Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1884-01-05

HfuOi hHiN. ustct W I1e nave
stood all it is possible for me to endure
[ have prayed and entreated you4to
abandon habit which has disgraced US
both. My pleadings have brought moth
ing. I cannot aud will not have ouk
child grow up to know father who is q
drunkard. II you refuse to stay at home,
have said my last say. Go TO Pine
vile if you insist on doing SO, but if you
are not here sober by sunset I shall
60 with the baby TO fathers, and in this
house will never set foot again"
That's all talk" Rube answered, in
rough, joking. half-serious fashion.
Why. it's fifteen miles to Pineville.'
"No matter" was the firm rejoinder.
j WI lake the start ii the child al.d |
irceze 10 death by the way"
Look out for wolves" Rube laughed
again There has been half dozen
seen lately. 1t has been hard winter
for them, and they're most starved"
Evolves or no wolves, muttered Kate.
'.I'll 60"
Rnbe hung about the house uneasilv
for an hour or so. then rigQed himself
out, leggings, buffalo coat, gun, and all.
Kate worked away and said never a word
he opened the door, and, without look
ing back, remarked:
ON be here by sunset.
See that you are, was the reply.
IF you come here later 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 she knew
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 ut a snail's pace,
and the afternoon seemed never ending.
Kate fondlcd the baby, listened to her
crow and cry, and fed her dozen times.
Tilen she prepared supper, and sunset
came when it was completed But it
brought no Rube. Another hour ana
still he was absent. So the moments
passed until the clock struck 10. The
hnby was fast asleep. Kate rose from a
chair ut the cradles side, a look of firm
determination on her face, and opening
;!.c cabin door, she peered across the
| clearing. Not soul was visible. She
closed the door, went to the chest. and
| look from 1t pair Of old fashioned
skates, whose steel runners cleaned in
the relisht. She laid them ready for
use and proceeded to wrap herself rs
warmly as possible. Then she bundled
the baby in the same manner, lifted her
tcnder!y III her arms, and with the
skates slung over her shoulder, started
across the clearing. After reaching the
timber she left the beaten path aud
made for the river. 1t was coated heav-
lily with ice, and the winds had blown il
| almost entirely free from snow. leaving
a rearlv naked surface. Kate lald the
baby down for few moments while she
| fastened on her skates. Then she lifted
her baby once more and started for
Piueville, l. miles away. The moon
-hoHe brightly, she was wonderfully
rapid skater. and She knew no slight est
suspicion Of fear.
Rnbt Wexford sat near the warm fire
which was surrounded by Il dozen men
beside himself He had been there for
hours listening to anecdotes of hunter >
.ives even adding to the general fund
with some OF his own experiences, but
though his companions coaxed and per
shaded him, they could not prevail upon
aim 10 taste liquor. This was some.
thing SO entirely new that many laugh
and Joke was had ut his expense. he
answered all pelsuaslons TO lmhibe III
HE same way. saying only. mot to-
Law, bows: not to-day"
When sunset came he was still in his
sect. He wanted 20 lie at home. he
wanted to keep his promise. but be
thought he would wait awhile and star
.ater, SO as it would not look to Kate too
much as if he were giving III. SO think
| uIE he NG1lt 10 liiet SoIuei w IIul
self and had not been there long befor,
he fell asleep II was eleven ocloci
when he awohe with start, and sal,
Aurrieily:
What Is il, Kate
| A loud roar of laughter brought hin
: to his senses. and rough voice cried:
) "Rube, guess you have been dream
} ing."
) Yes" he. replied, foolishlv; :"
thought my wite<was calling me"
He glanced a, the clock and said:
Boys, must so.
Have something before you leave,
was the general cry.
mo. no; not k-night.
Then he was gone. nis consc,enc
smote him as be trudged through th
SHOW It would be after o'clock whe,
he reached home One thing Console,
hiEs somewhat: be was soLer. But vouI,
Rata he In ,ha cshin rfen ha rEtUr-sa