Louisiana capitolian., 1880-09-04
Going to the Apple Cut,

Twenty-Five years ago the '"vor'te
social feetivity Of the autumn months in
tho Delaware valley was the "app!e-
cut The dried apple entered largely
into the store of things laid up for win.
tor, and, from time ont Of mind, the
custom of inviting u party OF young
porsons TO come on certain evening
aud Md in preparing the fruit had pre-
vailed among the farmers Of the valley.
There was one rule ut tho apple-cuts
which met the warm approval Of every
country beau. The girl who pared
and quartered" the smallest quantity Of
apples in o given time was bound to
give kiss to every swain present. The
old folks used to soy this rule was
bad one, because every girl seemed to
strive to zee how little she could do.
After the evening task was ended
came the feast, and after that tI'e
fiddler. Then was merriment till the
small hours, to the lively measures of
tho "Arkansas Traveller Money
Ausk," "Fisher's Hornpipe,' Downfall
Of Wall street, "McLeod's Reel and
kindred favoritss. II was seldom that
hese rural routs ended before the cocks
,re growing in tho barn and daylight
10 admonishingly over the eastern
nce, in the rare age referred to, u
nd apple-cut was to be given by /"
Oh iarmor who lived eight miles down
.he valley from Milford. He had ses'-
ral charming daughters, aud his house
was at all times q centre of attraction
Among those invited to the "pple.cut
were Frank and "BuN Wells Of Milford.
Bub was atterward u prominent member
of the Pennsylvania Legislature. both
"laid out to attend. The day came,
aud when the boys began to make their
preparations Il, start, they were unable
TO obtain horse or wagon in the vii
lage. Every horse and wagon was en-
gagged. Frank and Bub were in " dill
omma. Eight miles over hilly road
was o long way to walk. and to mss
tho apple cut would be something they
would never cease to regret. 3
The father Of the boys was an under
taker, who had q Que. horse hearse with
q seat in front with just room enough
for one, and room inside sufficient to re-
ccive snugly coffin. The horse that
tho old gentleman drove to this vehicle
vas out Of town. There was only ono
horse in the village that was available,
aud that was y gray mare belonging
TO neighbor. This mare was known
Al the Clearer She had the re-
putation of being the highest and
strongest kicker in TINT region. To
harness her 1t was necessary to got i'
the haymow above her. and drop the
harness Oh her with = pitchfork. The
harness once on her, it was compara-
lively safe for . person to climb over
the manger and buckle it. Then th'
mare would submit to being hitched ft
tho wagon But there was no telling a
what moment she would think 1t in
cumbent on her to lift her heels in The
air.
Crank" said Bub, "weve got tt
hook the Tearer to our bearSe or sta,
home.'
"Tearer and hearse il is, then sai'
Frank, "ior I'm going to that apple
cut"
BY q back door they got into The
barn where the Tearer was kept. lie
fore they reached the NOW with TIA
harness she had kicked several board
off tho side of the barn. After the.
dropped the harness on her back sh
cooled down. They led her around :
tho shed where the hearse was keI
and hitched her in safety.
an drive" said Bub.
There WAS no place left for Fran
except inside the hearse. He cr"w'e
in. There was room Only tov HIM 4" II
Mt full length. Away they started tt
the apple-cut. As they drove ont
town, people wondered who was dea'
that took Bub Wells and the hearse o,
of town at that time of day.
The old mare was o good "goer,' all
she ratified the hearse along the Ding
mans road at lively pace. When the
reached the Raymondskill bridge, thr'
miles from Milford, Frank, unable
change his position inside the hears
called out:
"Bu-u-u-ub, amt You tired o dri
imp
'Not a Bit Bub shouted back.
toll you the Tearer is ripper. Glong
And away she went faster than eve
Frank was jolted up and down wi