The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-12-23
A Memorable Ride.

VIC DCAoWoLO NollCN Wao tiiC oPPiC7
The dried apple entered largely into the
from time out of mind, the custom Of
inviting party of young persons to
come on certain evening and aid in
preparing the fruit, had prevailed
among the farmers of the valley. There
was one rule at the apple cuts which met
the warm approval of every country
beau. The girl who 'pared and quar-
tered" the smallest quantity of apples in
a given time was bound to give kiss
to every swain present. The sold
folks" used to say that the rule was bad
one because every girl seemed to strive
to see how little she could do. After the
evening task was ended came the feast,
and after that the fiddler. Then was
merriment till the small hours, to the
lively measure of the Arkansas Tray
eler," "Money Musk" "Fisher's Horn
pipe" Downfall of Water Street."
''McLeof's Reed" and kindred favorites.
1t was seldom that these rural routs
ended before the cocks were Growing in
the barn and daylight came admonish
ingly over the eastern hills. Once, in
the rare age referred to, grand apple
cut was to be given by a rich farmer,
who lived eight miles down the valley
from Milford. He had several charm
ing daughters, and his house was at all
times a center of attraction. Among those
invited to the apple cut were Frank and
BUD Wells, Of Milford. Bob was
afterward a prominent member of the
Pennsylvania Legislature. Both ''laid
out" to attend. The day came, and when
the boys began to make their prepare
ton to start, they were unable to obtain
a horse or wagon in the village. Every
horse and wagon was engaged. Frank
and Bub were in dilemma. Eight
miles over hilly road was long way
to walk, and to miss the apple-cut would
be something they would never cease to
regret. The father of the boys was an
undertaken who had one. horse hearse
with a seat in front with just room
enough for one, and room inside sutfi
cient to receive coffin snugly. The
horse that the old gentleman drove to
this vehicle was out of town.
There was only one horse in the vii
lage that was available, and that was
gray mare belonging to neighbor. This
mare was known as 'The Tearer." She
had the reputation of being the highest
and strongest kicker in that region. 10
harness her it was necessary to get in the
haymow above her and drop the harness
on her with pitchfork. The harness
once on her, it was comparatively safe
for person to climb over the manager
and buckle it. Then the mare would
submit to being hitched to the wagon.
But there was no telling at what moment
she would think it incumbent on her to
lift her heels in the air
Frank" said Bob, "we've got to
hook the Tearer to our hearse, or stay
home"
Clearer and hearse it is, them" said
Frank, 'for I'm going to that apple
cut"
BY back door they got into the barn
where the Tearer was kept. Before they
reached the NOW with the harness she
had kicked several boards off the side of
the barn. After they dropped the har-
ness on her back she cooled down.
They led her around to the shed where
the hearse was kept and hitched her in
safely.
It'll drive" said Bob,
There was no place left for Frank ex-
cept inside the hearse. There was room
only for him to lie at full length. Away
they started for the apple-cut. AS they
drove out of town people wondered who
was dead, that took Bub Wells and the
hearse out of town at that time of day.
The old mare was good "goer, and
she ratified the hearse along the Ding
man road at lively pace. When they
reached the Raymondskill bridge, three
miles from Milford, Frank, unable to
chanoe his position inside the learSe
called out:
"Bu-u-u-ub, amt you tired o driv-
in'?"
mot a Bit" Bub shouted back. |
tell you the Tearer is ripper. Chang!
And away she went, faster than ever.
Frank was jolted up and down with every
motion of the hearse, until he hardly had
breath or strength to make Bub hear him
as he called out mile further on:
"S-a-a-a-ay, Buu-u-b, amt you 'fraid
the mare'll k-i.i-i-ck you? Better let me
drive a while, ha-aa-dn't you!.
There amt no danger, replied Bub.
Don't feel anxious about me, for l I'M
derstand the Tearer. Besides, it's
chilly out here, and you'd better stay
where you're comfortable. Get out o
this, Tearer!"
And she did. Up hill and down,
smooth stretches of highway and rocky
places, were all the same to her. BY the
time they reached the foot OF the long
hill this side of Dingman's ferry, two
miles from their destination, Frank was
almost in the last stages Of suffocation,
and nearly pummeled to Jelly.
"B-u-u, u-b,' said he, through the
fr.,s4 1ov- 80 kho bourea ssit'Q-tn0-- |