The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1883-09-26

y
here sober by sunset 1 shall go with
the baby to fathers, and in this house
will never set foot again."
"That's all talk" Rube answered in
rough, joking and half-serious
fashion. "Why, it's fifteen miles to
Pineville."
"No matter" was the reioinder, "I
will make the start if the child and 1
freeze to death by the way"
"LoolS out for wolves" Rube laughed
again. "There have been half dozen
seen here lately. 1t has been hard
winter for them, and they're almost
starved"
Evolves or no wolves" muttered
Kate, "Tll 60"
Rube hung about the house uneasily
for an hour or so, then silently rugged
himself out, logging, buffalo coat, gun
and all. Kate worked away and said
never a word He opened the door, and
without looking back, remarked:
"Ill be bafk by sunset"
"See that YOU are" was the reply.
eff you come here late the house will
be empty"
The wife watched his form across
the clearing and saw it disappear in the
heavy timber which circled the cabin.
She turned to her household duties, but
had no heart for them. Well sheknew
that Rube Wexford would break his
last promise, as he had broken others
before it. If so he must abide by the
result. She was determined.
The day went by at a snails pace.
and the afternoon seemed never end
ing. Kate fonded the baby, listened
to her crow and cry, and fed her a
dozen times. Then she prepared sup
per, and sunset came when it was COM
pleted But it brought no Rube. An
other hour and still he was absent. So
the moments pa sed until the clock
struck ten. The baby was fast asleep.
Kate rose from chair at the cradles
side, look of firm determination on
her face, and, opening the cabin door,
peered across the clearing. Not soul
was visible. She closed the door,
went to the chest, and took
from it pair of old-fash-
ioned skates, whose steel runners
cleaned in the freight. She laid
them ready for use and proceeded to
wrap herself as warmly as possible.
Then she bundled the baby in the same
manner, lifted her tenderly in her
arms, aud with the skates slung over
her shoulder, started across the clear
ing. After reaching the timber she
left the beaten path and made for the
river. 1t was coated heavily with ice
and the strong winds had blown it al
most entirely free from snow, leaving
nearly naked surface. Kate laid the
baby down for a few moments while
she fastened on her skates. Then she
lifted her baby once more and started
for Pineville fifteen miles away. The
moon shone brightly, she was Won
derfully rapid skater and she knew no
slightest suspicion of fear.
Rube Wexford sat near the warm
fire which was surrounded by dozen
men beside himself. He had been
there for hours listening to anecdotes
of hunters lives, even adding to the
general fund with some of his own ex-
periences, but though his companions
coaXed and persuaded, they could not
prevail upon him to taste liquor. This
was something so entirely new that
many a laugh and jest was had at his
expense. He answered all persuasiOns
to imbibe in che same way, saying
only, "NOt to-day, boys, not to-day"
When sunset came he was still in his
seat. He wanted to go home, wanted
to keep his promise but he thought he
would wait awhile and start later, so
that it would not look to Kate too
much as if he were giving in. So think
ing, he went to quiet corner by him
self and had not been there long be-
fore he fell asleep. 1t was IL o'clock
when he awoke with start, and said
hurriedly:
What is it, Kate?"
A loud roar of laughter brought him
to his senses, and a rough voice cried:
"Rube, guess you have been dream
ing"
Yes" he replied, foolishly; "I
thought my wife was calling me-"
He glanced at the clock and said:
"Boys, must CO."
! Have something before you leave"
was the general cry.
"NO, no; not tonight"
Then he was gone. His conscience
smote him as he trudged through the
snow. 1t would be after 2 O'clock
when he reached home. One thing
consoled him somewhat; he was sober.
But would Kate be in the cabin when
he returned? OF course, she must be.
Nothing short of madness could tempt
her to keep the rash VOW she made in
the morning. So thought Rube. This
was because he was incapable of es-
timating the great suffering which he
had caused his wife. On, on he went,
until through the stiffness of
the night was borne to his ears the
sound of falling waters. 1t proceeded