 

 is the invalid who has an outdoor hobby. 

 One man, whom I met more than once in 

 my beach rambles, seemed to devote himself 

 to bathing, running, and walking. He looked 

 like an athlete; I heard him tell how far 

 he could run without getting " winded ; " and 

 as he sprinted up and down the sand in his 

 scanty bathing costume, I always found him 

 a pleasing spectacle. Another runner there 

 gave me a half -hour of amusement that turned 

 at the last to a feeling of almost painful 

 sympathy. He was not in bathing costume, 

 nor did he look particularly athletic. He 

 was teaching his young lady to ride a bicycle, 

 and his pupil was at that most interesting 

 stage of a learner's career when the machine 

 is beginning to steady itself. With a very 

 little assistance she went bravely, while at the 

 same time the young man felt it necessary 

 not to let go his hold upon her for more than 

 a few moments at once. At all events, he 

 must be with her at the turn. She plied the 

 pedals with vigor, and he ran alongside or 

 behind, as best he coidd ; she excited, and 

 he out of breath. Back and forth they went, 



